Sea Kayaking Skills and Adventures, Ltd.

Skills + Knowledge = Adventure

2020 Long Island Instruction Schedule

 

Kayak, Canoe and SUP classes we offer on Long Island are shown below along with our current schedule. If you would like to review all of our class offerings please visit the master website for our new company in Connecticut at Changing Tides PaddleCraft. Please contact us if you would like to host a class at your location.

NOTE:We regret that classes listed below are currently on hold due to the pending CoViD-19 emergency. We will update this site when we and our sponsors are more comfortable with safely coordinating group classes.

 


 

Level-1 Classes: These are appropriate for beginning paddlers who want to learn to transition quickly to the enjoyable aspects of paddling and learn well from the start avoiding development of bad habits. These classes are open to all paddlers of normal physical ability. All participants will learn to properly fit and wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or live vest, how to properly hold and use a paddle and how to safely perform a wet exit in case of a capsize. See our class write up for details on preparation and proper dress.

 
 
Level 1 Skills Classes for 2019
 
 
CURRICULUM
HOST (Register)
LASTS
DAY
DATES
START
 
 
Empire Kayaks
Long Beach, NY DIR
3hr

Sun

5/17, 6/28, 8/16

9:00 a

 
 
Empire Kayaks
Long Beach, NY DIR
2hr

Sun

6/14, 7/12, 8/16

9:00 a

 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 860-799-5459
 


 

Level-2 Classes: In second level classes we assume participants have basic experience with level-1 skills, but these classes are open to all. If you have not familiar with the wet-exit you will need to do so before class begins as we plan to exit our boats repeatedly in Level-2 classes. If you have questions about PFD fit or paddle nomenclature and use, please advise us prior to class.

 
Level 2 Skills Classes for 2019
 
 
CURRICULUM
HOST (Register)
LASTS
DAY
DATES
START
 
 
Empire Kayaks
Long Beach, NY DIR
4hr

Sun

6/14, 7/12, 8/9, 9/13

9:00 a

 
 
Empire Kayaks
Long Beach, NY DIR
3hr

Sun

8/16

12:30 p

 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 860-799-5459
 


 

Level-3 Classes: For third level classes we require that participants are already successful at level 2 skills. Typically these skills are needed to participate successfully in the drills we set up to learn level-3 skills. If you have not completed a level-2 class with us be prepared to review your previous experience with classes and training.

 
 
Level 3 Skills Classes for 2019
 
 
CURRICULUM
HOST (Register)
LASTS
DAY
DATES
START
 
 
Empire Kayaks
Long Beach, NY DIR
3hr

Sun

8/19

1:30 p

 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 860-799-5459
 


 

Level-4 Classes: These classes are designed for paddlers who are already competent with Level-3 skills. We assume you are familiar with the craft, paddle regularly and are ready for more challenging conditions and difficult maneuvers. Be prepared to review your paddling and training experience, boat and gear prior to the class. Many Level-4 classes require a helmet, if you do not have one please advise us in advance of the class.

 
 
Level 4 Skills Classes
 
 
CURRICULUM
HOST (Register)
LASTS
DAY
DATES
START
 
 
Kayak: Advanced Rolling
(or other private lesson)
Empire Kayaks
Long Beach, NY DIR
1-3hr

TBD

Inquire

TBD

 
 
Kayak: ACA Open Water Skills
(by appt, 4 student min.)
Loc. of your choice
Long Island, NY
~8hr

TBD

Inquire

TBD

 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 860-799-5459
 


 

Skill Assessment: There is no better way to build confidence in your skills than to take a formal skill assessment from a certified Instructor. Clubs, Camps and Scout troops use this to validate skills and determine who can participate in trips of varying difficulty. Individuals may need a formal assessment card in order to demonstrate competency for a summer job or to as screening before attending an upper level class, or they may simply want to be sure of their skills before taking on a significant personal challenge. Whatever the reason, we try to make our assessments useful, enjoyable and rewarding. Assessments we offer are listed below.

 
 
Skill Assessments We Offer (call to schedule)
 
 
CRAFT
LEVEL
VENUE
REQS.
 
