Sea, River, and Surf Kayak Classes on the Mendocino Coast
Learn kayak skills to explore more places and have more fun.
The Mendocino Coast is a beautiful and fun place to learn kayaking skills. We teach sea, river, and surf kayaking for beginning through advanced paddlers. Do you need some guidance on which class is right for you? Email or call us. Classes, private lessons, and assessments are available.
Introduction to Kayaking
From mild to wild - kayaking is a sport for all ages, abilities, and adventure levels. The Mendocino Coast of California offers kayaking venues for everyone. Choose the class that is right for you - or call us for guidance.
Introduction to Kayaking - A 4 week class held in the swimming pool of the CV Starr Community Center. This class includes form, fit, and function of a variety of craft as well as basic stroke and safety instruction.
Essential Kayak Skills - Basic maneuvering and rescue skills in a kayak.
Private Lessons - Individual instruction tailored to meet your paddling goals.
Introduction to Kayaking
4 week class at the CV Starr Center Pool that usually runs 3 times a year (fall, winter, and spring) on Monday Nights from 5:30-8pm.
This class is perfect for beginning through intermediate paddlers interested in learning and perfecting strokes and safety and rescue skills. Skills are applicable to a variety of craft (sit on top, decked sea kayak, fishing kayak, whitewater kayak, or surf kayak). The warm water of the pool is a fun and friendly environment.
Contact us if you are interested.
$48 Class Fee
We have a rental program for the class if you don't have your own kayak or want to try out a different type of kayak (or don't feel like transporting your kayak).
Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayaking is a great way to explore new places. Our students have paddled in exciting places all over the world. Imagine sea kayaking in Alaska among icebergs or paddling and whisky tasting in Scotland's Hebrides. Of course the Mendocino Coast in California is one of our favorite places to explore and is a great place to learn to sea kayak. Come spend a morning, day, weekend, or week with us refining your skills in the sea, surf, and rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast.
Essential Kayak Skills I
Want to learn to kayak? This is the class that will get you on your way to more paddling fun in a kayak.
Learn skills to make your paddling easier and more fun. No previous experience is necessary for this class.
This course is a prerequisite for most of our events and classes including surf kayaking, coastal exploration in a single sea kayak, and rock gardening.
In this 6 hour course, participants will learn about the gear and technique used for kayaking. Skills taught include kayak fit, posture, balance, basic strokes and safety skills.
When: Check the calendar for dates. Typically we offer this class on first Saturdays in April through October. We also will schedule additional classes as needed.
How: Call to reserve your spot or schedule a private session. (707) 962-1623
How much:
$100/person (includes kayak and gear rental for the class).
$30 Repeat customer special - we encourage students to retake this class to practice and refine their skills. If you have taken this class from us, you may retake as many times as you would like for only $30 each time.
Where: Fort Bragg’s Noyo River or other location by appointment.
Rock Garden 101
After you have learned the basics on flat water, learn kayak skills to explore the rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast.
The Mendocino Coast has a beautiful and rocky coastline to explore by kayak. Liquid Fusion Kayaking has developed a systematic approach to teach paddlers to paddle confidently and comfortably in rock gardens and sea caves.
In this 6 hour course, we paddlers will learn and apply concepts and skills for boat control and maeuvering around rocks and in sea caves, reading water, recognizing hazards, and safety and rescue techniques.
Prerequisites: Essential Kayak Skills I and 10 hours paddling time.
For those with more advanced skills and previous coastal and rock gardening experience - check out our Sea Kayak Rock Gardening and Whitewater Kayak Rock Gardening classes.
We offer Rock Garden 101 April-October on Second Saturdays. $110/person for 6 hour class includes equipment for the class.
Private and group lessons are also available by appointment.
For more information or to register, please call (707) 962-1623.
Sea Kayak Rock Gardening
Welcome to our playground!
Experience a playful exploration of the rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast. We'll show you some of our favorite spots and teach you the tricks of rock gardening - dart into sea caves, glide down waves, charge pour-overs, and carve through surge chanels - all the while marveling at the incredible beauty of the wild Mendocino Coast.
