Kayaking classes

Has anyone had any personal experience with or can recommend taking classes from either HMBK or MBK for beginning ocean kayaking?

Also is there a discount for NCKA members?

Thanks in advance for reading my post.

Antonio

I can only speak for the MBK classes and they are great.

Thanks for your response GreatBass2

Did you take classes there and if so which ones?

Also do they have a NCKA discount that you are aware of?

Antonio

Thanks for your response GreatBass2

Did you take classes there and if so which ones?

Also do they have a NCKA discount that you are aware of?

Antonio

Antonio...

One of our members who was a good friend to many here used to work at MBK and do safety/kayaking classes....sadly, he died in a tragic situation last year....I am not sure who has taken over those classes and what the deal is over there now...I would pm scallen (Allen Bushnell) for the inside scoop since he guides kayak fishing through MBK and may know the current situation.

Sincerely,

Jim

I highly recommend MBK. Try posting a safety hookup and get a group of yakers to sign up for it then approach MBK and see what type of response you get for a group discount. When I took the class they're were about twenty/thirty of us and it was a blast.

I have taken the Surf Zone class at MBK and would highly recommend it.  I was the only student at that time and the instruction was 1st class.
The surf is normally very mellow at MBK and not challenging if you want something more realistic when doing surf launches.
I went on a rare nasty day by MBK standards and was thrown in more realistic situations.  I came to respect the ocean even more and be always prepared.

I'll also throw out Kayak Connection in Santa Cruz/Moss as another option. I used to teach through them and at the time we had a good class. As long as they cover all the basics of gear, technique, and rescue you should be good.
Both KC and MBK have been around long enough to be reputable.

Good on ya for taking a class-they are worth it wherever you go!

I've got more free time on my hands so here's a suggestion. Let's post a safety class feeler and let's how many sign up. I believe that we can get a couple of old timers to kick in their time to even give some kayak fishing seminars. Personally I would post a date that also features rock fishing hook up as a goal  to finishing the class. Taking the time to coordinate this with HMB will be the challenge but they have let us use their beach for other events. Just throwing it our there. OG's contact me if your interested in helping. Newbies post on this link if your interested in participating then PM me and will see how the plan comes together. Frankfishing

I would definitely be interested in hanging with some kayaking fish killin vets prior to heading off for some rockfish hunting.  I've not ventured into the ocean yet as I'm more of a bass fisherman.  However, I got my T13 because I DO want to head out into the blue blue.  Would be awesome to do so as a group.  Count me in and my wife as well,...lemme know what I can do to help make it happen.

I would definitely be interested in hanging with some kayaking fish killin vets prior to heading off for some rockfish hunting.  I've not ventured into the ocean yet as I'm more of a bass fisherman.  However, I got my T13 because I DO want to head out into the blue blue.  Would be awesome to do so as a group.  Count me in and my wife as well,...lemme know what I can do to help make it happen.

That's after taking the Safety class right?

Frank happy to help if schedules allow. Not sure count as an OG or expert but I have done my fair share of surf launches. I can also bring the yak board as well. I found it to be really good and fun practice to get the feel of surfing in sideways and bracing. Still need to do it on your actual ride but any wave and water time is good right. For those that don't know MBK is a fun/good family beach so the whole family can come and watch you eat S#!T

OK so it looks like taking a class is definitely the right route. There are a lot of options and all input is greatly appreciated. I will probably be PM ing a few of you for further information.

Thanks again,

Antonio

Thanks for your response GreatBass2

Did you take classes there and if so which ones?

Also do they have a NCKA discount that you are aware of?

Antonio

Antonio...

One of our members who was a good friend to many here used to work at MBK and do safety/kayaking classes....sadly, he died in a tragic situation last year....I am not sure who has taken over those classes and what the deal is over there now...I would pm scallen (Allen Bushnell) for the inside scoop since he guides kayak fishing through MBK and may know the current situation.

Sincerely,

Jim

Jim,

I PM'ed Allen as you suggested.

Thanks,

Antonio

MBK has two locations any preference as to which one is a better location / staff wise?

Allen doesn't provide safety classes however, I did hire him for my first fishing excursion after I took a safety class at Half Moon Bay Kayak.