Advanced Classes for Sit On Tops

Hi All,


I was wondering if anyone here has ever seen or attended any advanced classes for sit on tops.  I was reading through the Kayak Fundamentals thread posted recently and it made me start thinking again about taking more advanced classes.  I was wanting to do this a couple of years ago, but I wasn't able to find a lot of classes targeted at SOT users.  I have looked at a couple of sites with no luck as of yet.  It is highly unlikely that I will ever own a SIK since I only have space for one kayak.


Michael

I'll offer instruction in wheeling yak and gear down the beach a few miles and back and trolling it several miles as well as diving off of it.   

Good to see you on here, Michael.

Hmmm... not sure that is the type of 'advanced' learning that I was talking about 

Hey Bink. Google Tsunami Rangers. Is that what you mean?

What did you have in mind as advanced? I teach Intro to kayaking and ACA level 2 kayak touring. If your looking for strokes, braces, rescues, & Re-entry classes Give me a shout. I'm teaching a class on October 5th up here in Redding.

Michael - Although I have not been around the paddling instruction scene for a while, I am sure you would find classes
offered by California Canoe & Kayak focused on ocean paddling skills.  In addition to paddling technique, a good ocean class will include weather, tides/currents, and some surf zone instruction.  You would likely be able to use your SOT, or a shop boat (traditional sea kayak) for the class.  The skills are highly applicable to either craft.

Hope this Is helpful.

Hey Bink. Google Tsunami Rangers. Is that what you mean?

  A lot of the info there is good, I was actually looking for on the water instruction as well.  I have taken all of the SOT classes at MBK (basic, self rescue, surf zone), looking to advance my paddling skills beyond the basics.

What did you have in mind as advanced? I teach Intro to kayaking and ACA level 2 kayak touring. If your looking for strokes, braces, rescues, & Re-entry classes Give me a shout. I'm teaching a class on October 5th up here in Redding.

Unfortunately, I am unavailable on the 5th, also Redding is a bit of a haul for me from San Mateo.

Michael - Although I have not been around the paddling instruction scene for a while, I am sure you would find classes
offered by California Canoe & Kayak focused on ocean paddling skills.  In addition to paddling technique, a good ocean class will include weather, tides/currents, and some surf zone instruction.  You would likely be able to use your SOT, or a shop boat (traditional sea kayak) for the class.  The skills are highly applicable to either craft.

Hope this Is helpful.

  I just had a short email exchange with Kenny from CCK.  He indicated that my best option based on my experience would probably be a private lesson. 


Thanks all for the replies.  It seems that there just isn't that high a demand for this type of instruction from us SOT folks to justify classes like this.  Given that some of the newer SOTs have better paddling characteristics than previous incarnations, I wonder if this will start to change.


Michael

Michael - Take Kenny up on that private.  He has over 30 years of experience teaching paddling. 

The demand is growing, the ACA just made a level 3 costal SOT classification. There's only 2 people that can teach it right now but hopefully soon I'll be on that list. I belive the class is aimed at kayak fisherman.

I took a refresher course today between Muir and Stinson

It was even free 

The demand is growing, the ACA just made a level 3 costal SOT classification. There's only 2 people that can teach it right now but hopefully soon I'll be on that list. I belive the class is aimed at kayak fisherman.

I'd be stoked on taking a class like that...

I would love to learn how to be a more efficient paddler, and how to better deal with bigger surf launches/landings.

 

Sincerely,

Jim

 What are the differences between a basic course vs advanced?  I know that I need help with my basics but I am curious as to what the advanced paddlers are learning. Thanks to those who teach.

a basic class covers paddle storkes mostly, forward, reverse, high/low braces, sweep and draw strokes. we also go over how to load your boat, holding the paddle, ect.
A second class would cover Rescues and Re-entries, towing ect.
The advanced classes cover navigation, rough water paddling, hazards on the water, dealing with injured paddlers, towing, ect
Surf Zone classes are a whole nother thing to consider.

 Im not able to make the 10/5 class but ill watch for the next basics session. Until then Ill keep working on my own. Thanks jbaker

I enjoy at least one day per year of surfing / crashing / and general playing in surf conditions at MBK. No fishing gear or electronics. Just good old playing in the waves in my fishing kayak. It is very fun and great practice for fowl weather launching and landing. You don't really need a class, just go play.