Mark - "I was just paddling off the coast of Washington with a friend who recently took your rock gardening class. We came across a challenging stretch of confused waters which she handled with ease. The improvement in her confidence and skills is remarkable since she returned from her instruction with Liquid Fusion Kayaking."
This 6 hour course is designed for intermediate through advanced sea kayakers who want to learn how to play and explore rock gardens and whitewater features of the ocean. (Novice Paddlers will benefit from taking our Rock Garden 101 before progressing to this class).
Prerequisites - Proficient maneuvering and bracing skills in rough water. Self-rescue skills are necessary and a reliable eskimo roll is highly recommended. Paddlers should be working toward BCU 3 Star Skills.
LFK's sea kayak rock garden classes are held April through September on third Saturdays. 1/2 day and full day custom classes and private lessons are available by appointment.
$110/person for 6 hour Sea Kayak Rock Gardening Class (3-6 people)
Call (707) 962-1623 for more information or reservations.
Sea Kayak Rock Garden Safety and Rescue
Your paddling companion is out of his boat in the churning waters of a rock garden. Do you know what to do to help?
Who: Paddlers that would like to become more of an asset to a paddling group in and around the ocean's whitewater.
What: A 6 hour class for intermediate to advanced paddlers with previous rock gardening experience. Course topics will include: prevention; assessment of situations, conditions, and paddler skill levels; leadership; water reading; hands-on rescue scenarios.
When: Check the calendar for upcoming dates or call to schedule a class.
Where: Most courses are held in our backyard along the Mendocino Coast of California.
How: Book this class for you, your friends, classmates, club members or as a private lesson.
How Much: $110 per person (groups of 3-6 paddlers) Call or email for more information (707)962-1623
Sea Kayaks in the Surf
Any paddler looking for adventure is going to launch and land through the surf sooner or later. Leave your anxiety behind, and learn to control your kayak the right way – right side up. This clinic is geared toward sea kayaks, fishing kayaks, and sit-on-top kayaks.
Why: Learning to launch and land in surf will increase paddling possibilities (locations) and will develop comfort and skills in moving water. Learn to launch and land through the surf with control, safety, and finesse. It is recommended to take this class more than once as continued practice will increase your progression and skill in surfing, playing in currents and tidal races, and rock gardening.
This course is a prerequisite for Advanced Coastal Exploration trips including our Third Sunday Paddles and Tour de Mendo.
Who: Paddlers interested in coastal exploration, rock gardening, surfing and tidal races. Prerequisites: Essential Kayaking Skills 1, minimum 10 hours paddling time, and/or instructor’s approval.
What: A 5 hour class with on land and on water instruction and application.
Paddlers will learn and apply concepts and skills involved in:
Surf dynamics
Etiquette
Hazards
How to swim
Bracing
Launching and Landing
Hovering
Paddle signals
Proper gear and gear storage
When: Check the calendar for dates or call to schedule a class or private session.
How: Call to reserve your spot or to schedule a private session (707) 962-1623
How much:
$110/person includes class and necessary gear.
Repeat Customer Special - We recommend taking this class more than once as you develop your paddling skills. Paddlers who have taken sea kayaks in the surf from us may retake it again for 1/2 price.
Where: Mendocino Coast - location to be determined 24 hours prior to course based on surf conditions.
Tour de Mendo - The Ultimate of Mendocino Coast Sea Kayaking
Explore the sea caves, arches, rock formations, and secluded coves of the Mendocino Coast with LFK’s experienced guides. Be enthralled by the wildness of the Pacific Ocean as we navigate the swells and rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast.
Check out the LFK Blog and Photos of the June 2010 Tour de Mendo.
Why: Experience epic sea kayaking along the rugged Mendocino Coast.
"This is the best coastal kayaking in all of California! Paddling only four miles took six hours because there were so many caves, arches, wave pour-overs, sea birds and seals to check out. Big safe beaches to land on and launch from and expert guides to take us safely through every feature." P.Peattie, San Diego
Who: Seasoned sea kayakers – individuals or groups- wanting a guided paddling adventure on the Mendocino Coast. Anyone who has paddled here before and wants to explore a new stretch or learn some rock gardening skills.
