Have you ever taken a Kayak Class?

Question

Just wondering if it is worth it or not, I feel like my paddling is decent and I've practiced flipping my kayak and re-entering it a few times with my PFD on. Is there any other benefits to taking a class in kayaking? II mostly use the kayak for fishing).

Answer 1

Depends on you and your comfort level. Nothing teaches kayaking better than practice practice practice. If you are going to be in waves/surf or other possibly hazardous conditions a class or two wouldn't be a bad idea. I watched a class in an indoor pool with 20+ kayakers learning to roll and self right , it was painful to watch some were upside down for a while trying to roll. I was ready to jump in and rescue one guy. Pretty cool otherwise.

Answer 2

No, just learned on my own.. plus have read a bunch of articles. I now write a kayaking blog.

Kayakmermaid.wordpress.com

Answer 3

I agree with hurtfish. Depends on your level of skill, conditioning and confidence. If you are interested, which it sounds like you are, then I'd check out the differentiators of the class and/or instructor(s). If they hold what will advance you, then go for it. It has to offer you new skills to make it worthwhile. Sounds fun and interesting. Good luck to you!

Answer 4

I teach kayaking for REI and the only thing we are going to teach you is: paddle techniques (to make your efficient), how to set up your seat and foot pegs (for comfortable/stable paddle), and how to get back into the kayak if you flip it over.  If all your using your kayak for is fishing, you are probably good to go.  I would be more concerned about navigation on the water, than anything else.  You don't want to get lost if you paddle out too far.