Ocean Kayak Skills
This lesson/tour is for the experienced kayaker who has a solid grasp of basic kayak skills and can reliably get back into or onto their kayak after a capsize. This 3 hour lesson is taught in the Noyo Bay and is customized to your knowledge and interests for ocean kayaking.
Experience the waves, wildlife, and wonders of the Mendocino Coast with the local paddling experts. This adventure includes both kayak instruction and wildlife watching. The lesson begins with a skills tune-up (strokes maneuvering and capsize recovery) then proceeds into guided play. We will be capsizing and swimming during the beginning of the lesson to acclimatize to the sea and to ensure the necessary skills for further exploration and play.
We recommend using your own seaworthy kayak and equipment (see below for details) so that you can learn your gear in the ocean. If you don’t have equipment, we have rental equipment available for you and can advise you on what we know to work kayaking on the Mendocino Coast.
Sea kayaking is a team sport so we recommend that you take this lesson with a paddling pal or pals.
Prerequisites:
Must be at least 12 years of age
Able to swim 25 yards
Physically fit
Under 6’4” and 225 pounds if renting equipment from us.
This 3 hour private lesson in Noyo Bay is $300 for 1-2 people, or $450 for 3-4 people.
Kayak rentals are $50/person. Wetsuit rentals are $20/person.
If you would like to schedule a different date or full day lesson -
Please contact us at least 2 weeks in advance to schedule.
Seaworthy Equipment
KAYAKS
Touring sea kayaks, whitewater kayaks, or sit on top kayaks may be used for this lesson.
Sea Kayaks should be in good condition with at least 2 bulkheads. Paddlers should have a bilge pump. Spray skirts may be worn if paddlers can demonstrate a controlled wet exit and/or kayak roll. Recreational “sit inside” kayaks without 2 bulkheads are not appropriate for this lesson.
Whitewater Kayaks - Paddlers must have a reliable kayak roll to paddle a decked whitewater kayak. We recommend river runners, creek boats, or cross-over kayaks that are 7 feet or longer with adequate flotation (we recommend air bags in both bow and stern).
Sit on Top Kayaks should be at least 8 feet long and in good condition with no holes or leaks.
Seaworthy Clothing
Life Jackets must be US Coast Guard approved and fit properly and have a whistle.
Footwear must be closed toe, secure, and able to get wet. We recommend wetsuit booties or kayak specific shoes. No sandals or flip-flops.
Here are the 3 most common clothing options.
Full Wetsuit - 3mm or thicker wetsuit with or without a splash jacket.
Farmer John Wetsuit 3mm or thicker with neoprene top and splash jacket or fleece and dry top.
Drysuit that is sealed at extremities to keep water out and with non-cotton fleece layers for 52' degree water.
Other
If you wear glasses or sunglasses, a retaining strap.
Ball cap for sun protection
Sprayskirt if you are proficient at a wet exit and/or roll
Helmet for rock garden play
Waterproof dry bag for personal items you need to have with you.
Please contact us if you have questions about the seaworthiness of your kayak or other equipment.