Prerequisite Skills: self rescue (eskimo roll recommended), open ocean experience, ability to paddle 6 hours per day.
What: Sea kayak coastal exploration tour guided by Liquid Fusion Kayaking. Day one is instructional and then each day we will paddle approximately 4-6 nautical miles with exploration and rock gardening along the way.
We are also likely to spend some time playing in whitewater kayaks in the rock gardens. If there is interest and water, we will add an additional day running a whitewater river.
When: Rally your friends and call to schedule a custom Tour de Mendo.
How: Call (707) 962-1623 for reservations.
How much:
$110/person/day (groups of 4-6 paddlers)
$125/person/day (groups of 3 paddlers)
$175/person/day (2 paddlers)
Gear Rentals available - $25 for kayak, paddle, spray skirt, life jacket, helmet
Where: Mendocino Coast – location determined by paddler interests and weather conditions.
BCU Training and Assessments
BCU Trainings and Assessments
Develop a solid foundation of paddling skills through Liquid Fusion Kayaking's BCU trainings and assessments.
The British Canoe Union (BCU) is the most recognized International governing body for paddlesports for both coaching and individual awarding systems. The BCU trainings and Star awards give paddlers and coaches a sysetamatic approach to develop and assess paddling skill levels. Instructors, outfitters, and symposium organizers use BCU Star Awards to ensure that paddlers have prerequisite skills for outings and classes.
BCU Star Awards on BCU North America
Liquid Fusion Kayaking offers the following BCU Training and Assessments:
Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (FRST) - key safety and rescue skills for sheltered waters. FRST Syllabus
BCU 1 Star - Safety, regard for equipment, and fun are the key components of the 1 Star Award. BCU 1 Star Syllabus
BCU 2 Star Training - Develop the foundation skills for paddling including boat control (forward, backward, sideways, turning, bracing) and safety and rescue. BCU 2 Star Syllabus
BCU 2 Star Assessment - On sheltered water, demonstrate that you've got the basic kayaking skills that include boat control and safety and rescue in more than one type of craft (sea kayak, canoe, whitewater kayak). BCU 2 Star Syllabus
BCU 3 Star Sea Training - Put the "sea" in your sea kayaking. Take your paddling skills into moderate conditions that involve currents and bumpy waters. At the 3 star level, we will practice surf launch and landing and rescue skills in moving water as well as do precision stroke work to hone your technique to maximize efficiency in all conditions. BCU 3 Star Syllabus
BCU 3 Star Sea Assessment - Demonstrate that you have the skills to be a competent member of a group in moderate conditions. Skills include precision boat control with strokes that are efficient and technically correct, boat control in bumpy water, surf zone launching and landing skills, individual and buddy rescue, navigation, and route planning. BCU 3 Star Syllabus
Here is LFK's 2012 BCU course offerings. Call us to register for a training or assessment (707) 962-1623. We will schedule additional training and assessments when we have 4 or more paddlers interested so please contact us with your interests.
2012
January 27 BCU 3 Star Sea Training in Bodega Bay 9am-4pm $110/person/day
March 3 BCU 2 Star Assessment 9am-4pm $50/person*
March 4 BCU 3 Star Training 9am-4pm $110/person
May 19 BCU 3 Star Assessment 9am-4pm $50/person*
September 29 BCU 2 Star Assessment 9am-4pm $50/person*
September 30 BCU 3 Star Training 9am-4pm $110/person
October 13 BCU 3 Star Assessment 9am-4pm $50/person*
November 17 & 18 BCU 3 Star Training 9am-4pm $110/person/day
*BCU Certification Fee is $10 upon passing for certification.
Precision Paddling
Why:
To improve, practice, and perfect your everyday paddling skills.
To become a more confident and competent paddler.
To perfect your paddling skills so that they will be automatic in moving water.
To practice specific strokes to move to more advanced paddling.
