Looking to get some good yak experience.

Hello all , I have been living vicariously through through all of your posts for some time now. I really have appreciated the info, shared experiences, and the sense of community, and comraderie that is shown here. Really looking forward to meeting all of you  .
I bought a kayak several months ago, bought all of the gear (pfd, cart, vhf, farmer john, etc...), but I don't feel as if I'm being responsible unless I have had proper instruction. I am a single parent, and my daughter is completely dependent on me, so I can't take any chances.
So getting to the point, I am looking for some instruction that will fit in with my schedule. Is anyone interested in giving a private lesson, or two (maybe a few depending on my confidence level). I would be happy to compensate you for your time. Not just looking for a babysitter, but more like a guide that will teach me safety, as well as good paddling techniques, and some fishing tips. If anyone is interested/ available, please let me know. I live in SF, and have availability on weekends.
Thanks,
Mike

While I know you've been on the site for awhile, we can finally WyouTTM now that you've got the yak.     

I'm not looking to guide or instruct, but I will be at the Port of Sac this Sunday fishing for stripers if you'd like to join.  Although it will be raining, it should be a pretty easy little paddle.  I will gladly share what I know in the form of safety and fishing tips.  Sadly, I don't have good paddling techniques to share.

Check the hook-up section tomorrow as I plan on posting it then.

Way to come right out and ask for some help, Mike.  There are some experienced guides/instructors on this site like SCAllen who do what you need done.  I'd go that route if you want to do it by the book.  At the same time, take people like dilbeck up on a hookup and learn as you go.  Remember the importance of knowing what weather and wind could come up on you.  Have fun and good luck.   

Welcome ttm. your doing it right .

welcome...where are you located. that will help with hookups.

welcome...where are you located.

I live in SF

WTTMadness.....you're gonna need 1 more item: babysitter for your daughter.
There are many of chances to learn as you go...you can not learn it all in one day.To me, WEATHER & CONDITINS are THE most important factors when making a plan.
Get out on your new kayak in a lake
Wear your PFD at all times
Get to know&LOVE your kayak.
Be safe and be sure to take lots of pictures to report back.

Try contacting Allen Bushnell either here (scallen) or his website (http://www.santacruzkayakfishing.com/).

-Allen

Not sure if it is convenient for you, but being in SF it may be.
 the UCSF rec program Outdoors Unlimited is where I started paddling. Quite reasonable, especially if you volunteer.

http://campuslifeservices.ucsf.edu/fitnessrecreation/outdoor_programs/]
[url]http://campuslifeservices.ucsf.edu/fitnessrecreation/outdoor_programs/[/url]

If you want to learn from the best and know how to do it the right way:
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,22962.0.html

Thanks Mooch and Black Ab.  I agree the MBK safety and surf class is great way to start, Aaron is a real pro.  I also hold fishing clinics at MBK covering some of the same territory, but no self rescue practice or bigger surf landings.  We do, however go out and catch fish!  LOL

Not sure what their schedule might be for the SS classes, but fishing clinics will start in Spring, with rockfish season.  Or PM me for a private go out sooner (Check your messages).

Allen

We talkin bout practice.  Not a game not a game we talkin bout practice.   

In the crawl walk run philosophy, you shd get in good with your boat, be one with your boat, achieve good condition and be comfortable otw.  Then you shd consider playing in the surf a little with an unloaded boat.

 For straight paddling preparation and conditioning, I'd be happy to launch you out of aquatic park and do a paddle out toward alcatraz and/or the gate. There's a bunch of bros up in the city who might join also. My preference and availability would be for Friday or weds after work for an hour or so.

you shd consider playing in the surf a little with an unloaded boat.

and keep it that way when you fish

keep it simple and you'll be happier and safer all around

For straight paddling preparation and conditioning, I'd be happy to launch you out of aquatic park and do a paddle out toward alcatraz and/or the gate. There's a bunch of bros up in the city who might join also. My preference and availability would be for Friday or weds after work for an hour or so.

Yakuza I know you swim out there and all that, but that stretch of water under the gate can be one of the trickiest on our local coast

I'm guessing you're doing that with tide runs in mind

One of these days I want to launch there during a major incoming, go out under the gate along the south side, swing out into the current and shoot across to the Sausalito side On a good one it gets like whitewater river action under there  Getting past the pillars could be fairly exciting

On the right day we're talking one hell of a ride

Be interested to know if you're doing something like that One of these days when I'm done with other things I'll join you for it

If youre waiting for conditions to improve for some instruction and experience you could try some education.
I enjoyed "the complete book of Sea Kayaking" (Hutchinson) as well as Ken Whitings "Recreational Kayaking"-the ultimate guide.
More recreational reading than educational, but Corran Addison's "Kayaker's little book of Wisdom" is also enjoyable.
hope this helps