 
Basic Kayak
L1-Intro
Protected water: pond, cove, small lake
 
 
Basic Canoe
L1-Intro
Flat water: pond, cove, small lake
 
 
Basic SUP
L1-Intro
Flat water: pond, cove, small lake
 
 
Coastal Kayak
L2-Tour.
Semi-protected coves, bays and lakes
 
 
Canoe Touring
L2-Tour.
Flat water
 
 
SUP
L2-Ess.
Semi-protected water: bay, lake, placid river
 
 
River Kayak
L2-River
Moving water through class-I whitewater
 
 
River Canoe
L2-River
Moving water through class-I whitewater
 
 
Coastal Kayak
L3-Cstl.
2/3: 10-15 knot wind, 1-2 ft seas, 1-2 ft breaking waves
 
 
Coastal Kayak
L4-Cstl.
Open Water, 11-16 knot wind, surf to 3ft, current to 3 knots
 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 860-799-5459
 


 

Trip Leader Training & Assessment is an intense two-day class combining leadership theory with on-water practice and incorporating on-water assessment scenarios with a written exam. Clubs, Shops, Camps and Scout Troops all have need of qualified trip leaders. On a personal note, if you are leading friends on trips you owe it to them to be prepared for unexpected events. Successful candidates will be granted an official ACA Trip Leader Assessment card. This class requires a minimum of 4 candidates.

 
 
Trip Leader Training and Assessment
 
 
CURRICULUM
HOST (Register)
LASTS
DAY
DATES
START
 
 
To be scheduled
~16 hr
TBD
Inquire
~9:00 a
 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 860-799-5459
 


 

Instructor Development & Certification This is a demanding multi-day program for the dedicated, experienced paddler who desires to bring others successfully to the sport. This program assumes that candidates are trained and proficient at the instructor level they are challenging and can perform model quality strokes, maneuvers and recoveries. If you have doubt of your capabilities a formal skill assessment is a good place to begin. We will develop teaching skills starting with theory then populate the instructor toolbox through practical exercises. Along the way we will work to perfect the one or two weak areas that even the best candidates have. The program is broken into equal parts, starting with an instructor Development Workshop (IDW) followed by a hiatus for practice then the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE). Sometimes, if time is limited the sponsoring organization will request an Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW) which eliminates the hiatus period.

ACA requires a minimum of 4 candidates to schedule IDW, ICE or ICW. All candidates must be current ACA members at least 18 years of age. In addition to membership fees, all candidates are required to pay separate Instructor due to the Safety, Education and Instruction office which offsets the cost of tracking Instructor performance.

 
 
Instructor Development and Certification
 
 
CURRICULUM
HOST (Register)
LASTS
DAY
DATES
START
 
 
Coastal Kayak IDW L1 & L2
To be scheduled
16 hr+
TBD
Inquire
~9:00 a
 
 
Coastal Kayak ICE L1 & L2
To be scheduled
16 hr+
TBD
Inquire
~9:00 a
 
 
Coastal Kayak IDW L3 & L4
To be scheduled
32 hr+
TBD
Inquire
~9:00 a
 
 
Coastal Kayak ICE L3 & L4
To be scheduled
32 hr+
TBD
Inquire
~9:00 a
 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 860-799-5459
 


 
Flood tide begins at Orient Point, NY
 


 

Private Lessons are a great way to advance your training. With no distractions, privacy to make mistakes and total instructor attention to work on specific areas paddlers advance more quickly to meet their goals. Some schedule personal lessons because they are not available for scheduled classes. Some need focused training to meet specific goals by a specified time. Whatever the case we are happy to find time to meet your needs and enjoy the opportunity to concentrate on your training.

 
 
Personal Instruction
 
 
CURRICULUM
HOST (Register)
LASTS
DAY
DATES
START
 
 
Custom Lesson Plan
To be scheduled
TBD
TBD
Inquire
TBD
 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 860-799-5459
 


 
Winter Paddling
 


 

Class Locations: We are regularly teaching on Long Island and can often find time for a private Lesson in conjunction with scheduled gigs. We are also happy to travel to your location to organize a class at your request, please realize that we still have to cover our travel costs in addition to our normal fees. Students are also welcome to visit us at any of our regular Connecticut class locations if they cannot join a class on Long Island.

