Downunder Kayaking

Kim Beaumont Paddling for the Cause

Photocredit:  Allen Clark, The Photoboat

Kayak for A Cause was created as a way to blend love of the sport with committment to helping good causes. Each year, kayakers join together to cross Long Island Sound and raise money for carefully considered charities, most of which work to protect our local waters, environment and community. You can support the Cause without evevn picking up a paddle, by volunteering and donating.  To sponsor the KFAC VIII Kiwis Team...

Training Classes 2008

This calendar is constantly being updated, email for the most current info.

Safety Certificates can be provided following any of these classes.  KFAC Kayak rentals are free in classes - bookings required - we have 10, and classes get first dibs.  $35 outside of classes.

NEW:  TRIP LEADER CERTIFICATION, MAY 17-18, LYME CT.  This training is the first level of accredited certification with the American Canoe Association, allowing you to 'guide' clients, and to get insurance through them.  Requires at least a couple of years paddling experience and ideally having completed the 'coastal kayaking course'.  Training is with Jerry Wylie of CT Coastal Kayaking, and ACA Instructor, who offers all levels of training.  Contact Jerry for more information. 

1. ACA Coastal Kayaking Class:  Strokes, Skills & Advanced Instruction, Safety Certification.  Taught by Greg Paquin a British Canoe Union (BCU) 5 star level paddler and Advanced Open Water Instructor with the American Canoe Association (ACA).  Emphasis on perfecting the skills.  Bi-weekly Sundays 9-3pm, $150.  June 15th, July 13th. 
2. Intro to Kayaking: Kim Beaumont teaches the fundamental kayaking skills needed to complete the crossing (includes capsize, self rescue and demonstrated T rescue).  Includes safety cert.  Sundays 9-12pm, $125.   June 8th, 15, 22, July 6, 13.
3. Safety Certificate - Weeknight:  Thursday evenings we're offering a review class.  If you can show us the skills needed to obtain this certificate - in particular falling out of and getting back in your kayak - you will receive the certificate and be exempt from the safety clinic.  5:30-7:30pm - $85pp 2 person minimum.  $75 more than 2.  THIS IS NOT INSTRUCTION - IF YOU DEMONSTRATE A NEED FOR INSTRUCTION, YOU WILL FAIL THIS CLASS.

Sea Kayaking with Greg Paquin   4 session program designed to really finesse your skills.  $45/class, rentals $35, 10% off bookings for all 4.

Wednesday Evenings 5:30-8:30pm.  If you can't get there til 6pm - that's fine, you'll miss the equipment and launching info.  Our staff will catch you up! 

1. June 11 - Overall skills - strokes, style, posture - all the nitty gritty that makes the difference between a good paddle and a GREAT paddle.

2. June 18th 7-10pm - Full Moon Paddle RESCHEDULED DUE TO RAIN/STORMS for July 17th 7-10pm.

3. July 9th - Capsizes and Rescues - be ready for that 'of which we don't speak' - falling out of your boat!  Sprayskirts optional.  Learn how to get back in, bilge pump, and get going again, as well as how to assist with rescues. 

4. July 23rd - Wind and Waves - how to keep upright and oncourse, especially if you don't have a rudder.  Tips and techniques for holding your own when the wind has an attitude.

5. July 17th 7-10pm - Full Moon Paddle - How to get home after dark.  Take your piloting navigation skills to a new level.  Learn how you keep the group to gether, understand the navigational aids around you that you don't see in day light.  Or just enjoy a night paddle!

Guided Pod Paddles:  guided by an ACA instructor, weeknights by appt.  $150 for two hours (divide amongst paddlers).  Between 6-8pm, on an as available basis.

Pod Training:  Trip Leaders/Instructors available by appt to lead Pod outings following the Downunder/Kiwi Pod Model.  NOTE:  YOU CANNOT RENT THE KFAC BOATS ON YOUR OWN, UNLESS YOU HAVE SAFETY CLEARANCE, A CERTIFIED GUIDE / POD LEADER THAT IS CERTIFIED.  Sundays 2-6pm.

Cross Sound Prep:  July 20th A week before the KFAC crossing, we will do a dry run using the Downunder/Kiwi Pod paddle model.  You must already have safety certificate/paddle KFAC before.  Come prepared to paddle 13m of Norwalk Coastline (will inc. a lunch break).  Allow 4 hours - 11-3pm.  We will include equipment and navigation, and have some fun out there with skills.  $50pp.   Must book in advance for kayaks. 

JUST THE EXEMPTION PLEASE:  If you feel you have the kayaking skills down pat, you can hire an instructor to review them, qualifying you for an exemption. 1 hour $85, includes kayak rental.  If it takes over an hour, pro rata.  This is not an instructional course, just a review.  If you don’t pass, you don’t get the certificate.  By appointment and on Thursday evenings. 

To enquire call Kim at (203) 247-0578.

