Every month Get Outdoors offers a Basic Kayaking class free for anyone buying a kayak.

Over the years there has not been as much interest in canoe classes. I believe that traditionally people who buy canoes have been canoeing for years and already have a good grasp of some of the basic skills necessary to navigate a canoe.

Many canoers have not received formal instruction. I think that learning some basic canoe strokes, or more advanced techniques for those with experience can improve your experience on the water. Over the summer I am offering the chance to take a 2 hour canoe class for FREE.

This class will vary based on the participants experience. Beginners can look forward to tips on how to load the canoe on the car without hurting themselves or their canoe, outfitting the canoe, and basic strokes. We will learn to move the canoe in different directions with a combination of bow draws, sweeps, stern draws, prys, rudders, and forward strokes.

More advanced paddlers can learn more difficult manuevers like the sideslip, boat over boat rescues, backferries, cross bow strokes, and sculling.

People who do not own a canoe can take a lesson for $20.

This class is taught on flat water in Kernersville, NC.

I look forward to seeing you on the water.

Edgar Peck
American Canoe Association Level 4 Instructor
yespe@aol.com