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.
Discover 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.
Discover Kayaking - Learn about the different types of kayaks and gear with this hands on introduction class that includes basic stroke instruction. Our Discover Kayaking is a 2 hour class at our shop on the Noyo River usually held the first Saturday of the month.
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.
Private Lessons - Individual instruction tailored to meet your paddling goals.
Discover Kayaking Class
Learn about the different types of kayaks and gear with this hands on introduction class that includes basic stroke and safety instruction. Our Discover Kayaking is a 2 hour class at our shop on the Noyo River usually held the first Saturday of the month.
$40/person includes class and kayak, paddle, and lifejacket rental.
Optional gear rentals include splashjacket $5, splash pants $5, or wetsuit $10.
Introduction to Kayaking
4 week class at the CV Starr Center Pool
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.
Fast Track Sea Kayak Instructional Weeks
Enjoy a week with Liquid Fusion Kayaking on the Mendocino Coast learning to sea kayak. One of our intensive kayaking instruction weeks will put you on the fast track to becoming a proficient sea kayaker. In addition to instruction, each of our weeks includes a sea kayaking coastal exploration which is a perfect way to practice your sea kayaking skills.
"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
"Never in my life have I completed four days ( no less consecutively) with the thought that I improved my knowledge and skill level 100% over the prior day. It doesn't get much better than this!"-Jane Hardy
The Basics Sea Kayaking Instructional Week
Why: Learn to kayak in one of the most beautiful places in North America.
Who: This week is for a new or beginner paddler who wants basic instruction in sea kayaking with time to dabble in other Mendocino Coast Fun (including jumping on some of LFK's tours).
What: This instructional week is comprised of 3-4 hours of instruction per day of the basic sea kayaking skills. At the completion of the week, paddlers will have the had instruction in the basic skills to necessary to paddle a single sea kayak on a coastal tour.
Other weeks can be scheduled if you have a group of 3 or more.
How: Pick your dates and call us to register (707) 962-1623
How much: $355 for the week includes classes, kayak, and gear
$455 includes Eskimo Roll Instruction
Where: Mendocino Coast
Gear:
Necessary:
*Kayak
*Paddle
*Life Jacket
*Helmet
*Spray Skirt or thigh straps for sit on top
*Wetsuit or dry suit (for immersion in 52'F water)
*Footwear (wetsuit booties, lightweight tennis shoes, water shoes)
* Included with the class.
Beyond the Basics - Sea Kayak Instructional Week
Immerse yourself into a week of sea kayaking in one of the most stimulating sea kayaking destinations in North America (maybe even in the world).
Why: A week of daily paddling with instruction and feedback will put you on the fast track to becoming a proficient paddler.
Who: Sea kayak enthusiasts who have mastered the basic skills and are ready to immerse themselves into a week of sea kayak instruction that will accelerate their learning and skill development toward becoming a performance paddler.
What: This is a week of daily paddling with instruction and fun. Each day of 5-6 hours of instruction and guided practice and builds upon the skills and knowledge learned the previous day. At the conclusion of this week, paddler's skill levels and competencies in strokes and maneuvering, balance, and recoveries should be solidly within the intermediate skill range and approaching performance levels.
Day 1: Essential Kayak Skills II and Rescue and Recovery II
Day 2: Sea Kayaks in the Surf
Day 3: Sea Kayak Touring Skills
Day 4: Rock Gardening 201
Day 5: Full day coastal tour
When: August 23-27, 2010
Other weeks can be scheduled if you have a group of 3 or more.
How: Call us to register (707) 962-1623
How much: $550/person includes classes, kayak and gear
Where: Mendocino Coast
Gear:
Necessary:
*Kayak
*Paddle
*Spray Skirt or thigh straps for sit on top
* Life Jacket
*Helmet
*Wetsuit or drysuit (for immersion in 52'F water)
*Footwear (wetsuit booties, lightweight tennis shoes, water shoes)
*Included
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.
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 two 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.Explore the Mendocino Coast in a sea kayak with us.Each day we will paddle approximately 4-6 nautical miles with exploration and rock gardening along the way.
When:June 21-24, 2010 or call to schedule a Tour De Mendo
How:Call for reservations.
How much:$110/person/day for June 21-24 Tour
$125/person/day (groups of 3 or more)
$175/person/day (2 paddlers)
$50/hour rate for private tour
*Gear Rental - $25 for kayak, paddle, spray skirt, life jacket, helmet
- $10 for wetsuit
Where:Mendocino Coast – location determined by paddler interests and weather conditions.