4 person minimum for all classes - you will be notified with 48 hours of a class if there are not enough people signed up.  Additional fees for less than 4 people.

THIRD PARTY TRAINERS

KFAC's Sanctioning Organization- USA Canoe and Kayak

• American Canoe Association
• Appalacian Mountain Club
• Atlantic Kayak Tours
• Connyak
• Downunder Kayaking, Rowayton CT
• www.hvpackandpaddle.com Hudson
• Manhattan Kayak
• New Haven Parks and Rec -  Martin Torresquintero
• New Jersey Kayak
• New York Kayak
• North Cove Outfitters
• Sheldon Penn KayakSchool1@aol.com
• Small Boat Shop
• Sound Kayakers
• Wilton Outdoor Sports
• Waveology Greg Paquin
  

KFAC VII Downunder Pod

KFAC VIII - PADDLER INFO - FAQ

POD TRAINING:  An instructor is available for Pod specific training, using the famous Downunder Pod Model!

KFAC INSTRUCTION:  All paddlers have to be at the ACA Intro to Kayaking level of instruction.  A calendar of scheduled classes is on the left.  A class is available via KFAC on Sunday June 29th - for those that have pre-registered.  Space is limited, and there is a subsidized fee of $50.  If you didn't preregister, email to check on availability.

KFAC SAFETY CERTIFICATION:     A specific training is offered on June 29th to get paddlers to this level, it includes advanced training for POD leaders (or co-leaders).  Kim is the Safety Officer for this event, and proof of attendance is required by her.  If you can't attend, then some sort of proof from an ACA/BCU instructors, certifying that you have completed equivalent training, is required.  Only past paddlers are exempt.  There is a list of Instructors/Third Party Trainers below.

In 2008 the Safety Clinic will be open to everyone, the cost is $50.  There are a limited number of KFAC boats available for paddler use at this clinic.  MUST pre-register for one - $50, www.kfac.com, visitors, kayak rentals/clinic.  Advanced training is available at the clinic, for Pod Leaders and Co-Leaders.  Free to one person/pod.  $50 to co-leader.

TRAINING RECOMMENDATIONS

The course is approximately 13 miles - from Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk to Long Island.  In addition to skills and experience, paddlers need to be fit, flexible, hydrated, and rested.

• Exercise regularly to build up your stamina - the trip is about endurance, not speed e.g. Swim, bike, run, walk, climb, row, paddle

• Focus on abs, triceps, lats, glutes and deltoids.  Ask a trainer/gym rat to help you plan a routine involving resistance exercises (your own body or weights) to build muscle and strength.  Ask for stretching exercises as well.  Use the cable machines - row, row, row - pulling exercises will strengthen your back (use your abs to protect it).  A stability ball will improve balance, and core strength. Push ups, pull ups, squats & lunges. 

• Cardio – get your heart pumping (exercise lungs, energize brain, condition body) 3x30mins/wk ideal. 

• Warming up and cooling down prevents injuries. Walking, easy jumping jacks, arm circles, any type of movement that raises your body temp so the muscles can prepare for a workout.

Fit paddlers have staying power, paddle at an even and consistent pace, and don’t crap out.

GEAR/PREPARATION

Things KFAC provides renters:

• Kayak, pfd, paddle and spray skirt

Things you MUST bring:

• Drinks – way more than you expect to need, and full of electrolytes – water will just go through you

Things you might want to bring:

• Camelbak – forget reaching for your drink bottle (which was under the bungy and then fell off), and wasting time and energy on your stroke.  Wear this under/over your lifejacket

• Snacks – fruit, snack bars, trail mix, chocolate – anything that will get you going again

• Ideal clothing and accessories:  acrylic clothing -  layers ideal, windbreaker just in case; booties or appropriate sandals – without straps (may catch on foot pedals); hat that will not blow off your head; sunglasses (croakies help you not to lose them); gloves

• Whistle or some form of noise maker

• Sunscreen (apply when you get up, and wash your hands, skip your forehead – wear a hat instead)

• Chapstick, bug spray, shark repellant (just kidding)

• Change of clothes – for when you get there;

• Towel – there is an outdoor shower (hairdryer, make-up kit… you’ll be surprised - people actually bring this stuff)

• Dry bag to keep those ‘just in case’ things in

• Just in case things:  windbreaker, polar fleece, cell phone (double zip lock, or phone pak), extra snacks, bug spray, first aid kit (neosporin, bandaids, advil, tape for blisters), gloves, extra hat – they DO blow off

• Bilge Pump

• Paddle float

• Tow belt / knowledge of how to use one

• Compass (for the fun of it)

• Camera - waterproof

• Money – for the bar on the boat back

Night before:  lots of carbs - pasta etc., not fatty or rich foods.  Loads of electrolyte rich beverages.  Get in a yoga class, or a massage!  Early to bed. 

Day of:  more electrolytes, light breakfast - cereal.  Remember to apply suntan lotion when you get up.