Kayaking Safety Class for Cumberland River Compact

Welcome to our Kayaking Safety Course. We will have 2-3 hours of classroom / dry land time and 4-5 hours of time on a slow moving river. Weather permitting, we will be on the Stones River.Your instructors will be ACA (American Canoe Association) certified River Kayaking Instructors. The class will contain lectures, group discussions, demonstrations and lots of actual hands-on practice.

Participants will need to provide the following: 

• Kayak, Paddle and PFD. Throw rope if available

• Wear Poly or performance clothing – No killer Cotton. (you will be in water) Bring layers regardless of temperature—expect to get wet. Changes in wind or precipitation can drastically affect comfort on the water.

• Footwear: Wear water booties or close-toed shoes with wool or performance socks (no cotton). Footwear that will not come off while swimming and will protect your feet when walking in water and on rocks. (Old sneakers work great.) No open toed shoes or sandals.

• Sun Protection: hat, sun block, sunglasses with floater strap 

• Water (2 quarts in water bottles), lunch, snacks 

• Recommended: 10ft length of rope with optional carabiner (bow line)

• Recommended: Throw Rope (50' of 3/8” rope in a throw bag)

• Recommended: Dry bag for phone, gear, etc

• Big Smile and/or Enthusiasm! 

Agenda

Land Based Training:

Pre-Trip Safety Plan

River Hazards

Throw Ropes

Paddling Techniques

Water Based:

Kayak Maneuverability: Paddling Upstream, Ferrying, Power strokes, turns, basic eddying out 

Swimming In Current 

Rescuing a Capsized Boat