Paddle Antrim Kayaking Classes:

Whether you're brand new to kayaking or ready to build on the skills you already have, our instructional courses are designed to help you feel confident, capable, and safe on the water. Led by ACA-certified instructors in small group settings, each class offers hands-on learning, personalized coaching, and plenty of time to practice. From foundational strokes to rescue techniques, you’ll gain real-world skills in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Explore the class options below and choose the experience that fits where you are on your paddling journey.

Foundational Kayaking Skills – Half Day
Time: 3 hours
Skill Level: Recreational paddlers / No formal training
Ages: 14+

Perfect for recreational paddlers and anyone who has never taken a formal paddling class, this half-day course meets paddlers where they are and helps build confidence on the water. You’ll learn essential kayaking skills in a fun, supportive, and safety-focused environment.

Instruction focuses on basic kayak control using fundamental paddling strokes, choosing the right boat for different conditions, and developing awareness of on-water safety and risk. You’ll also get hands-on experience with wet exits—because yes, ending up out of your boat happens, and knowing what to do makes all the difference.

Small group sizes and ACA-certified instructors ensure personalized instruction and plenty of time for questions, making this an approachable and encouraging way to start—or refresh—your paddling journey.

Key Topics Include:

• Boat control and fundamental paddling techniques
• Choosing the right kayak for varying water conditions
• Basic on-water safety and risk awareness
• Wet exit practice
• Body–boat–blade connection

Cost: $60

Dates:

• Thursday, June 18: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Ellsworth River Park
• Saturday, June 27: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Ellsworth River Park
• Wednesday, August 5, 5:30 – 9:00 pm | Traverse City – Lake Arbutus 

Foundational Kayaking Skills – Full Day

Duration: 8 hours
Skill Level: Recreational paddlers / No formal training required
Ages: 14+

This full-day course covers the same foundational skills as the half-day class, with additional time to practice, apply, and build confidence through activities and on-water exploration. It’s ideal for paddlers who want a deeper, more immersive learning experience.

Throughout the day, instructors introduce new strokes and techniques and immediately apply them through guided activities and problem-solving scenarios. You’ll spend more time refining boat control, practicing wet exits and rescues, and learning how to move efficiently while mitigating risk in different situations. Expect plenty of repetition, coaching, and opportunities to ask questions—curiosity is encouraged, and there are no silly questions here.

Small group sizes and ACA-certified instructors create a supportive learning environment where paddlers can progress at their own pace while gaining real-world experience on the water.

Key Topics Include:

• Advanced strokes for improved boat control
• Bracing and edging techniques
• Safe launching and landing
• Controlled capsize and wet exit practice
• Introduction to self and supported rescues
• Group and personal safety/risk assessment and mitigation
• Equipment selection and use

Date: Friday, July 31: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Ellsworth River Park

Cost: $110

Kayaking Skills & Rescues
A follow-up to Foundational Kayaking Skills

Duration: 6 hours
Skill Level: Intermediate / Prior foundations training recommended
Ages: 14+

This course is the natural next step for paddlers who have completed either the half-day or full-day Foundational Kayaking Skills course and are ready to expand their skills and confidence.

You’ll focus on efficient, effective paddling techniques—such as bracing, edging, and precise boat control—while learning essential self-rescue and assisted rescue skills. Practice moving your kayak forward, backward, and sideways while protecting your body from injury and staying in control.

Come with a playful, curious mindset and a willingness to get wet (drysuit or wetsuit strongly encouraged!). Whether your goal is to master a smooth wet exit and re-entry or to confidently assist others on the water, this course will give you the tools to handle unexpected situations safely and calmly.

Instruction takes place in a supportive, small-group setting with ACA-certified instructors, allowing plenty of time for repetition, feedback, and confidence-building.

Key Topics Include:

• Bracing and edging techniques
• Self-rescue and assisted rescue skills
• Boat control in dynamic situations
• Handling unexpected challenges on the water
• Building confidence and decision-making skills
• On-water risk assessment and mitigation
  Date:

Date: Saturday, August 1: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm | Ellsworth River Park
Cost: $90