Equivalents:  Portions of ACA Open Water Coastal (Sea) Kayaking;  BCU 4-Star Training

For intermediate paddlers seeking to gain experience and confidence on Lake Erie, this course provides the basic skills necessary for paddling beyond protected coves and bays and exploring the Lake Erie coastal environment.

Participants will plan and participate in a paddle on the open waters of Lake Erie.   During the course of the trip paddlers will learn how to manage the risks of the coastal environment--wind, sea conditions, boat traffic, and changing weather patterns--so that they can safely enjoy the "rewards" of sea kayaking on the Great Lakes in moderate conditions.

Although this class is led by our Open Water instructors, the real teachers in this class are Lake Erie and Mother Nature.   Depending on the conditions present on the day of the class students in SK 201:  Wind, Waves, and Water will learn how to use a VHF radio for both weather information and safety, paddle in a group, perform rescues in "bumpy water," deal with power and sail boats, launch and land in the surf zone.  Click here for a course outline. 

Prerequisites: Students must complete SK 101: Sea Kayak Essentials and/or have equivalent experience and possess solid self-rescue skills.