Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC):

Classes are open to all individuals who acknowledge the ability to perform the following essential eligibility criteria:

  • Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
  • Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water
  • Independently hold head upright without neck / head support
  • Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion
  • Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
  • Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a companion
  • Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket
  • Get on / off or in / out of a paddlecraft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
  • Independently get out and from under a capsized paddlecraft
  • Remount or re-enter the paddlecraft following deep water capsize independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
  • Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities and rescues listed in the appropriate course outline, and have the ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation

Policies and Fine Print:

  • On-water kayak instruction class require full immersion gear with appropriate thermal protection (wetsuit or drysuit with appropriate base layers; unless otherwise noted), and an approved paddlesports specific PFD. 
  • Gloves, neoprene booties or appropriate water shoes, ear plugs, nose plugs, and a neoprene skull cap are optional, but recommended.
  • No cotton may be worn for any on-water instruction class.
  • Helmets and/or additional safety gear may be required for some classes.
  • No gear is provided. 
  • I assume no liability to loss or damage of personal kayaks and equipment.
  • Classes (with some exceptions) are open to sit in recreational kayaks and sea kayaks (including skin-on-frame, Trak, and Oru kayaks) with a minimum of front and rear bulkheads or approved flotation and SOT kayaks.
  • For pool sessions, wetsuits or rash guards are recommended. (Drysuits are not recommended for pool use as they can be damaged by chlorine.)
  • Minors 14+ may participate in select classes with a parent or legal guardian. (Exceptions may be made for younger students and for older students without a guardian present for some classes.)
  • Refunds are provided in full if the student cancels prior to 1 week before class start time, or I cancel the class. Student cancellations within 72 hours of class start time are refunded at 50% unless the module is rescheduled.