What: Kayaking 101 “Introduction to Kayaking Class” for beginners

When: May 17th, 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. (each location and class will vary)

Why: To promote safe paddling in conjunction with National Safe Boating Week

How Much: $15 Donation (NON REFUNDABLE-No Exceptions)

Where: 13 Locations across the state (See List Below)

Summary:

ACA of North Carolina and the North Carolina State Parks are once again joining together to host their annual Kayaking 101 event on May 17th to kick off National Safe Boating Week. This year North Carolina will be hosting 230 slots across 13 locations. These classes will be “Introduction to Kayaking” classes for the brand new or beginning paddler. They will be offered at $15 a person, of which 100% of the fee will be donated to those affected by Hurricane Helene after the event has concluded. The organization(s) that will receive the donations will be announced after Kayaking 101, through the ACA of North Carolina Facebook page. This event is coordinated, organized, and taught by volunteers from around the state consisting mostly of ACA Certified Instructors. All Kayaks (and other), Life Jackets, and paddles have been provided by the many sponsors of our event so no participant is required to bring their own. If any participant does have their own kayak or gear and would like to bring it they will be allowed as long as it is deemed safe to use by the instructors.

Registration will open April 20th at 9:00 A.M. Eastern Time for all locations.

Locations this year will be (Multiple paddle craft locations will be all under the same registration for that location);

• Jockeys Ridge State Park
• Bertie Beach / Bertie County (Salmon Creek State Natural Area)
• Hammocks Beach State Park
• Carolina Beach State Park (Kayak and SUP)
• Falls Lake State Recreational Area (Kayak and SUP)
• Lake Johnson / City of Raleigh
• Jordan Lake / Farrington Point (NCWRC)
• Lake Rim / City of Fayetteville / NCWRC (Kayak and Canoe)
• Oak Hollow Lake / City of High Point
• Hanging Rock State Park (Kayak and SUP)
• Pilot Mountain State Park (Class II River Class)
• Lake Norman State Park (Kayak and SUP)
• Lake Norman YMCA(Pool) Youth Class (Ages 8-14, 2 Classes, Morning and Afternoon)

What to Expect:

A very unique class to each location that will focus on teaching all students the basic planning and research skills, paddle stroke skills, and on water rescue skills. Each location will have multiple instructors with a huge variety of experience to help each student leave the class with the knowledge to stay safe and have fun while out paddling on their own.

What to wear:

Keep in mind we will be paddling and practicing skills for what to do if you capsize, so you will get wet. Quick drying fabrics and shorts are better for paddling than cotton clothing…which will just keep you wet and cold all day. If you are attending Pilot Mountain State Park (River Class), sturdy shoes that will stay attached to your feet are required. All others can follow the guidelines of the instructor team.

What to bring:

• Plenty of Water to drink
• Camp Chair
• Sunscreen or hat
• Strap for your glasses
• Towel
• Change of clothes: this class will be on the water and you may get wet)
• Lunch and snacks: Each class will break in the area. Each participant needs to bring food or snacks to last the day so they do not have to leave the training area to get food.

If something should come up and you are not able to attend please let us know so we can fill your slot with someone on the waiting list and allow them the chance to get the education.

The instructor team will send out an email no later than May 10th. This email will give more details as to what to bring and what to expect from your team and location. If you have not heard from your instructor team by that date please email William at ncstatedirector@americancanoe.net