Women's Sea Kayaking Skills with California Canoe & Kayak
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–7 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition to manage paddling and practiced rescues.
Overview
Learn vital sea kayaking skills in a supportive women-only course on San Francisco Bay. Master paddling techniques, rescues, and water safety with expert instructors at California Canoe & Kayak.
L2: Women's Beginning Sea Kayaking Skill Course
from $149 + any tax & fee | 14+
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Join our Women's Beginning Sea Kayaking Skills Course to master essential paddling techniques and safety rescues in a supportive environment. Led by expert instructors, you'll learn vital skills like wet exits and self-rescues while exploring the beautiful S.F. Bay. This course prepares you for future adventures and enhances your kayaking enjoyment.
Womem's Beginning Sea Kayaking Skills Course
This class is for those who want to learn how to paddle a sea touring kayak. Our expert instructors teach you a wide range of strokes and techniques to help prevent you from capsizing.
Be prepared to get wet! You will learn how to attach a spray skirt, wet exit from your kayak, and learn a PADDLE-FLOAT RESCUE: This is a self-rescue, allowing you to climb back into the kayak on your own, and a T-RESCUE: This is an assisted rescue, where you help a partner get back into his kayak. Both these rescues are essential for paddling closed cockpit kayaks safely on protected waters. You will also learn about tides and currents here in the S.F. Bay.
Graduates of this class are qualified to rent closed-cockpit touring and sea kayaks and participate in more advanced courses and trips. The Beginning Sea Kayak class will give you invaluable tools to practice and refine your strokes and rescues in future practice sessions. Learning basic skills will significantly increase your enjoyment and safety in a touring or sea kayak.
This class is equivalent to an American Canoe & Association Level 2 Course.
L2 Beginning Sea Kayaking Conditions:
Calm, protected water with constant access to safe landing and within .5 nm from shore:
- Winds less than 15 knots
- Waves less than 2 feet (0.6 meters)
- Current less than 2 knot
- No surf - shore break less than 2 ft (0.6 meters)
Cost:
- from $149
- Minimum Enrollment: 3: Private class can be arranged if minimum enrollment is not met (additional fee applied).
- Own Boat & Gear discount is available (Hard Shell Only) if it is suitable class condition. If you are uncertain of the suitability of your boar/gear for this class, please get in touch with classes@calkayak.com
- Private classes can be arranged for inflatable or foldable kayaks (some restrictions applied).
Typical Class Duration: 4-7 hours. Location: Meet at 409 Water St, Oakland, Jack, London Square
Prerequisite:
- Women only.
- The minimum age for Beginning Sea Kayaking class is 14 years; minor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- Good physical condition is important to ensure an enjoyable class; practicing the rescue procedures can be strenuous!
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Gear Fitting
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the class to ensure a proper fit for wetsuits and safety gear.
Prepare to Get Wet
Wear quick-drying layers and bring a change of clothes since wet exits and rescues are a core part of the course.
Stay Hydrated
Bring at least 2 liters of water in a secure dry bag to stay hydrated during the multi-hour session.
Footwear Matters
Choose closed-toed, flexible water shoes that protect your feet on various surfaces; avoid flip-flops.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbor seals
- Osprey and other raptors
History
San Francisco Bay has long been central to indigenous peoples and later maritime trade, shaping California's coastal culture.
Conservation
California Canoe & Kayak promotes low-impact paddling practices to protect the bay’s delicate marine ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in San Francisco
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Spray Skirt
Keeps water out of the cockpit during paddling and wet exit drills.
Paddle Float
Vital for practicing self-rescue techniques essential to sea kayaking safety.
Wetsuit
Protects from cold water temperatures throughout most of the year.
spring|fall|winter specific
Water Shoes
Provides comfort and protection while launching and retrieving the kayak on rocky or uneven surfaces.