Gear:
*Kayak with proper floatation
*PFD with whistle, knife, and power snack
*Paddle and spare (if you have one)
*Spray deck for closed deck kayaks and thigh braces for sit on tops
Clothing for continuous immersion in 50’F water
Water, snack, and lunch
Spare clothing in a dry bag to include a warm hat and warm tops and bottoms
Footwear (something that will stay on your feet during a swim)
*Helmet that fits properly
Tow system
VHF radio (optional)
Any other items that you feel necessary to bring
*Available for Rental.
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 – sit-on-top, sea, whitewater, or surf kayaks.
If you are paddling a sit-on-top kayak, we will teach basic recovery and self-rescue for sit-on-tops in this class.For deck kayaks, we recommend that you take our Essential Rescue and Recovery Class with Essentials Skills and will offer a discount if you book them together.
Why:Learn skills to make your paddling easier and more fun.
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.
Who:Anyone wanting to learn the basic posture, balance, and strokes in a kayak.No previous experience is necessary for this class.
What:A 3 hour class with on land and on water instruction and application.
Paddlers will learn and apply concepts and skills involved in:
Gear fit and function
Boat set-up
Effective use and control of the paddle
Basic Strokes
Low Brace and Recovery
Wet-exit
Self-rescue (sit-on-top)
Importance of tides, weather, and other marine hazards
Wildlife awareness
Understanding personal limitations and skill level
When:Second Saturdays, Check the calendar for dates or call to schedule a class.
How:Call to reserve your spot or schedule a private session. (707) 962-1623
How much:
$80/person for Essential Kayaking Skills (includes 3 hour class, kayak, paddle, spray skirt, wetsuit and lifejacket) $10 discount available if you use your own wetsuit.
This is one of the most important classes for learning sea kayak safety.
"This class was a BLAST!!! I was apprehensive about taking it, but it was so much fun. I learned so much and feel more confident on the water." Peter, November 2008.
Learning to paddle safely and efficiently will increase your confidence and paddling fun.
Wet-exit, self-rescue, and buddy rescue skills will improve your comfort at sea. Come out with us in a controlled environment and let's have fun tipping boats over. The more the merrier so bring a friend or two.
Eskimo Rolling is not covered in this class. Call to schedule a private roll lesson or tune-up.
Why:Increase your comfort and knowledge with rescues necessary for paddling at sea.
This course is a prerequisite for coastal exploration in a single sea kayak, essential kayaking skills II, rock gardening, eskimo roll, sea kayaks in the surf, and into the sea.
Who:Anyone interested in paddling a decked sea kayak in open waters.No previous experience is necessary for this class.
What:A 3 hour class with on land and on water instruction and application.
Paddlers will learn and apply concepts and skills involved in:
Self-rescues including wet-exit and swimming, cowboy/cowgirl and paddle float
T-rescue
Bracing Recoveries
When:Second Saturdays - Check the calendar for other dates.
How:Call to reserve your spot. (707) 962-1623
How much:
$80/person for Essential Rescue and Recovery (includes 3 hour class, kayak, paddle, spray skirt, wetsuit and lifejacket)
$135/person (includes kayak and gear) for both Essential Kayaking Skills and Essential Rescue & Recovery
Where:Fort Bragg’s Noyo River or other location by appointment
Gear:
Necessary:
*Kayak
*Paddle
*Life jacket
*Sprayskirt for decked boats or thigh straps for sit-on-top
*Wetsuit or drysuit for immersion in 52ish degree water
On the Mendocino Coast, we call this Rock Gardening 101. After you have learned the basics on flat water, learn to have fun - kayaking in moving water.
Why:We have a beautiful and fun rocky coastline to explore by kayak.
Who:Kayakers who want to learn to paddle in moving water including rock gardens.
Prerequisites: Essential Kayak Skills I, Essential Rescue & Recovery I or equivalent.
For those with more advanced skills and previous coastal and rock gardening experience - check out our Rock Gardening Classes.
What:3 hour session of coastal paddling with 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
When:Check the calendar for dates or call to schedule a date.
How:Call to schedule your Adventure today!!!
How much:
$70/person for 3 hour Class (3-6 people)
$150/person 3 hour private lesson (1-2 people)
*Gear Rental Available - $20 for kayak, paddle, spray skirt, life jacket
-$10 wetsuit
Where:Location to be determined depending on conditions.
