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 class held in the swimming pool of the CV Starr Community Center. This class includes 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
Class at the CV Starr Center Pool that usually runs 3 times a year (fall, winter, and spring)
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.
Spring 2013 dates
Two Day Class - February 23 9-11:30am and February 24 Noon-2:30pm
$48/person (does not include kayak rental) Contact us for more information about what kayaks can be used for the class and to arrange to use your own or rent a kayak from us for the class.
We have a special 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.
Surfzone FUNdamentals
Sea Kayak Rock Gardening
Learn kayak skills to sea kayak, explore and play in 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, 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.
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."
Prerequisites: Essential Kayak Skills, 10 hours paddling time, and BCU 2 * Equivalent Skills.
We offer Sea Kayak Rock Garden Classes on Second Saturdays. Make a full weekend of rock garden paddling with us by joining us on our Second Sunday Sea Kayak Paddle.
Rock Garden Classes are $110/person for 6 hour class. Kayak and wetsuit rentals are available. Kayaks are $25 and Wetsuits are $10.
Private and group lessons are also available by appointment including Advanced Level Sea Kayak Rock Gardening and Whitewater Kayak Rock Gardening classes.
Here's a link to a summary of our July 2012 Sea Kayak Rock Garden Class.
For more information or to register, please call (707) 962-1623.
Rock Gardening in Whitewater Kayaks
Learn the whitewater skills to play in the rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast.
Learn the whitewater specific skills for rock gardening in a "short boat." 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, 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, 10 hours paddling time, and BCU 2 * Equivalent Skills.
LFK's Rock Garden for Whitewater Kayaks is available as a private lesson or when we have a group of interested paddlers.
LFK's Whitewater Rock Garden Classes are
$110/person for groups of 4-6 paddlers.
$125/person for 3 paddlers
$185/person for 2 paddlers.
$375/person for a private lesson
Kayak and wetsuit rentals are available. Kayaks are $25 and Wetsuits are $10.
For more information or to register, please call (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.
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 Tour de Mendo.
Who: Paddlers interested in coastal exploration, rock gardening, surfing and tidal races. Prerequisites: Essential Kayaking Skills 1, Rock Garden 101, Surfzone FUNdamentals and instructor’s approval.
What: A 6 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 (4-6 students)
$125/person (3 students)
$185/person semi-private lesson (2 students)
Equipment rentals are available. $25/kayak and $10 Wetsuit.
Where: Mendocino Coast - location to be determined 24 hours prior to course based on surf conditions.
Advanced 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.
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. (Paddlers will benefit from taking our Sea Kayak Rock Gardening Class before progressing to this class).
Prerequisites - Paddlers should have the equivalent of BCU 3 Star Skills, previous instruction in kayaking ocean rock gardens, a surf zone class, a reliable roll in rough conditions, and approval of LFK.
LFK's sea kayak rock garden classes are scheduled by student request. Contact us if you are interested.
$110/person for 6 hour Sea Kayak Rock Gardening Class (4-6 people)
$125/person for full day (3 people)
$185/person for semi-private class (2 people)
$375 private full day lesson
Sea Kayak Rentals are available $25/day.
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
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)
$185/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:
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 2013 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 3 or more paddlers interested so please contact us with your interests.
2013
February 15 BCU 2 Star Assessment on the Mendocino Coast $60/person
February 16-18 BCU 3 Star Training on the Mendocino Coast $395/person included 3 days training and 4 nights lodging
April 6 BCU 3 Star Assessment on the Mendocino Coast $110/person*
June 21 BCU 2 Star Assessment on the Mendocino Coast $60/person*
June 22-23 BCU 3 Star Training on the Mendocino Coast $220/person
September 22 BCU 3 Star Assessment on the Mendocino Coast $110/person*
*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 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 private lesson with on water instruction and application of paddling strokes. This class is 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
Rolling tune-ups ccan be included for those who have a roll but need some work perfecting it.
When: Private lessons available by appointment.
How: Call (707) 962-1623 to schedule a private session
How much: $50/hour (2 hour minumum)
*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: 2013 date to be determined
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:
November 17 & 18, 2012
December 15 & 16, 2012
February 23 & 24, 2013
If these dates don't work, 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:
$199/person for 2 day class (3-6 paddlers)
$250/person for 2 day class (1-2 paddlers)
Where: Noyo River or other rivers on the Coast Range 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 focuses 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 January 5 & 6, 2013 $140/person
Eel River March 9 & 10, 2013 $199/person
Private Lessons Available by Appointment.
Equipment rentals are available.
Call for more information (707) 962-1623.
Precision River Running
Precision Whitewater Kayaking - 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 full day of instruction on the river starting with a 1/2 day clinic of drills and coaching to improve your river running skills. After the "park and play" training on a rapid, we will run a stretch of the river. Skills and drills for the clinic will be customized to the participants' interests and needs including:
Scouting
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
Swiftwater Safety Skills
When:
Contact us to schedule a private lesson or clinic for your group.
April 13 & 14, 2013 - $220/person
How: Call to reserve a spot in one of our classes or to schedule a private session (707) 962-1623.
How much:
Private or Custom Classes and Trips are
$125/person/day class of 3-6 people (6 hours of water time)
$199/person/day semi-private instruction (2 people)
$399/day for 1 person private instruction.
April 13-14 - $220/person
Where: Coast Range of Mendocino County and Rivers of Northern California
Ocean Rock Gardening in a Whitewater Kayak
Learn the whitewater skills to play in the rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast.
Learn the whitewater specific skills for rock gardening in a "short boat." 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, 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, 10 hours paddling time, and BCU 2 * Equivalent Skills.
We offer Rock Gardening for Whitewater Kayaks as private lessons or will schedule a class when we have a group of interested paddlers.
A Full Day Rock Garden Class is
$110/person (4-6 paddlers)
$125/person (3 paddlers)
$185/person (2 paddlers)
$375/person for a private lesson
Kayak and wetsuit rentals are available. Kayaks are $25 and Wetsuits are $10.
For more information or to register, please call (707) 962-1623.
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 - private lessons are available by appointment and classes can be scheduled for groups of 3 or more students.
How: Call for reservations or to schedule a class or lesson (707)962-1623
How much:
3 hour Class for 2-4 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
6 hour Class for 2-4 students - $110/person if you use your own kayak and gear. Kayak rentals are $25 for the day.
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 kayak and gear rental, (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) $30/person (20-30 minutes in the CV Starr Pool).
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 3 hours)
1/2 day 2 people - $100/person
1/2 day 3 people - $70/person
Full day 1 person - $375/person
Full day 2 people - $185/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.
2013 dates TBA
$250/person