Kayaking Classes
CW offers instruction open to all CW members in the following areas:
Our classes are taught by volunteer instructors, who are certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA). ACA certification is the national standard for professional kayak instructors. We charge a fee for each class, which is used to pay for expenses such as class costs, instructor certification fees, and liability insurance.
In addition to membership, the following is required to participate in CW classes:
- 18 years old, or accompanied by an adult.
- Able to manage all personal care or be accompanied by a companion.
- Able to get in and out of a kayak independently, or with the assistance of a companion.
- Be comfortable in the water including: floating on back independently with a properly fitted PFD, turning from face down to face up independently while wearing a properly fitted PFD, and holding breath while under water.
- Be able to maintain a balanced, upright position when seated in a kayak, with adaptations if needed.
2010 Instruction
Classes will be held at Meyers Pool, 7900 Carr Drive, Arvada (80th and Carr St. map), unless otherwise indicated.
There will be an $8.50 pool entry fee.
Open Pool
Simply come to the pool to practice and tune up for the upcoming season on your own without instruction. The pool will be open for kayaking practice from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Sundays, starting January 31, 2010 through May 9, 2010, except for February 21, April 4 and April 11, 2010.
Cost: $8.50 pool entry fee.
Introduction to Kayaking
A one-weekend crash course for beginning kayakers. The class is led by ACA-certified instructors. This class is suitable for those who have never been in a kayak before.
Day 1 will be at a local lake and you will learn about equipment and basic paddle strokes. On day 2, join your instructors for a day on moving water. Participants will be introduced to the roll if they so choose, but participants are encouraged to take one of the roll classes being taught at the warm and comfortable Meyers Pool.
Cost: $60 course fee. Includes a one day lake session and a one day moving water session. Participants must provide there own equipment, or rent equipment from a local kayak shop (boat, spray skirt, paddle, PFD, helmet and warm clothing). After signing up for the class, participants will receive a list of recommended items to bring to the sessions.
SPECIAL DEAL: If a participant is signed up for Training Camp when registering for the course, the cost is reduced to $30!
| Class One Flat & Moving Water Sessions |
|
Times
|
Dates
|
Instructors
|
| TBD |
May 1 & 2 |
Kent Montgomery
Norm Ross
Patrick Brown
|
Register online
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Just Starting Out (Beginner) Kayaking Classes
Beginner classes provide instruction in a safe and comfortable pool environment. All classes are led by ACA-certified instructors. These classes are suitable for those who have never been in a kayak before. You will learn about boats, essential gear, basic paddle strokes, river safety, and we'll introduce you to the kayak roll.
Once you've learned the basics in the pool, you can join your instructors for a weekend of intensive instruction on flat and moving water, May 1 and May 2.
Cost: $115 course fee plus pool admission for each pool session. Includes three 2-hour pool sessions, the flat-water/moving water weekend and rental equipment (boat, spray skirt, and paddle) for the three pool sessions.
| Class One Pool Sessions |
|
Times
|
Dates
|
Instructors
|
all sessions
3:00 –
5:00 PM |
February 28
March 7
March 14 |
Elizabeth Austen
Tim Bliss
Peter Holcombe
|
| |
| Class Two Pool Sessions |
|
Times
|
Dates
|
Instructors
|
all sessions
3:00 –
5:00 PM |
March 28
April 18
April 25 |
Kim Johnston
Bobby Johnston
Coy Hershey |
| |
| Flat/Moving Water Weekend - May 1 & 2 |
Register online
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Beginning Roll Classes
Never tried to roll a kayak before? Tried but just didn’t quite get it? Come learn the basic steps in mastering this essential white water kayaking skill. Learning to roll your boat upright will open the door to enjoying the rivers as opposed to being intimidated by them. Plus, learning in a safe and warm environment makes it all the more fun.
Cost: $30 course fee plus pool admission. Includes one 2-hour session in the pool.
We suggest you provide your own equipment (boat, paddle, spray skirt).
Boats, paddle and spray skirts will be available with request.
| Class One Pool Sessions |
|
Times
|
Dates
|
Instructors
|
3:00 –
5:00 PM |
February 14
|
Elizabeth Austen
Patrick Brown
|
| |
| Class Two Pool Sessions |
|
Times
|
Dates
|
Instructors
|
3:00 –
5:00 PM |
March 21
|
Dick Alweis
Peter Holcombe
|
| |
| Class Three Pool Sessions |
|
Times
|
Dates
|
Instructors
|
3:00 –
5:00 PM |
May 9 |
Kent Montgomery
Chet Best
|
Register online
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Roll Tune-Up Classes
This class is for kayakers who have learned and practiced the basics of the kayak roll, but would like help with technique and consistency.
Cost: $30 course fee plus pool admission. Includes one 2-hour session in the pool.
We suggest you provide your own equipment (boat, paddle, spray skirt).