Gear:
Necessary
*Sea Kayak or performance sit on top
*Paddle
*Life jacket
*Helmet
*Wetsuit or drysuit for immersion in 52ish degree water
*Footwear
Recommended
Water bottle
Snack
Sunscreen
Retention strap for glasses or sunglasses
Spare paddle
*Available for Rental.
Sea Kayaks in the Surf
It is time to leave the controlled bays and enter the ocean.Learn to launch and land through the surf with control, safety, and finesse.
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. 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 Sea Kayaks in the Surf II, Into the Sea, Rock Gardening, and Advanced Coastal Exploration.
Who:Paddlers interested in coastal exploration, rock gardening, surfing and tidal races.Prerequisites:Essential Kayaking Skills 1, Essential Rescue and Recovery 1, 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 calendar for dates.
How:Call to reserve your spot or to schedule a private session
How much:
$110/person includes class, kayak, paddle, life jacket, spray skirt, helmet.
Wetsuit Rentals are $10
Where:Mendocino Coast - location to be determined 24 hours prior to course based on surf conditions
Gear:
Necessary:
*Kayak
*Paddle
*Lifejacket
*Helmet
*Wetsuit or drysuit for immersion in 52ish degree water
Footwear
*Spray skirt for decked boats
Recommended:
Water bottle
Light Snack
Sunscreen
Spare Clothes
Towel
*Available for rental.
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.
WOW! This is so much FUN!!!
Why:This is a challenging, thrilling, and fun way to explore our rocky coastline in a sea (or whitewater) kayak.
Who:Beginner through advanced Sea Kayakers who want to learn how to explore the rock gardens and whitewater features of the ocean.
We offer 4 different levels of sea kayak rock garden instruction that will develop confidence in beginner paddlers and challenge those with advanced skills.
What:5 hour class with guided instruction and play.
Paddlers will learn and apply concepts and skills involved in:
Exploring coastal rock formations including surge channels and pour-overs and sea caves
4 Different Levels for Optimal Learning
Basic (Fundamentals of Paddling in Moving Water): This is our 3 hour introduction to rock gardens for novice paddlers who have had basic strokes and rescue and recovery training.
Enthusiast (Rock Gardening 201): A class for sea kayakers who have had basic skill instruction including surf zone and at least 10 hours of coastal paddling experience. Self and buddy rescue skill are necessary.
Proficiency (Rock Gardening 301):Proficient maneuvering and bracing skills in moving water are necessary for this level.Self-rescue skills are necessary and a reliable eskimo roll is recommended.
Performance (Rock Gardening 401):Experienced paddlers will challenge their water reading and maneuvering skills at this level.A reliable eskimo roll is required.
When:Third Saturdays, check the calendar for other dates or call to schedule a date.
How:Call (707) 962-1623 for reservations.
How much:
$110/person for Sea Kayak Rock Gardening Class (3-6 people)
$150/person 3 hour private rock gardening lesson (1-2 people)
*Gear Rental - $25 for kayak, paddle, spray skirt, life jacket
-$10 wetsuit rental
Where:Location to be determined depending on conditions and skill level.
Gear:
Necessary
*Kayak
*Paddle
*Life jacket
*Helmet
*Wetsuit or drysuit for immersion in 52ish degree water
*Footwear
Recommended
Water bottle
Snack
Sunscreen
Retention strap for glasses or sunglasses
Spare paddle
*Available for Rental.
Essential Kayak Skills II
Take your essential skills to the next level.In this course we will refine the basic maneuvering strokes and teach the advanced strokes that you need to paddle open waters.
Why:Go beyond the basics to the finesse strokes that will make your maneuvering more precise and effective in currents and moving water.
This course is a prerequisite for enthusiast and performance level sea kayaking classes including Rock Gardening, Tour de Mendo, and Into the Sea.
Who:Paddlers with a good working knowledge of the basic skills taught in Essential Skills I and want to move to the next level of maneuvering strokes in preparation for paddling in open waters and currents.
Prerequisites:Essential Kayaking Skills I, Essential Rescue and Recovery I, minimum 10 hours of paddling, and ability to execute Level I strokes on flatwater.
What:A 3 hour class with on land and on water instruction and application. Paddlers will learn and apply concepts and skills involved in: Maneuvering Stokes Review of Level 1 Strokes with applications Stern Rudder Draw on the Move Reverse Paddling with Control Introduction to towing.
