Exkursion Outfitters
2009 School of Paddlecraft

 

 
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO TEST-PADDLE A BOAT WHILE LEARNING
 
Exkursion offers a wide range of kayak classes for every ability of paddler. We specialize in kayak touring. What is kayak touring? Otherwise known as sea kayaking or flatwater kayaking, touring means different things to different people. To many it means a relaxing afternoon on a quiet lake or river close to home. To others it can be a multi-day adventure into the unknown. To others still it's an adrenaline filled day surfing waves and the challenge of paddling many miles in harsh conditions.
The beauty of kayaking is that you can make it whatever you want it to be!

We embrace all of the ways in which kayak touring gets people excited to go outside and experience water's wonders. Come join us for a day on the water. We'd love to teach you what we know about paddling and the awesome places you can experience in a kayak right in our own backyard.

Exkursion instructors are certified by the American Canoe Association. Come learn with us!

 
Classes include:

Level I Kayak Touring Level II Kayak Touring Safety Skills and Rescues	Coastal Kayak Skills Level III Kayak Touring Rolling Skills Workshop
To Register: Call (412) 372-7030

 

 

Level I Kayak Touring   3 HOUR SESSION.   Designed to teach the fundamentals,this course is perfect for those who have never been in a kayak before or who have never had formal training. This course emphasizes safety, proper paddling technique, and enjoyment for entry level paddlers. We will spend part of the class applying the skills we've learned as we take a paddle tour to check out the scenery and wildlife. Whether you are interested in sea kayaking, day touring, mild river paddling, or simple recreational kayaking, this course will provide you with the necessary foundational skills.   LOCATIONS: Millvale: Public carry-in boat launch at Three Rivers Rowing Association Millvale boathouse--Millvale Riverfront Park. Keystone: Keystone State Park near New Alexandria, PA   DIRECTIONS TO EACH SITE WILL BE PROVIDED ALONG WITH WAIVERS, UPON REGISTERING FOR A CLASS   COST: $50 if we provide the equipment/$35 if you have your own equipment   Date Time Keystone Millvale 05/02 10 AM X   05/06 5 PM   X 06/06 10 AM X   06/10 6 PM   X 07/08 6 PM   X 07/11 10 AM X   08/01 10 AM X   08/05 6 PM   X 09/05 10 AM X   09/09 5 PM   X	Level II Kayak Touring   Suggested Prerequisite: Level I Kayak Touring   Don't get stuck as a beginner! Learn to skillfully handle your boat and blade. You will be introduced to proper wet exit technique, J leans, edging, draw strokes, and bracing. This is a perfect class for those who've taken Level I or who've been paddling for a while and want to learn more.   LOCATION: Keystone State Park   COST: $60 if we provide the equipment/$45 if you have your own equipment   Date Time 6/13 10 AM 7/18 10 AM 8/08 10 AM 9/12 10 AM
Level III Kayak Touring   Suggested Prerequisite: Level II   Take your paddling to the next level! In this 3 hour course you will refine your body and blade skills-gaining confidence putting your kayak on edge. We will cover more advanced strokes and techniques such as bow and stern rudders, sculling brace, sculling draw,and strokes with leans for ultimate maneuverability. We will also cover basic navigational skills and chart reading--a must before taking a trip! This class is designed for sea kayakers or serious day touring paddlers.   LOCATION: Keystone State Park   COST: $60 if we provide the equipment/$45 if you have your own equipment   Date Time 7/25 10 AM 8/15 10 AM 9/19 10 AM	Safety Skills and Rescues   Suggested Prerequisite: Level I   Will you know what to do when the unexpected happens? This 3-hour workshop will teach paddlers the skills necessary to get back in the boat after a capsize and help others to do the same. You will learn assisted and self-rescues: How to swim your boat to shore in all conditions, Side by Side Rescue, T-Rescue, Paddle Float Rescue, and The Scramble. And above all, safety issues are addressed! Be prepared for a workout!   LOCATION: Keystone State Park   COST: $60 if we provide the equipment/$45 if you have your own equipment   Date Time 6/20 10 AM 7/19 3 PM 8/15 3 PM 9/13 10 AM
	Coastal Kayak Skills   Suggested Prerequisite: Talk to us...   Looking to the ocean or the Great Lakes for your next paddling adventure? We can prepare you for this awesome kayaking environment. This course covers launching and landing in surf, paddling efficiently in wind and waves, rescue techniques for challenging scenarios, towing, communication, and seamanship for the sea kayaker. Half day workshop.   LOCATION: Presque Isle, Lake Erie   COST: $70 if we provide the equipment/$55 if you have your own equipment DATE/TIME: September 26th 11AM
Rolling Skills Workshop   Suggested Prerequisite: Level II   This 3-hour session will be devoted to the kayak roll. Participants will be introduced to: proper boat fit and adjustment for effective rolling, safe and effective wet-exit technique, bow rescue, and the mechanics of a roll including the hip snap and paddle blade management.   LOCATION: Keystone State Park   COST: $60 if we provide the equipment/$45 if you have your own equipment   Date Time 6/13 3 PM 7/25 3 PM 8/23 10 AM 9/19 3 PM

Kayaking for Performance/Fitness
 
Suggested Prerequisite: Level I or equivalent
 
Whether you want to compete in kayak or adventure races, or find a new sport to keep you motivated and in shape, you'll be interested in this 3 hour workshop which is dedicated to performance kayaking. We'll discuss a wide range of topics from equipment to stretching to training, but the focus is on forward paddling technique for maximum speed and efficiency.
 
LOCATION: Millvale Riverfront Park
 
COST: $60 if we provide the equipment/$45 if you have your own equipment
DATE/TIME: June 27th 10AM

 

 
Kayak Day Trips
 
Suggested Prerequisite: Some paddling experience required
 
In addition to our classes we'll be offering some guided day trips this year. We'll venture out to some great places we don't usually go with classes, cover some more distance, and see some more sights. Tours average about 3-4 hours in duration.
 
Pymatuning:
We have a great route planned along the north shore of Pymatuning!
With its islands and shallow coves, this is one of the nicest lakes in the area to explore in a sea kayak.
COST: $60 if we provide the equipment/$45 if you have your own equipment
DATE: October 3rd

 
Presque Isle, Lake Erie:
This is a classic paddling route through the interconnecting bays and ponds of Presque Isle. This freshwater barrier island is like nothing else in Pennsylvania!
COST: $60 if we provide the equipment/$45 if you have your own equipment
DATE: October 10th

 

 
THE MINIMUM AGE FOR OUR CLASSES IS 14. A PARENT OR GUARDIAN MUST ACCOMPANY ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 16.
 

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO SWIM! PARTICIPANTS, AND PARENTS/LEGAL GUARDIANS OF MINOR PARTICIPANTS, MUST SIGN A LIABILITY WAIVER.

EXKURSION CAN ARRANGE FOR PRIVATE OR GROUP INSTRUCTION AND SPECIAL RATES FOR SCOUTS, SCHOOLS AND CHURCH GROUPS.

FOR REGISTRATION OR PAYMENT INFORMATION, CALL 412-372-7030 OR STOP BY THE STORE.
 

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