Black River - Kayaking 101 for National Safe Boating Week
At Black River State Park
Summer is right around the corner and kayaking is a great way to enjoy South Carolina’s beautiful outdoors! South Carolina State Parks and the certified paddlesports instructors of ACA South Carolina are teaming up to get you started!
As part of National Safe Boating Week, certified ACA Kayak instructors are volunteering their time to offer you a special opportunity to take these classes for just $15. Typically, these same classes would cost between approximately $100! We are limited to 15 slots per class so sign up now! All types of kayaks are welcome.
If you are new to paddling, looking to meet paddling friends or have had a bad experience and are looking to learn a better way to go about it, sign up now.
Below is a short list of the types of things that will be covered in the class:
Trip planning, preparation, and prevention
What equipment you should carry
Parts of the boat, parts of the paddle
Understanding how bulkheads/floatation help make you safer
How to properly carry & transport your boat
Basic posture for full body paddling and boat control
Basic paddling strokes
How to get in and out of your boat properly
How to re-enter a kayak if you capsize in deep water (multiple methods for self and assisted rescue)
How to empty a swamped boat
How to tow a swimmer
If you need to borrow a kayak, paddle and life jacket, South Carolina State Parks is making this gear available to you at no charge as a special opportunity for this class during National Safe Boating Week.
Keep in mind we will be paddling and practicing skills for what to do if you capsize, so you will get wet. Quick drying fabrics and shorts. Please do not wear flip flops. Closed-toe river shoes or sneakers are perfect. You need shoes that attach at your ankles and provide some amount of traction.
DETAILS
Registration Deadline
Register immediately as class size is limited to 15. To register, click on the "Book Now" button.
Event Hours
10 AM to 4 PM; please arrive before 9:45 AM
Meeting Place
The Meadows at Black River boat launch
What to Bring
Clothing that can get wet and footwear that won't fall off in the water, towel, camp chair, plenty of water to drink, sunscreen or hat, sunglasses with a strap, lunch and snacks (we will break for lunch but we will all eat together and then resume the class so we all need to bring our lunches.) You can bring your own kayak, paddle and life jacket, and they will be inspected before use.
Price
$15 per participant