This post describes the training series for recreational kayaking. All Flat Land training courses follow the American Canoe Association (ACA) outlines and protocols for river kayaking instruction.
Introduction to Kayaking (IK). This half-day class is for the recreational kayaker of any experience level who has never taken a formal kayak class. It is a “must have” for anyone who has recently or is planning to purchase a kayak and is the absolute minimum training for recreational kayakers. This class is also appropriate for those who are unsure of which series they want, or want a shorter intro class before beginning the whitewater series.
This class satisfies Scouting America’s basic kayak merit badge, as well as the Girl Scout USA paddling badge. Scout leaders please reach out to Flat Land to schedule.
This course will include:
- Basic strokes and maneuvers
- How to fit your boat and your life jacket
- How to safely carry your boat and safely enter and leave the water
Additionally, the following topics are included:
- Environmental hazard (weather, hypothermia, etc.) recognition and prevention
- River hazard (e.g. strainers; hydraulics) recognition and avoidance
- Team organization, river signals, communication, trust
- Deep water re-entry
- Stewardship
Prerequisite: See general eligibility guidelines here.
Moving Water I (MW1) is an all-day course to introduce the student to moving water conducted in recreational kayaks without spray skirts. In addition to reinforcing and expanding the knowledge and skills learned in the “Intro” class, this class will introduce the student to river reading, eddy work and ferrying in moving water. Typical venues for this class include the DuPage, Fox, Kankakee and Des Plaines rivers. This class may include a “shuttle” between put-in and take-out.
Prerequisite: GEG plus successful completion of one of the courses below -or-permission of the instructor.
- Intro to Kayaking
- Pool Session (from the Whitewater Series)
- Essentials of River Kayaking (from the Whitewater Series).
Moving Water II (MW2) is a follow-on to MW1. It is an all-day course conducted on more challenging venues, such as the Vermilion River or the Marge Cline Memorial Whitewater Park in Yorkville, IL. Students will find the higher currents and more aggressive features more challenging, allowing them to expand on their skill sets. Participants who have demonstrated the ability to perform a “wet-exit” may wear spray skirts (not provided) if desired. Helmets, when required by the instructor, will be provided.
Prerequisite: GEG plus:
- Successful completion of “Moving Water I” and permission of the instructor.
- Successful demonstration of a “wet-exit” IF a skirt is to be worn.
Flat Land Kayak 