Friday: We will be paddling from the shoreline at Saint Christopher Camp & Conference Center in the morning for anyone who can make it earlier in the day on Friday. Arrive anytime Friday morning throughout the day. Enjoy a walk through the camp or hiking trails, or along the beach. Feel free to take advantage of the surrounding waters in your kayak within your abilities and comfort level. Keep in mind, you are on your own for paddling on Friday should you decide to, so when in doubt, keep it safe. The coaches and mentors will be around Friday evening for discussing the opportunities, features, and things to be aware of in the surrounding waters, and will be paddling with you Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday morning we will start our ACA training and kayaking adventures. We will plan to meet in the morning at a common meeting place at the camp. We will break up into groups based upon skill levels, desires, and the conditions of the day.
Sunday morning we will have another ACA training session/paddling adventure. You could build on some of the skills you explored Saturday, or approach the day looking towards a different skillset or desire.
Laura and I live at the camp, and I will plan some training and adventure for Monday morning, possibly extending into the early afternoon as well. Hopefully there will be a lot of interest in some Labor Day fun!
The following lists the types of skills training that we plan to incorporate into the sessions. Sessions are subject to change based upon communication with registrants, interests, and the weather and water conditions of the day. But these are a baseline of activities that we expect to instruct. We want everyone to have fun, and to learn, in an environment within which they choose to learn. We want those wanting to take on the challenges offered by the waters of the day to get the opportunity to do so. We want those wanting to learn in a more controlled and relaxed environment to get the opportunity to do that as well. We will use our discretion in attempting to keep you in an environment within your abilities. But please keep in mind that you are ultimately responsible for keeping yourself reasonably within your skill-set. Please ask questions of the instructors, and communicate openly and honestly, so that we're able to direct you towards appropriate skills sessions. The perfect weekend for one may be paddling around the more protected waters of the salt marsh creeks. The perfect weekend for another may be taking on the outer break on the ocean. And there's everything in between. We want safe and enjoyable to be every individual's goal!
Adventure Outing and Skills Training Descriptions:
Introduction to Waves: This will allow participants to work on boat control and confidence in bumpy water. We'll play around in areas with small green waves or a bit of chop, working on balance, strokes, and comfort paddling in less protected water. Ability to roll your kayak is not required. Prior experience with recoveries/rescues is helpful but not required. Recommended if you want practice paddling in conditions, or if you want to progress towards taking surfing classes.
Nature Paddle: Glide through the salt marshes on a group paddle. Recommended for anyone interested in exploring the intercoastal ecosystem, or who wants to go on a relaxed paddle with friends. Bring binoculars and cameras!
Inlet or Beach Wave Play: We will look to the mouth of the Cape Fear River and surrounding shoals on Saturday, and identify and play in features that present themselves. This should present us with some really fun play areas.
Ocean paddling: You don't have to spend the day playing in waves to enjoy sea kayaking on the Atlantic Ocean. Often times there is a group that is prepared for a launch and landing from the beach, but mostly would like to experience paddling in a nice calmly rolling sea.
Recoveries and Rescues, Ocean Side: We will practice assisted recoveries (T-rescues) and self-recoveries (paddle float, cowboy/cowgirl). Depending on time, we may cover other skills (swimmer recoveries, hand of God). This will be in bigger conditions than the sound rescues, so participants should be comfortable in bumpy water and have learned basic self-recoveries in a pool or flatwater environment. If you've practiced rescue skills on a lake or sound, but never in ocean conditions, these will be invaluable activites, and will greatly boost your abilities and confidence in rougher conditions.
Strokes and Maneuvers, Sound Side: Spend some time focusing on basic paddle strokes and maneuvers, staying in relatively protected waters. Folks who want to tune up their strokes in a relaxed environment will really enjoy this and pick up some valuable tips on improvement.
Strokes and Maneuvers, Ocean Side: Time to practice strokes in the ocean! Take your skills to the next level by trying maneuvers in bigger conditions. We'll learn how to make our strokes effective while experiencing wind and waves. Anyone who has practiced strokes in flat water and wants to step up in difficulty, this is a great way to build your ocean experience and confidence.
Additional sessions TBD! Selection of your group will take place Saturday and Sunday mornings, when we'll have an idea about the coastal waters forecast. We'll have instructors there who can answer questions about classes and give you advice on what to take. That way, you'll get the most out of your weekend AND have a fantastic time!
Packing list:
Required:
sea kayak (must have bulkheads or sea sock plus flotation)
Paddle
PFD
whistle (required by Coast Guard)
spray skirt
helmet (required if you want to surf)
Food for breakfast and two lunches on the water, and any snacks you might want. Supper will be provided Friday and Saturday.
personal toiletries, including any necessary medications
sunscreen
hat
bug repellent (may not be necessary, but always a good thing to bring!)
water bottle/hydration system (filled with water)
small first aid kit
watch (so you get to sessions on time. :) waterproof watches are best, so you can wear them while kayaking!)
personal-sized tent to allow sharing tent space at a campsite, and any car-camping things that you will need
Optional:
paddle float (bring if you want to participate in recovery sessions, or if you need one to re-enter your kayak)
bilge pump
VHF radio
tow belt/contact tow (for practicing recoveries)
knife (a really good idea if you bring a tow rope)
noseclips (helpful for rolling)
spare paddle
binoculars
camera
compass
