Sea Kayaking, ["right now" weather-Washington D.C./Balt. coastal weather] Coastal [Sea] kayaking, tour kayaking, is a sport that's has a quick learning curve to start and a depth of subject that never lets you get to the bottom of the bag. And Sea Kayaking is a major focus for CKAPCO. We teach all levels of Sea Kayaking, with tours and adventure trips appropriate to and a part of each level.
![RestonClass[1]crop.jpg](/Portals/0/RestonClass%5B1%5Dcrop.jpg)
Below is a hint of introduction to the sport. Kayaking breaks down into four general areas simply defined by the equipment the Paddler chooses:
Recreational Kayaks. 
Those are the short, usually under 13 feet, boats that are wide, stable and perfect for introduction to the kayak world. They have large open cockpits; generally without "rolling style spray skirts" and thigh braces; are easy and fun to paddle the first time out. They are inexpensive; excellent for protected waters and are the most popular of all small boats. "Rec" Kayaks are suitable for [and we make them available for] our "Quick Start", Introduction to Kayak classes and tours. They are not suitable for Our Coastal Kayak courses [ our essentials of coastal kayak, [sometimes called basic coastal] advanced strokes and maneuvers Open water coastal and above.. For many, and for good reason, paddling these great little boats is the beginning and goal of their kayaking efforts. [Note : We recommend that all rec. kayak owners add floatation to the bow and stern for safety; self and assisted recoveries. We go over this in our intro. classes.
Sit on top Kayaks. 
Boats that don't hold water. These are kayaks that cross all areas of the sport. They may be recreation style kayaks, river kayaks, sea kayaks, surf zone kayaks. They are generally safe, unsinkable easy to "rescue", inexpensive, great fun and practically indestructible. Basically limited to warm weather use since you sit on them and not "in" them; they are often used as beach rental kayaks. Because of their versatility sit on tops can be suitable for all levels of sea and river kayak instruction.
Coastal or Sea Kayaks or Touring Kayaks. These are the long slim elegant looking sea worthy kayaks that have a 10,000 year history and can take you anywhere below the fall line that your imagination and skill can conjure. This is where CKAPCO spends much of it's energy and excitement. Rivers, lakes, Bays, Bijous, Inlets, Open Ocean, Marshes and Glades are the playgrounds of these historic craft. 
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In its Coastal Kayak instruction classes and tours, CKAPCO uses top of the line plastic and composite boats representing a cross section of available kayaks. Switching boats from type to type is encouraged as a learning and teaching tool. Generally these boats/classes require a "spray skirt" and accordingly an on water wet exit practice prior to on water exercises.
River Kayaks are wonderful short little kayaks that play the rivers waves and holes, creeks and rapids and are our other major focus. They are suitable for our introduction to kayak courses and beyond that level to our Potomac River EZ Whitewater course and 2 Day WW Clinics. These river kayaks as well as similar specialty kayaks are excellent surf zone play boats. That discipline in this type of boat is best approached from the river track as well.
This pic is from our fantastic Idaho Middle Fork Salmon annual trip July 30 - Aug. 4. Five and a half days of ww learning.