Who: If you are interested in venturing out to sea, surfing waves, viewing wildlife, running down white water rivers, or earning American Canoe Association (ACA) or British Canoe Union (BCU) Awards; practicing paddling perfection on flat water is necessary. Precision Paddling lessons are great for first time paddlers and seasoned veterans of all kayak disciplines – sit-on-top, sea, river, or surf kayaks.
What: A 2 hour class with on water instruction and application of paddling strokes. This class is also a great opportunity to self-assess your flat-water paddling proficiency.
Paddlers will learn and apply concepts and skills involved in:
Basic and advanced maneuvering skills
Forward stroke efficiency
Balance and bracing
When: Check the calendar.
How: Call (707) 962-1623 to reserve your spot or schedule a private session
How much: $20/person (punch cards and packages available)
*Gear Rental -
$20 for kayak, paddle, spray skirt, life jacket
$10 for wetsuit
Where:
Brent Reitz Forward Stroke Clinic
Forward Stroke Clinic
presented by
Brent Reitz
Why: Develop a more efficient forward stroke to make your paddling easier, effective, and more fun.
Who: Paddlers with basic through advanced sea kayak skills who want to improve the efficiency of their forward stroke.
What: A full day of specialized instruction on the kayak forward stroke including dry land drills, on water personalized instruction and video feedback taught by renowned kayak instructor, Brent Reitz.
When: 2012 dates to be announced 8:30am-4:00pm
How: Call to reserve your spot as space is limited. (707) 962-1623
How much: $150/person using his/her own kayak and gear.
$175/person includes kayak and gear rental.
Where: Dolphin Isle Marina on the Noyo River Estuary, Fort Bragg, CA
Whitewater Kayaking
Do you want to experience the thrill of Mendocino whitewater kayaking?
Liquid Fusion Kayaking plays and trains on our local Mendocino County whitewater runs. Check out photos of our spring twilight run on the Eel River and videos of whitewater kayaking on the Eel River and Rancheria Creek.
LFK’s Jeff Laxier is certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA) in advanced whitewater and is available to teach whitewater classes and private lessons.
PS There is never a shortage of whitewater on the Mendocino Coast - check out our salty whitewater kayaking adventures - whitewater of the sea, rock gardening, and kayak surfing.
Whitewater River Kayaking I
Whitewater kayaking is fun and exciting way to experience river valleys. Learn the basics of whitewater kayaking to safely enjoy and paddle whitewater rivers.
Why: Learn the essential kayaking skills to safely paddle whitewater rivers.
This course is a prerequisite for all of our whitewater kayaking classes and trips.
Who: Anyone wanting to kayak whitewater rivers. No previous kayaking experience necessary.
What: A 2 day class with on land and on water instruction and application.
Paddlers will learn and apply concepts and skills involved in:
Gear fit, form, and function
Basic Strokes
Balance and Bracing
Self-Rescue Skills
Rolling
River Hydrology and water reading
Swiftwater safety
Eddy Turns
Ferrying
Understanding personal limitations and skill level
When: Check the calendar for dates or rally your friends and schedule a class or private session.
How: Call to reserve your spot or schedule a class or private session. (707) 962-1623
How much:
SPECIAL - December 3-4, 2011 Noyo River Class is $100/person.
$199/person for 2 day class (3-6 paddlers)
$250/person for 2 day class (1-2 paddlers)
Where: Coast Range of Mendocino County and Rivers of Northern California
Whitewater River Kayaking II
Peel in and out of eddies, ferry glide across the river, read the water, and river-proof your roll in this fun class that focusses on the fundamental skills of whitewater river kayaking.
This class is designed for novice through intermediate whitewater kayakers looking to improve their river running skills.
Whitewater River Running Classes
Eel River December 17-18, 2011
Eel River January 14-15, 2011
Eel River March 24-25, 2011
$70/person/day
Call for more information (707) 962-1623.
Precision River Running
Be the paddler that everyone admires as he(she) gracefully carves down the river. Some paddlers just get down river, muscling their way against the current. Learn to be the paddler that effortlessly catches every eddy and surfs every wave grinning from ear to ear and finishing the run fresh and ready to run it again.
Why: FUN!!! Develop skills to run rivers with precision and accuracy.
