Sea Kayak Orientation (SKO) Lesson

Whether you've grown up with a paddle in hand or have never been in a boat before, this is the place to start for sea kayaks! Sea kayaks are designed for exploring coastal shores and traversing open water but before you can take on those challenges you have to start with the basics. This lesson will teach you how to properly outfit yourself for sea kayaking, basic paddle strokes, wet exits, and the supported T-Rescue. 

The most essential skill of this lesson is the Wet Exit. Here is a video showing the Wet Exit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzCJSzP9kAA&list=PLrLrUmPL86mZsfO_4q120nDDZ5HmMXChK 

Why: You will need this lesson, regardless of previous experience, to attend kayak trips with the club. By the end of the lesson, you will earn your sea kayak (SK) orientation which allows you to then take SK1 lessons (slow, moving water).

ELIGIBILITY:  

Participants do not need any prior experience and do not need any prior ratings at all to attend. 

Participants need to be a current member of the Hoofer Outing Club. 

Participants need to meet the first seven essential eligibility requirements as specified by American Canoe Association: https://americancanoe.org/eec/ 

WHAT TO BRING: 

• You must wear shoes that have a sole and will not fall off in the water. There are Zebra Mussels in the lake, and their shells are very sharp. I know of several instances where people have cut their feet in the lake outside the Union. 
• Wear clothing that can get wet. We are definitely going to be completely immersed in the water. We will be swimming.  
• Bring a glasses strap if you wear glasses 
• Bring a full change of clothing, including dry shoes, and a towel. There are showers inside of the Union building. 
• Optional and highly recommend to bring- sun protection and water

WHERE TO MEET: 

Please meet at the outer entrance to the Outdoor UW boathouse in the lower level of Memorial Union. It's a large garage door facing the lake, where the canoes and kayaks are kept. Please be there and ready to start at 1:00pm. 

A swim test is not required to participate in this lesson but it is required for SK1, if you're interested in completing the swim test, please email me.