Date: Tuesday, May 15, 7:00-9:00

Note:  Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for sign-up.  Class starts at 7:00 sharp.

Location: Cab Calloway School of the Arts, 100 North Dupont Road, Wilmington, DE

Purpose

• Introduction – basic paddle sport training including equipment, gear and the training process
• Complete three skill tests. Swimming, which you should already know, demonstrate comfort in water with a PFD (personal flotation device) on and the Wet Exit which we will teach you.
• Swimming proficiency test – Kayaking as a sport requires you to know how to swim. You will need to demonstrate your ability to swim one length of the pool, using any stroke that you prefer.
• Wet exit  – You will be taught how to easily and safely exit a kayak should it turn upside down.  After being taught this, you will need to demonstrate being able to do it on your own comfortably and safely.  More information about this is provided below.

What are the facilities?

This session will be provided at Cab Calloway School of the Arts in Wilmington, DE.  The initial training session will be in a classroom and the rest will be at the indoor pool.  You will have access to changing rooms with lockers.  We suggest that you arrive with a swimsuit on under your street clothes.  This will make for quicker transition to the pool session.  You can then use the private facilities to change back into dry clothes afterward.

Classroom Presentation

• River features
• River signals
• Self recue
• Essentials to bring on the river (helmet, PFD, paddle, boat and floatation bags)
• Etiquette on the river
• …..and much more

Pool Session

• Swim the length of the pool using any stroke
• Wet Exit
  • one successful wet exit is mandatory
  • can repeat until you are comfortable

What do I need to bring?

• Required: Swim suit, towel, dry clothes
• Optional: Lock, swim goggles, nose clip, water shoes, hair dryer
• Provided by the Trail club: boat, spray-skirt  and extra nose clips (that are shared)

Why do I need to demonstrate an ability to swim?

While paddlers are always required to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) it is still critical for their safety and those with him / her that the student be able to swim when required.  Ability to swim is an absolute requirement before taking any kayak courses.

How will I be asked to demonstrate comfort with a PFD?

You will be asked to do the following basic maneuvers:

• Put on a life preserver (PFD – personal flotation device) while on the pool deck
• Enter the deep end of the pool
• Go to a face down position and then rotate to a face-up position with arms and legs fully extended (like an “X”)
• Swim a short distance with the PFD on, on your back with feet up and then exit from the opposite side of the pool

What is a wet-exit and why do I need to do it?

The paddler is connected to the boat with a spray skirt that keeps water out while paddling.  Wet exit is the practice of the paddler removing the skirt from the kayak and surfacing when the boat turns upside down.  The procedure is very easy to learn and execute.  Following are a few videos demonstrating the simple steps.  Note that a trainer is right beside you at all times.

Wet exit explained here

Wet exit viewed from above water level here

Wet exit viewed from below water level here

What do I need to do before the session?

Please read the provided material listed below and view the wet-exit videos referenced above to understand the proper steps and process.

Keys to achieve your kayaking goals

• Be realistic about your boating ability
• Do not attempt rivers or rapids which are beyond your ability
• Instructors provide guidance
• Experienced paddlers are willing to discuss skill level needed for a river
• Most good paddlers develop skills gradually
• Attempts to advance too quickly will compromise your safety and enjoyment
• Paddlers should resist pressure from anyone to paddle beyond their skills
• Every paddler progresses at their own ability- relax and enjoy the experience

Resources

Where is Cab Calloway located?

Click on the red icon for more information about the specific location. The map
is fully interactive supporting zoom-in, zoom-out, alternative views, traffic, etc.

Where should I enter the facility?

Please enter at the location indicated by the point of the red pin.  We will greet you there and provide further guidance.

Click on the red icon for more information about the specific location. The map
is fully interactive supporting zoom-in, zoom-out, alternative views, traffic, etc.