Introduction to Kayaking

All Paddle Time Kayaks staff are certified ACA instructors and teach using the ACA’s curriculum and best practices.

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Are you thinking about joining the Intro to Kayaking course? We would love to have you!

Here are the things to consider before you sign up:

Participation Info

To join our ACA courses, you must meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC). If you do not have a kayak you may rent one for this workshop for $20 plus tax.

Our Intro to Kayaking is a one-time half-day workshop, and we anticipate the duration to be about 3.5 hours. We maintain a maximum instructor-to-student ratio of 1:5, enabling our instructors to provide personalized attention to each kayaker.

Please note:

  • The first 1.5 hours of the workshop are on land, with the remaining time spent on the water.

  • Swimming ability is recommended. Capsizes can happen unexpectedly! We will cover what to do if you capsize in a kayak in the workshop.

  • Inflatable kayaks are not allowed. They’re less stable, harder to steer, and tricky in wind.

  • Minimum age is 14. Minors must attend with a participating guardian.

  • Life jackets are required at all times on the water—no exceptions.

  • All participants (or their legal guardians for minors) must sign a release waiver in person at the workshop.

Course Details & Rentals

Registration assumes you’ll bring your own kayak. If not, you can rent a sit-on-top kayak from us for $20 + tax, which includes a paddler-specific life jacket. Payment is collected at the river—cash preferred, but cards are accepted.

You can also purchase the course book, Smart Start to Paddling, for $10.

ACA Info

This course is registered with the American Canoe Association (ACA). You don’t need to be a member to join—non-members will be listed as “practice students.” If you are (or become) a member, we’ll add your ACA number.

If you’re interested in advancing to higher-level courses, we recommend becoming an ACA member. Just ask your instructor for details!

  • Note: Paddle Time Kayaks receives no incentive for ACA memberships. We simply support their mission to grow safe, inclusive paddling communities.