Sea Kayak 1 (SK1) Lesson/Swim Test

Come out and enjoy an afternoon of paddling on Lake Mendota, the plan is to paddle from the Terrace to James Madison Beach. This will be a great opportunity to either earn your SK1 rating or practice your SK1 skills. 

Here are the skills/items we will be teaching/practicing/reviewing 

• Bracing
• Self-Rescue (deck scramble, heel hook, and re-entry roll) 
• How to use a paddle float, bilge pump, and bilge sponge
• Additional T-Rescue practice
• Function and use of a skeg
• Beach Launches/Landings 

Plan to get wet, plan to protect yourself from the sun, and please bring plenty of water and snacks to fuel a good time paddling. 

ELIGIBILITY:  

Participants must have their Sea Kayak Orientation rating. 

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. 
• A water bottle is required

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 9:00 am. 

A swim test is not required to participate in this lesson but it is required to earn your SK1, we will be administering swim tests at the end of the lesson. 

If you're already at the SK1 level but would like to join for additional practice/conditioning, please reach out!