Tides, currents, and route planning
When:Check the calendar for dates.
How:Call to reserve your spot or schedule a private session (707) 962-1623
How much:
$55/person using their own kayak and gear.
$80/person for Essential Kayaking Skills (includes 3 hour class, kayak, paddle, spray skirt, wetsuit and lifejacket) $10 discount available if you use your own wetsuit.
$100/person w/own gear for both Essential Kayaking Skills and Essential Rescue and Recovery II
$135/person (includes kayak and gear) for both Essential Kayaking Skills and Essential Rescue and Recover II
Where:Fort Bragg’s Noyo Harbor or other location by appointment
Gear:
Necessary:
*Kayak
*Paddle
*Life jacket
*Sprayskirt for decked boats or thigh straps for Sit on Top
***Wetsuit or drysuit for immersion in 52ish degree water
*Included with the class. A discounted price is available for using your own gear.
Essential Rescue and Recovery II
Wet-exit, self-rescue, and buddy rescue skills will improve your comfort at sea.Come out with us and let’s have fun tipping boats over and practicing our rescues.The more the merrier so bring a friend or two.
The Eskimo Roll is not covered in this class.Check out our calendar for one of our swimming pool sessions for rolling or schedule a private roll lesson or tune-up.
Why:Easy, efficient, and effective recovery and rescues are important for being a member of a paddling group – know how to help yourself and others.
This course is a prerequisite for our advanced classes and events including rock gardening, sea kayaks in the surf, and into the sea.
Who:Anyone interested in paddling a decked sea kayak in open waters and being a competent member of a paddling group.
What:A 3 hour class with on land and on water instruction and application.
Paddlers will learn and apply concepts and skills involved in:
How:Call to reserve your spot or schedule a private session
How much:
$55/person using their own kayak and gear.
$80/person for Essential Rescue and Recovery II (includes 3 hour class, kayak, paddle, spray skirt, wetsuit and lifejacket) $10 discount available if you use your own wetsuit.
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: $125 per person (groups of 4 or more ask about discounts) Call or email for more information (707)962-1623
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.
*** A minimum of 4 hours of precision paddling practice is a prerequisite for taking LFK level II classes.
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 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:FortBragg’s NoyoRiver or other location by appointment
Gear:
Necessary:
*Kayak
*Paddle
*Life Jacket
*Spray Skirt for decked boats
Footwear
Recommended:
Water
Hat for warmth and/or sun
Sunscreen
Retention strap for glasses or sunglasses
Drytop if practicing rolling
*Splashwear or wetsuit
*Available for Rental
Fitness Paddle
Enjoy the glassy water, fresh air, serenity, wildlife, and possibly even a sunrise as you get your day off to a great start with our fun paddling workout.
Why:Morning is a beautiful time of the day to be on the water.Kayaking is a great exercise for the core muscles and a great way to add variety to your current workout program.
Who:Those interested in a fresh air morning workout in a kayak.All skill levels will benefit from the fitness paddle.Some previous paddling experience is recommended.
What:A 1 - 1 ½ hour on water class with guided instruction that includes stretching, strengthening, and cardiovascular exercises done while kayaking.Targeted areas include core strength and cardiovascular system.
When:Wednesday mornings – meeting at 6:30am and departing 7am SHARP!Or other sessions by appointment (707)962-1623.
How:Check the calendar and call by 6pm the previous night to reserve your spot or to schedule a private session
How much:$10/person (punch cards and packages available)
*Gear Rental - $20 for kayak, paddle, spray skirt, life jacket, splashwear
- $10 for wetsuit
Where: Fort Bragg's Noyo Harbor or other location by appointment.
Gear:
Necessary
*Kayak (minimum 14 feet)
*Paddle
*Life jacket
*Splashwear or wetsuit
Footwear
Recommended:
*Spray skirt for sea kayaks
Hat for warmth and/or sun
Gloves
Retention strap for glasses or sunglasses
*Available for Rental
Skills for Sea Kayak Touring
Route planning, proper equipment, skills, and the ability to have fun! This is what we need to leave the comforts of our home and hit the water for an exploration by kayak. Do you want to go out onto the water in a kayak for a few hours or maybe a few days? Then learn to use the 6 P's: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance and not only survive but have a great time doing it.
This Page is under construction.
