Introduction to Kayaking

Before every launch, every kayaker should be able to answer two essential questions:

Should we be out here?
Do we have solutions if it goes wrong?

This 4-hour, hands-on class is designed to help you confidently answer both.

At Great Lakes Paddle Lab, learning is practical, skill-driven, and pressure-free. We believe progress happens when paddlers are encouraged to experiment, ask questions, and grow at their own pace—whether you’re brand new or strengthening your foundation for bigger water.

This is not a lecture. You’ll be on the water, building real skills.

🌬 Identifying the Environment
How to assess wind, weather, waves, water temperature, and location before and during your paddle. We’ll introduce simple decision-making tools to help you evaluate risk and make smart go/no-go calls.

💦 Wet Exits
Practice safely exiting your kayak while wearing a spray skirt so you understand the process and feel comfortable if a capsize happens.

🤝 Assisted Rescues
Learn the basics of helping a partner back into their kayak and what it means to paddle responsibly in a group. Also work on self-rescues

🚣 Kayak Control & Movement
Foundational strokes to move forward efficiently, turn with control, and maneuver confidently in varying conditions.

• Newer paddlers building a strong foundation
• Recreational paddlers who want to improve safety awareness
• Anyone who wants to feel more confident on the water

• Kayak
• PFD (required to be on the water)
• Paddle
• Skirt (if you have one)
• Snacks
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Water
• A curiosity to learn

You’ll leave with greater awareness, practical skills, and the confidence to paddle smarter—not just harder.

Play. Learn. Paddle Better.
Curious paddlers welcome.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Great Lakes Paddle Lab