 
 
Long Island Class Locations
 
 
LOCATION
DIRECTIONS
MAP
 
 

Empire Kayaks
Island Park, NY

Venue: Levels 1 & 2

 


Empire Kayaks is located at 4 Empire Boulevard, Island Park, NY.

From the Southern State Parkway take exit 20-S (Grand Ave, Baldwin) and travel south approximately 3 miles to route 27 (Sunrise Highway). Make a right, heading west, and go approximately 1 mile to Long Beach Road and take a left. Travel approximately 3 miles to Empire Boulevard and make a left. Empire Kayaks is at the end of the street on the left.

Registration: call Empire Kayaks at 516-889-8300

Map

 

 



 
 

DEC Boat Ramp
Lake Ronkonkoma, NY

Venue: Levels 1 & 2

 


The DEC Boat Ramp on Lake Ronkonkoma is located at the east end of Victory Drive in Nesconset, NY.

On 495 (Long Island Expressway) take exit 59, Ocean Avenue north. Stay on this road as it nears the Lake and becomes Rosevale Avenue. Take a left onto Victory Drive where the Boat Ramp is marked by a brown sign. At the end of Victory Drive turn left into the parking area for the DEC Boat Ramp.

Registration: call SKSA at 860-799-5459

Map

 

 



 
 

Timber Point Park
Great River, NY

Venue: Levels 2 & 3

 



Timber Point Park (Suffolk County) is located near the Timber Point Country Club at the intersection of Timber Point Road and Great River Road.

On Sunrise Highway take exit 46, Connetquot Avenue South. As it crosses Montauk Highway this becomes Great River Road. Take this this to it's southern end where it intersects Timber Point Road at the Entrance to the Country Club. Turn left onto the dirt road leading into the park.

Registration: call SKSA at 860-799-5459

Map

 

 




 
 

Oak Beach
Captree, NY

Venue: Levels 3 & 4

 




Oak Beach Park is located at the extreme eastern end of Ocean Parkway just west of Captree State Park on the south side of the parkway. This location provides access to Fire Island Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean at Democrat Point.

On Ocean Parkway eastbound turn right into Oak Beach parking area just before reaching Captree State Park. On Sunrise Highway, take Robert Moses Causeway to Captree State Park. Turn west onto Ocean Parkway. In 1.5 miles cross to the eastbound lane of Ocean Parkway. In 0.3 miles turn right into Oak Beach parking area.

Registration: call SKSA at 860-799-5459


Map

 

 





 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 860-799-5459
 


 
Moriches Bay sunrise
 


 

Standard Fees: We benchmark our fees and they are typically lower than other commercial Instructors in our region. Our fees for basic training have not changed significantly in the past 10 years. Below are listed our standard fees. They vary depending on class size and duration of the class and reflect the cost of running a typical class. Unfortunately, to cover our preparation and after-work we have had to institute a minimum fee for any class and charge for travel when it is required. Be advised that we offer discounts for a continuing program of lessons. We also offer discounted quotes for organizations and larger groups. Different rates apply for Advanced training such as Trip Leader Training or Instructor Development - Inquire.

 
 
SKSA Standard Class Fees
Class Details Fees: EACH participant
Type Students Time Min Fee Hr Rate Half Day Full Day Two Days
Group 4 - 5+ 1 - 2hr $50        
2 - 4hr   $25      
4 - 5hr     $75    
6 - 8hr       $125  
2-days         $250
Semi-
Private
2 - 3 1 - 2hr $80        
2 - 4hr   $40      
4 - 5hr     $125    
6 - 8hr       $225  
2 days         $450
Private 1 1 - 2hr $150        
2 - 4hr   $75      
4 - 5hr     $225    
6 - 8hr       $350  
2 days         $700
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 860-799-5459
 


 


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