Who: Beginning through advanced whitewater kayakers who want to improve their river running skills. (A roll and previous whitewater kayaking experience is necessary).
What: A 1/2 day clinic on the river with drills and coaching to improve your river running skills. Typically we "park and play" on a rapid and then offer an optional run after the clinic. Skills and drills for the clinic will be customized to the participants' interests and needs including:
Peeling out of eddies and carving into them
S-Turns
Ferrying with precision
Surfing waves and wave holes
Rolling in moving water
Boofing
Self Rescues
When: Check our calendar for classes or contact us to schedule a private lesson or clinic for your group.
How: Call to reserve a spot in one of our classes or to schedule a private session (707) 962-1623.
How much:
$70/person for 1/2 day clinic (includes an optional run on the river after the clinic)
Private or Custom Classes and Trips are
$125/day class of 3-6 people (6 hours of water time)
$275/day private instruction (1-2 people)
Where: Coast Range of Mendocino County and Rivers of Northern California
Ocean Rock Gardening in a Whitewater Kayak
Welcome to our playground!
Experience a 3 hour playful exploration of the rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast. We'll show you some of our favorite spots and teach you the tricks of ocean rock gardening - dart into sea caves, glide down waves, charge pour-overs, and carve through surge chanels - all the while marveling at the incredible beauty of the wild Mendocino Coast.
WOW!!! This is so much FUN!!!
Why: This is a challenging, thrilling, and fun way to explore our rocky coastline in a whitewater kayak (or sea kayak).
Who: Beginner through advanced Whitewater River Kayakers who want to explore the ocean rock gardens and whitewater features of the Mendocino Coast.
What: 3 hour session with 1 hour of instruction and 2 hours of play w/guided instruction
Paddlers will learn and apply concepts and skills involved in:
Kayak control and maneuvering
Reading moving water
Recognizing hazards
Recovery Techniques
Exploring coastal rock formations including surge channels and pour-overs and sea caves
We offer a Whitewater of the SEA adventure for those who have not had previous kayak instruction.
Fundamental(Level 1): Initial strokes and recovery skills are necessary at this level. This class is for paddlers with some experience and who want to develop their paddling skills in rock gardens.
Enthusiast (Level 2): Proficient maneuvering and bracing skills in moving water are necessary for this level with a reliable eskimo roll.
Performance (Level 3): Experienced paddlers will challenge their water reading and maneuvering skills at this level. Surf and/or whitewater experience and a reliable eskimo roll is a must at this level.
When: Check the calendar for dates or call to schedule a date. (or join us for our 3 day Mendocino Waves and Caves Weekend)
How: Call to schedule your Rock Gardening Adventure today!!!
How much:
Enthusiast (Level 2) and Performance (Level 3)
$70/person for 3 hour Whitewater Rock Gardening Class (3-6 people)
$150/person 3 hour private rock gardening lesson (1-2 people)
*Gear Rental - $20 for kayak, paddle, spray skirt, life jacket
-$10 wetsuit rental
Kayak Surfing
Kayak Surfing
Puts a smile on your face.
The interest in playing with the waves started in kayaks a long time ago and is making a strong comeback in the ever-popular kayak world. Today surf kayaking is a sought out discipline of kayakers and outdoor enthusiasts. We want you to learn to slide along these waves safely with good etiquette and a whole lot of fun.
Kayaks used will be waveskis, high performance surf kayaks, whitewater kayaks, and sit-on-tops.
"Jeff is an incredible kayak instructor. He is outstanding for all levels and all types of kayaking. If you are at all interested in this sport, I highly recommend Jeff." -Larry Bock
"This was the best kayak surf session I have ever had!" -Jack Brislesy
Why: It’s FUN!!! Exhilarating and Invigorating!!!
Who: Anyone wanting to play in the surf and catch waves on a kayak including whitewater river kayakers looking to transition to kayaking in the ocean. Classes and coaching are for beginners through advanced paddlers.
Prerequisites: Essential Kayaking Skills Class or approval of instructor.
What: Classes and private lessons with surf specific instruction on the beach and in the surf.