Boats, paddle and spray skirts will be available with request.
| Class One Pool Sessions |
|
Times
|
Dates
|
Instructors
|
all sessions
3:00 –
5:00 PM |
March 14 |
Kent Montgomery |
| |
| Class Two Pool Sessions |
|
Times
|
Dates
|
Instructors
|
all sessions
3:00 –
5:00 PM |
April 18 |
Dick Alweis
Ken Glaeser
|
Register online
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Hands Roll Classes
So you’ve been told that you don’t need that paddle in order to roll. You’ve seen it done. You know that someday you’ll find yourself upside down without your trusty paddle. Come learn the secret (they say there isn’t one) to the no-paddle or hands roll.
Cost: $30 course fee plus pool admission. Includes one 2-hour session in the pool.
We suggest you provide your own equipment (boat, paddle, spray skirt).
Boats, paddle and spray skirts will be available with request.
| Class One Pool Sessions |
|
Times
|
Dates
|
Instructors
|
all sessions
3:00 –
5:00 PM |
March 28 |
Cindy Fornstrom |
Register online
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Advanced Moves Class
This class is for kayakers with dependable rolls who would like to begin to learn essential playboating skills. After learning moves in the pool, participants will get a chance to take these skills onto moving water. Participants should have intermediate ability and a solid roll.
Cost: $60 course fee plus pool admission. Includes one 2-hour session in the pool and one session on moving water.
Participants should have their own equipment (playboat, paddle, spray skirt, helmet, PFD, etc.).
| Class One Pool Sessions |
|
Times
|
Dates
|
Instructors
|
all sessions
1:00 –
3:00 PM |
April 25 |
Ken Glaeser
Coy Hershey
Robert Baca
|
| |
| Moving water session will be scheduled with the class at the pool session |
Register online
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Stroke Tune-Up Class
This class is for kayakers with at least one season of experience on moving water. We will review strokes and techniques for more advanced paddling this season.
Cost: $30 course fee plus pool admission. Includes one 2-hour session in the pool.
We suggest you provide your own equipment (boat, paddle, spray skirt).
Boats, paddle and spray skirts will be available with request.
| Class One Pool Sessions |
|
Times
|
Dates
|
Instructors
|
all sessions
3:00 –
5:00 PM |
March 7 |
Patrick Brown |
| |
| Class Two Pool Sessions |
|
Times
|
Dates
|
Instructors
|
all sessions
3:00 –
5:00 PM |
May 9 |
Dick Alweis
Norm Ross |
Register online
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Free Youth Beginner Kayaking Class
This class is intended for youth, 8-18 years of age and will provide entry-level instruction in the pool. This class will suitable for those who have never been in a kayak before. You will learn about boats, essential gear, basic paddle strokes, river safety, and we'll introduce you to the kayak roll. The focus will be on safe boating and FUN! Participants will need parental approval. Equipment will be available. There is no cost for the class, but the $8.50 pool entry fee is still applicable.
| Class One Pool Sessions |
|
Times
|
Dates
|
Instructors
|
all sessions
1:00 –
3:00 PM |
February 14
March 14
April 18 |
Chet Best
Robert Baca
|
Register online
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Women’s Kayaking Class
Beginner/Advanced Beginner classes for women taught by women. These classes are designed for women who are interested in taking their boating to the next level. One session will be taught at the pool and will focus on basic paddling skills and roll practice. There will also be a class on moving water so paddlers can improve their technique on the river. (The location will be decided by the instructors.)
Cost: $60 course fee plus pool admission. Includes one 2-hour session in the pool and one session on moving water.
Participants should have their own equipment (boat, paddle, spray skirt, helmet, PFD, etc.).
| Class One Pool Sessions |
|
Times
|
Dates
|
Instructors
|
all sessions
1:00 –
3:00 PM |
April 25 |
Kim Johnston
Cindy Fornstrom |
| |
| Moving water session will be scheduled with the class at the pool session |
Register online
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Instructor’s Corner
CW instructors will be available to help you one-on-one with a skill you may want to develop or improve. When an instructor is available, a sign up board will be placed by the bleachers on the west end of the pool (near the bathrooms). Put your name on the board and what boat you are in and the instructor will find you. No cost, but you must provide your own boat, paddle, and spray squirt and be a CW member.
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Mental Toughness Class
Registration deadline is February 19, 2010
Take your boating to the next level!
If you can roll in the pool, but not on the river, this class is for you! The class is designed for kayakers who have basic paddling skills and can roll in the pool, but have difficulty translating their skills to the river. The class has proven successful in helping participants make the transition to more difficult moving water, develop a combat roll, and boost confidence on Class III whitewater. Participants will develop physical and mental skills and confidence to help improve their paddling on the river. Class activities include discussions, boat drills, weekly pool practice, river practice, and river trips.
Cost: $115 course fee plus admission for each pool session. Includes three 2 hour pool sessions and river sessions.
Participants should have their own equipment (boat, paddle, spray skirt, helmet, PFD, etc.).
| Class One Pool Sessions |
|
Times
|
Dates
|
Instructors
|
|
Feb & March sessions
3:00 – 5:00 PM
April session
1:00 - 3:00 PM
|
February 28
March 21
April 18
|
Mark Robbins
Steve Dougherty
|
| |
| River session will be scheduled with the class at the pool session |
Register online
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