LOCATION: Musselman's Lake just minutes north of Toronto Ontario Canada
BOOKINGS:
Pay eTransfer of $200 per person. Full payment is required within 24 hours to hold your booking.
Lessons can be either solo or 2 students max and the lesson length is 3 hours.
All necessary equipment is provided.
Rescheduling may happen due to weather forecast (confirmation provided 24 hrs in advance)
LESSON PLANS: Here's a taste of what we'll cover in our lesson together. Depending on your current ability and interests we can customize the lesson.
Step 1: Getting to know the equipment, safety and conditions
Understand the kayak parts and how to use the paddle is our focus.
names of kayak and paddle parts
holding the paddle and basic stroke movement
safety gear
effective stroke intro
launching and landing
Step 2: Paddle strokes
We'll introduce the basic strokes to move and position the kayak in different situations.
bracing
sweeping & pivoting
forward & backwards
stopping
drawing
Step 3: Re-entry techniques
Next we'll cover different methods for recovering from a capsized kayak either on your own or with a partner.
FAQ:
Q: Do you teach kids under 18?
A: No, kids under 18 yrs of age learn best as part of a larger group - the trick to improving their experience in the group lesson is finding a camp program that offers a better student to teachers/assistants ratio (some classes have far too many kids per instructor causing the kids to be bored).
There are some exceptions of course... typically kids with special needs are better suited to private lessons and it really depends on the specific abilities and needs... if that's your situation let me know more details and I can perhaps give further advice on the best approach to take. :)
Q: Do you teach rolling?
A: No but I can direct you to peers that can assist you.
Q: Can I bring my own equipment?
A: Yes
Q: What should I wear?
A: In kayaking the saying goes, "dress for the swimming". A bathing suit for in-water lesson time. You will get wet. Avoid cotton clothing. Check the tips section below for additional guidance on clothing.
TIPS FOR A GREAT LESSON:
You will get wet. That means any electronics or other valuables should stay on shore
Sun glasses with a neck strap (ideally one that floats)
On land: Bring a full change of clothing for the ride home - we will get wet
On/in the water: Bathing suit, long sleeve quick-dry shirt, hat - did I mention, we will get wet :)
Beach towel
Water bottle and sun screen
Light snack in a zip locked or Tupperware container.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS:
"It was a great session and one that was enjoyable thanks to your dry wit! I am sure future participants are in for a jolly good time. I will definitely leave a positive review on the site you'd linked as many more need to enjoy our fabulous waters." -- SG
"Thank you so much Brett. We did have a great time. Definitely we will be recommending you to others." --TP
"We enjoyed today and got a lot out of it, and we both thought you were a pleasure to be on the water with. Well worth the trip : ) " --TD
"Again, we are super happy having taken your lesson...that was probably the best outdoors day I've had. Way better than camp as a kid." --LB
"A big thanks for your lesson I had a wonderful time and can’t wait to kayak. I appreciate that you had a clear plan for the lesson- rather than just providing an opportunity to play with a kayak. And the safety and rescue practice wasn’t something I would have asked to do but was probably the most valuable part of the lesson. I will definitely recommend your lesson" --JT
"Thanks Brett! We really enjoyed our time with you. We learned a lot and now have increased confidence on the water because we KNOW we can do assisted rescue " -- CT
"We bought kayaks last summer and after 5-6 short day trips on area rivers we wanted to learn how to handle our yaks better, and also learn how to get back into our boats after capsizing. We spent an afternoon with Brett and wished we had done it sooner. We learned about our kayaks, our gear, and basic strokes which will allow us to enjoy our paddling even more. And we are now more confident to take on more advanced adventures. The safety training and rescue skills Brett teaches are essential - everything from how to monitor weather to getting back into your kayak and rescuing others. Such a capable instructor and an even better person. Highly recommended. " -- KS & LG
"We loved the lesson and had the best afternoon!! I’m so glad we found you!! You were the perfect teacher for us and we both learned a lot. Your lake is an awesome place to learn these skills in a calmer and safer environment than Lake Ontario. Both of our paddle strokes improved a great deal over the course of the lesson." -- AH
"I had a lot of fun, I definitely feel more comfortable being in my kayak after our lesson. You made the lesson very enjoyable and wanting to learn more. I will definitely be reaching out to you next spring for another lesson" --JM
"Hi Brett, it was super to meet you as well! I really enjoyed our lesson, but it was much more detailed like a workshop. I learned a ton of stuff about safety, paddling, rescues and even equipment. And thxs for the weather signs for safe kayaking ! And the tips for safety equipment. Always appreciated! You are a really great instructor . You outlined the important concepts of the strokes , provided a chance to practice with your input and guidance . But I didn't feel rushed or overwhelmed. You would focus on positives and highlight one aspect to work on, that is a skill. So thanks Brett. I learned a ton and had fun! I will definitely connect with you in the future!" --JM
