As a developing paddler, if you learn good foundation skills from the start, there
will be little to correct later on and you can just keep adding and improving your
skills. More advanced paddlers with weak foundations will encounter problems as
they develop and paddle in more demanding environments. The longer you leave these
unchecked, the bigger the problems are in the future, and the harder it will be to
correct. "The wall will have to be torn down and the foundation strengthened."
Body Boat Blade courses are designed to create solid paddlers.
To register for a course, call Body Boat Blade at 1.360.376.5388 or send
us an e-mail at info@bodyboatblade.com.
For payment and refund policy information, read The
Fine Print.
WET EXISTS/WET RE-ENTRIES
90 minutesFEE: US $75.00
DATES: Call us at the office to set up a session 360-376-5388
PREREQUISITES: None.
Body Boat Blade requires a
"panic-free" wet exit for participation in classes. This session is designed to help you develop a calm, confident exit from your boat so you can focus on learning skills and enjoying paddling.
LEARNING PROGRESSION: A course for new paddlers or seasoned paddlers with "learning blocks". Premature wet exits or roll failure can be due to head-lifting and unfocused "hang time" (hanging upside down in your boat and thinking about a skill, not the grab loop).
FIRST TIME PADDLER
5 hoursDATES: Call us at the office to set up a session 360-376-5388
PREREQUISITES: None.
If you have never been in a single kayak, are apprehensive of wet exits, or have concerns about sufficient upper body strength to perform rescues, this is a good place to start. This class will focus on the basic skills: forward paddling, stopping, moving sideways, and turning skills. The class will conclude with a wet-exit lesson.
LEARNING PROGRESSION: A great introductory course for new paddlers.
ROLLING
90 minutesFEE: US $90.00
DATES: (2008)
May 11 (class is full)PREREQUISITES: A
"panic-free" wet exit. If you show up without this skill, your session will be on wet exits. You can't focus on rolling skills if you are thinking of the grab loop or driving your head to the surface.
Rolling is a foundation skill. Once you have your roll, your other skills tend to increase exponentially, as does your confidence! The skilled coaches at BBB will help you attain a solid, effective roll quickly. Avoid learning "bad habits" from self teaching or working with untrained teachers. We are rolling specialists!
LEARNING PROGRESSION: Rolling is a foundation skill. Is required for 3 Star and above. Good for anyone without a bomb-proof roll.
FOUNDATION SKILLS
2 daysFEE: US $250.00
DATES: (2008) May 10-11, June 28-29, July 10-11
PREREQUISITES: You are comfortable with water*, in good physical condition, and have been in a single kayak before.
This is the starting place for new paddlers or for people who have some experience but need more foundation. You will learn all of the most current kayaking techniques in capsize recoveries, boat awareness, and strokes- including strokes for steering, going straight, sideways, staying upright, and rolling. This course will give you a solid foundation on the water. We will also look at kayak clothing, and other important safety gear. This part of the course will help you make educated decisions about future kayaking-related purchases.
LEARNING PROGRESSION: Beginning of Foundation Skills, BCU 1 Star.
