Skills Courses

With operations in the Virginia, Maryland and Southwest Florida locations, we can now offer more classes year round.

We offer a diverse catalog of skills classes from the basic introductory courses to make your paddling safe and enjoyable to the more advanced courses in more challenging environments. Skills assessments may be included in each of the classes for those wanting specific feedback or desirous of instructor certification. Examples include:

  • Basic kayak or canoe on the lake, getting started with strokes, maneuvers and safety techniques.

  • Moving water kayak or canoe with Class 1 rapids on the river

  • Basic river or coastal safety and rescue courses in any craft

  • Coastal touring kayak advanced stroke refinement, rescues and maneuvers in a typical tidal venue with conditions such as 10mph winds and one foot waves with boat traffic.

  • Special rough water coastal or sea kayak training

  • Intermediate white water kayak or canoe in a more aggressive venue with outfitted boats

  • Trip leading and planning for formal or informal roles in leading a group of paddlers

Below is a chronological listing of the scheduled upcoming CKAPCO courses. While our courses are typically offered in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia and Southwest Florida areas, we are happy to travel for an exciting teaching opportunity. If you do not see a course that meets your needs, feel free to contact us to discuss a custom offering or private instruction.

Click on an individual course offering in the list below for details about the course. Each course contains links to Google maps (look for the word "map" in parenthesis) and calendar invites (look for "ICS") to help you show up at the correct place and time for a course. Please contact Mike to register or inquire about a class. Some courses are available in half and full-day options. Feel free to contact us if you have questions. If you intend to register more than one student at a time, you should be prepared to provide us with the registration information for each.