Kayaking Instructional Programs
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UMass Lowell will be offering the following kayak instructional programs. All equipment and supplies included unless otherwise noted. If you have questions about any of these programs please e-mail: outdoor_adventure@uml.edu.
Instructional Kayak Programs Offered:
Introduction to Flatwater Kayaking
Two days, 2-hour sessions
Minimum 2, Maximum 8 
$60/person
Introduction to Flatwater Kayaking is a 4-hour program that emphasizes safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition in “recreational” kayaks. This instructional program's introduction to safe and efficient paddling is also relevant for river and touring/sea kayaking. This course is designed for adults, but children aged ten to fifteen are welcome to participate with a parent. To insure your spot for this class, register in advance.
Dates:
- June 6 and 8 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. On-line Registration
- June 13 and 16 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. On-line Registration
- July 5 and 6 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. On-line Registration
- July 9 and 16 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. On-line Registration
- July 11 and 13 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. On-line Registration
- August 8 and 10 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. On-line Registration
Intermediate Flatwater Kayaking
Two days, 2-hour sessions
Minimum 2, Maximum 8
$60/person
The Intermediate Flatwater Kayaking class is is for participants who have completed the intro class or have prior kayaking experience. This class will focus on becoming a smoother, more efficient paddler. We will practice paddling strokes for maneuvering, along with self and assisted rescue procedures. To insure your spot for this class, register in advance.
Dates:
- June 20 and 22 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. On-line Registration
- July 18 and 19 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. On-line Registration
Kayaking Kids Instructional Program
Three days, 3-hour sessions
Minimum 2, Maximum 8
$100/person
This program runs for nine hours over three days and combines recreational kayaking skill development with adventure education initiatives for a truly unique experience. Participants will learn to overcome challenges individually through paddling and as a team through our fun challenge games. Appropriate for kids ten - fourteen years old. To insure your spot for this class, register in advance.
Dates:
- July 12, 13, & 14 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. On-line Registration
- July 19, 20, & 21 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. On-line Registration
- July 26, 27, & 28 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. On-line Registration
Safety, Rescue and Re-entry for Recreational and Touring Kayaks
June 29 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
$120/person
On-line Registration
The confidence and comfort that comes from knowing you can take care of yourself and your paddling partners in the event of a capsize is immeasurable. In this course we will teach and practice several self and assisted rescues and how to outfit your kayak for safety and ease of rescue. We encourage that you bring your own rec. or touring boat for this course. We will happily provide a boat for your use during the course.
Introduction to Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Minimum 3, Maximum 5
$70/person
What do you get when you cross a long canoe paddle and a surfboard? Stand-up-Paddleboarding or Paddlesurfing is the newest thing to sweep the paddlesport industry. Many people equate the sport to the ability to walk on water. In this class we will go over techniques, equipment, and spend a lot of time exploring and practicing.
Dates:
- June 14 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. On-line Registration
- July 29 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. On-line Registration
Essentials of Kayak Touring (ACA L2)
June 27 and 28 from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
$150/person
On-line Registration
Essential of Kayak Touring is an eight-hour course focused on helping the student learn to travel safely and efficiently by kayak of the types designated as sit on top, folding, inflatable and "recreational." There is more emphasis on practicing a simple rescue sequence, understanding the very basics of tides and currents, use of a compass (safety bearing), rules for paddling in channels with and without boat traffic, use of VHF radio and weather radio and other emergency equipment. The graduates should stay within protected water near shore with winds up to 10 knots, waves up to one foot, and current up to one knot. Cost includes use of all equipment and 1:5 maximum instructor/student ratio.
Coastal Kayak Basic Strokes and Rescues
Aug. 25, 26, and 27 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
$150/person
On-line Registration
Coastal Kayak Basic Strokes and Rescues is an eight-hour course focused on helping the student learn to travel safely and efficiently by kayak of the type designated as a sea kayak with bulkheads or flotation. There is more emphasis on self-rescue and assisted-rescue techniques and the stability strokes are introduced. Also, Rules of the Navigable Road, tides and currents, wind and waves, emergency equipment, use of VHF radios and weather radios, understanding charts and basic use of a compass are covered in more depth. Graduates should be capable of paddling up to half mile off shore with mild conditions such as light and variable winds, up to one foot of wind chop, and current speeds up to 1 knot. Cost includes use of all equipment and 1:5 maximum instructor/student ratio.