What: A full day of on and off the water instruction
Who: Advanced beginners through expert paddlers
When: dates to be announced and available by appointment
How: Call to schedule a class or private lesson.
Where: Held primarily in and around the Noyo River, Noyo Harbor and Noyo Bay.
How Much: $125 to include Kayak Equipment.
Skills to be covered: Navigation (route planning, use of tides and currents, compass use),
Whitewater Kayaking
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.
Prerequisites: Essential Kayaking I for Basic (Level 1), Essential kayaking skills 1&2 and surf kayaking or equivalent skills as determined by LFK are required. A reliable eskimo roll is required. (Want to try Rock Gardening but don't have the prerequisites - check out our Wet & Wild adventure - Kayaking Rocks!)
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
Basic (Level 1): Iniatial strokes and recoveries are necessary at this level.
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.
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
Where:Location to be determined depending on conditions and skill level.
Gear:
Necessary
*Kayak
*Paddle
*Life jacket
*Helmet
*Wetsuit or drysuit for immersion in 52ish degree water
Footwear
Recommended
Water bottle
Snack
Sunscreen
Retention strap for glasses or sunglasses
Spare paddle
*Available for Rental.
Whitewater River Kayaking
"Never in my life have I completed four days ( no less consecutively) with the thought that I improved my knowledge and skill level 100% over the prior day. It doesn't get much better than this!"-Jane Hardy
Do you want to experience the thrill of whitewater kayaking?
This winter, we played hard on our local Mendocino County whitewater runs. Check out photos our most recent run on the Eel River and kayaking on Rancheria Creek. Contact us if you are interested in boating these rivers in 2010 and 2011.
LFK’s Jeff Laxier is certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA) in advanced whitewater and is available to teach whitewater classes, private lessons, and instructor certifications.
Newbies to whitewater kayaking will benefit from our essential kayak skills class and eskimo roll instruction we are regularly offering.And may even want to try out whitewater kayaking on the ocean (kayak surfing or rock gardening) with LFK.
Give us a call and let us know your interests and we will keep you posted of our whitewater doings this winter.
Why:FUN!!! Gain knowledge to run rivers safely.
Who:Beginner through advanced.
What:River kayak basics through advanced river running including instructor certification.American Canoe Association
When:By appointment. Classes being scheduled now for Winter/Spring 2011.
How:Call to schedule a private session (707) 962-1623
How much:$150/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
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 1 or approval of instructor.
What: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:By appointment.
How:Call to schedule a private session (707)962-1623
How much:
Recreation (Level 1) - $50/hour (minimum 2 hours)
Enthusiast (Level 2) and Performance (Level 3) - $50/hour (minimum 2 hours) for private lesson
Where:Location to be determined depending on surf conditions.
Gear:
Necessary:
*Kayak (high performance surf kayak, waveski, whitewater, or sitontop)
*Paddle
*Life jacket
*Helmet
*Wetsuit
*Wetsuit Booties
*Spray skirt for decked boats or thigh straps or lapbelt for waveskis and sit on tops
Recommended
Sunscreen
Paddle Leash for sit on tops
*Available for Rental
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.
What:Eskimo rolling.We teach the sweep roll with standard “Euro Paddles” and the standard Greenland roll (kinnguffik paarlallugu/nerfallaallugu) with a Greenland Paddle.We are flexible and will accommodate your preferred style.
When:By appointment most days.
How:Call to schedule a lesson or tune-up. Our Monday night drop-in pool sessions at the CV Starr Center will resume on Monday Nights after Labor Day.
How much:First timer:$125/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.
Gear:
Necessary:
*Kayak
*Paddle
*Spray skirt
*Warm immersion gear
Dive mask or goggles and nose plugs
Recommended:
Ear plugs
Other paddling gear
*Available for Rental
Canoe Instruction
Coming Spring 2010 . . . Please let us know your interest as we are expanding our instructional program to include canoeing.
Kayak Games
Have fun honing your paddling skills with game sessions in the swimming pool.
Private Lessons
One to one - personalized instruction specific to your paddling skills and goals.
$150 for a 3 hour personalized lesson. (Share your lesson with a friend for only $50 more)
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.
Enjoy a week with Liquid Fusion Kayaking on the Mendocino Coast learning to sea kayak. One of our intensive kayaking instruction weeks will put you on the fast track to becoming a proficient sea kayaker. In addition to instruction, each of our weeks includes a sea kayaking coastal exploration which is a perfect way to practice your sea kayaking skills.