Recreational (Level 1): Learning to utilize the essential kayaking skills in the surf. We practice in a friendly environment as we introduce the surf zone, etiquette, launching, landing, wave selection, and wave sliding. Paddlers at this level can expect to experience the thrill of riding a kayak in the surf.
Enthusiast (Level 2): Become choosey about your wave selection and start maneuvering your boat on the wave, exiting the wave, and rolling in the surf.
Performance (Level 3): Paddlers at this level know how to surf waves and are working on developing dynamic maneuvers when dropping in, on the wave, and when exiting.
When: Check the calendar for dates or ----->
Pick your own date - classes can be scheduled for 3 or more participants and private lessons are available by appointment.
How: Call for reservations or to schedule a class or lesson (707)962-1623
How much:
3 hour Class for 2 or more students - $100/person (includes kayak, wetsuit, helmet, booties, lifejacket, splashtop)
$90/person if you use your own wetsuit/drysuit and booties
$70/person if you use your own kayak and gear
Private Lessons - $50/hour (minimum 2 hours)
Where: Location to be determined depending on surf conditions.
The Eskimo Roll
The Eskimo roll is an essential skill in the progression of sea kayaking, surf kayaking, and river kayaking decked (sit inside) kayaks. The Eskimos have many variations to the roll. This is vital to their survival in frigid waters and while on the hunt. Paddlers today still find that even though we are not hunting walrus, this essential skill enhances comfort, safety, and overall fun in the sport. It is not essential to get started kayaking. Some folks will not need a roll nor want to pursue the skill.
Why: Paddling is not always predictable and flipping over is inevitable. An eskimo roll speeds the recovery from minutes to seconds.
A reliable eskimo roll is recommended for whitewater paddling and those interested in intermediate to advanced sea kayaking. A reliable eskimo roll is usually obtained after 100 successful rolls and can be done in both flat and moving water.
Who: Any person that is interested in improving personal skills and performance in decked kayaks and/or waveski’s. Those interested in becoming more of an asset to a paddling group or team. People that are interested in Greenland Games and the rolls that go with them.
Prerequisites: Essential Kayaking Skills I, minimum 10 paddling hours, and/or instructor’s approval.
What: Eskimo rolling. We teach the sweep roll for whitewater and 
sea kayaking, the standard Greenland roll (kinnguffik paarlallugu/nerfallaallugu) with a Greenland Paddle, and for surf kayaking we will adapt a roll to work with both Wave Ski's and Decked Surf Kayaks. We are flexible and will accommodate your preferred style.
When: By appointment most days.
How: Call to schedule a lesson or tune-up.
How much: First timer: $150/person which includes pool admission, gear rental, and (1) 1.5 hour initial session and (2) 30 minute sessions.
Tune-ups are available for individuals who have learned to roll but are rusty or need some coaching. Tune ups are $20/person (20-30minutes).
Where: CV Starr Center Swimming Pool or other location by appointment.
Private Lessons
One to one - personalized instruction specific to your paddling skills and goals.
From mild to wild, contact us with your paddling needs and let us create a personalized lesson for you.
$50/hour (minimum 2 hours)
1/2 day 2 people - $100/person
1/2 day 3 people - $70/person
Full day 2 people - $175/person
Full day 3 people - $125/person
Full day 4-6 people $110/person
Call or email us for more information. (707) 962-1623
Canoe and SUP Instruction
Please let us know your interests as we are expanding our instructional program to include canoeing and stand up paddling.
Wilderness First Aid
Wilderness First Aid
3 day course taught by the experts from Sierra Rescue and will be held on the Mendocino Coast at the CV Starr Community Center in Fort Bragg, California.
This 3 day class is more intensive than a workshop. It focuses on fine tuning skills including learning the Patient Assessment System, Basic Life Support and approaching a situation from a Mechanism of Injury perspective. Trauma, Environmental and Medical scenarious are integrated. Wound cleaning, improvised splinting, allergies, toxins and how to package people onto backboards are some of the many topics covered. This class includes CPR certification.
February 4-6, 2012
$250/person