Novice Kayaker advice wanted...

2015 was my first year fishing from a Kayak and fishing on the ocean.  Admittedly I got into kayaking/canoeing and other small craft as a fishing platform, consequently my "form" stinks.  Fortunately, I bought a Hobie and use my cycling muscles to propel my Kayak and have not been dependent of proper kayak form.

in 2013 I began construction of a sit inside 14' sea kayak.  I am looking at having this completed in the next 30 days.  What I realize now is that I have this great boat with little or no idea how to use it.  I was originally drawn to a sit inside for something that would be fun and easy to paddle on the water aside from a fishing platform.

So, my question.....I have watched You Tube videos on paddling technique, rolling, bracing, etc.  however I would really like to take some classes and not go with the whole teach myself everything route.   Where can I get quality sea kayaking instruction in the North Bay?  What are the most important things I should look for in an instruction program?

I already have all the saftey gear and am accustomed to being on the Ocean in a SOT, including light surf launches. 

Where should I start?

Thanks
Todd

That's a sweet looking kayak    I'm pretty sure that Outback Adventures does SIK and SOT skills courses up in their Larkspur area store.  I'm also pretty sure that Monterey Bay Kayak's does as well, but that's a lot further south. 

Thanks AlsHobieOutback, I'll check out Outback a
Adventures. 

I still have some sanding and  varnish to do, but can't wait to get it on the water!

That's a cool project. I wish I could help with more info about training but I am a beginner as well, as well as a learn the hard way guy.

clavey in petaluma offers paddle skills classes, cameron

clavey in petaluma offers paddle skills classes, cameron

+ 1 they offer a large range of classes I have taken one there also here is a link to the US Coast Guard auxiliary they offer classes in navigation and general seamanship  including a paddle sports course at the Petaluma yacht club not OTW but very useful. I would possibly join you for another one of those. http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/class_finder/index.php

Th am you both.  I checked out Claveys calendar online and they don't have any skills classes until May.  Outdoor Adventures appears to offer skills classes every month, so in going to follow up with them for a class in February.

VEry pretty boat. I'm going to build one of those someday, but make it SOT, so I don't have to learn to roll.  I am opposed to rolling kayaks,  Just me I guess.  I would like a sharp, beautiful wood boat though.

I bet if you contat Clavey's they wil arrange something for you.  Scheduled classes in May are likely for the masses.  those who do not go in the water wintertimes like we do.

Out back Im not that familiar with, but Clavey's is top-notch, real guys, and they will be your friends.  Tell them Craig Davis sent you.

Bushy

Thanks Bushy.  I'll ask them. 

I looked at all kinds of kayaks to build and this one had the nicest lines and looked the hardest to build!  From video I've seen it is fast too.

An SOT is a little harder to do with wood and make it look and handle as sleek as a plastic kayak.

My next one will be a little 8'er for my son.  He is three and asked me every day when I'm going to build one for him!

That's a beautiful boat you have there.

Just a thought... Maybe you want to learn the ropes of SIK rolling, beach launching, etc, in a beater rental kayak before you take that beauty on the water?

That's probably a really good idea!

  I say, Just put it in some easy calm water and paddle it...    You'll quickly learn the basics.      After you get a little self practice, you can take a class on seamanship etc.    go out with others and pick up tips.        I say use it, that's what you made it for.     Don't worry about scratches etc... you know how to fix em.    So cool to have a unique craft like that.  Something you made yourself.  Great job !   

Thanks Baitman.  I was planning to take it to lake Sonoma to just get a feel paddling this boat, then work my way up to surf etc.  sometime soon I'd like to take a course on fundamentals just so I know I'm doing things right.

I do remember how chagrined I was when I put the first scratch in the last one I built, though! [emoji30]