Are you a kayaker or do you want to learn more about kayaking?  Learn the things you should know about kayaking.  Reinforce everything you already know.  Change those bad habits.  We even provide the kayak!

Can spending $80 save your life?  It could.  The basic costal kayaking class exposes participants to fundamental techniques used by expert paddlers in the most precarious situations.  Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler, this course will be an invaluable resource to your paddling career.  Even experienced paddlers have found the course to be effective in helping hone necessary skills.  We have chosen one of the most experienced instructors and expedition paddlers in the Great Lakes for this course.

The basic tenet of any Fortune Bay Expedition Team class is to provide extremely capable instructors with impressive background and experience.  This class is no exception.  Michael Gray founded “Uncommon Adventures” in 1984, a couple of years after getting a degree in Environmental Interpretation at MSU. With more than 25 years of professional paddling, Michael is one of the most experienced instructors and guides in the Great Lakes region, if not the country as a whole! He has led trips all over the world including Alaska, New Zealand, the Arctic and Central America.  He has been featured on the cover of "Kayak Touring Magazine" in 2004, has published three articles for “Sea Kayaking Magazine” and most recently was featured in “National Geographic Adventure” in August of 2009.  Michael also authors numerous technique and safety articles on Paddling.net's Guidlines section.  Michael is a certified instructor through the American Canoe Association (ACA) and previously held certifications with the British Canoe Union (BCU) (Fortune Bay’s favorite kayaking certification) & the New Zeeland Canoe Association.  Finally, Michael's expedition background has given him the unique experience needed to provide a superior education. 

Student to instructor ratio: 5:1 maximum

During this three hour session you will learn good techniques for fundamental strokes:  forward, backward and stop.  You will also learn to stabilize with a solid low brace and turning with sweep strokes.

The final part of the class will be spent working on “wet exits” and group rescue practice, including a variety of methods of T-Rescue.  In addition to the on-water portions of the class you will also receive detailed instruction of kayak safety, proper dressing for paddling and equipment fit and selection.

Cost:  $80 - kayak and equipment included.

Date:  (Two Classes)  Saturday, June 5th - 9am - noon and 1 pm to 4 pm  Maximum of 10 students total

Location:  Lowell, Michigan - Stoney Lakeside Park - Bowes Street