Youth Kayaking Basics Course in Hudson Ohio: Learn to Paddle with Confidence
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for children and teens in average physical condition who can swim.
Overview
Kickstart your child’s love of water sports with the Youth Kayaking Basics Course in Hudson, Ohio. This beginner course builds essential paddling skills while exploring calm local waterways safely and confidently.
Youth Kayaking Basics Course
A series of 4 sessions for youth paddlers • Ages 6-12 • 2 hours each class
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
About
Our youth kayaking basics course is a series of 3 indoor pool courses (2 hours each) with a 2 mile celebration paddle on the Cuyahoga River as our last course!
During each session paddlers will learn basic safety, paddling strokes and maneuvers necessary to paddle a recreational kayak on flat or slow moving water all while having fun!
These courses will be instructed by an American Canoe Association (ACA) certified kayak instructor.
Dates/Times/Location: 3 Indoor Pool Session --Saturdays in March 18th, April 15th, May 20th from 3 PM-5 PM*
Lifecenter Plus -- Indoor Pool 5133 Darrow Rd. Hudson, OH 44236
Cuyahoga River Celebration Paddle --Saturday, May 27th from 4 PM- 5PM Each youth participate & 1 adult can join us on a Short Trip (2 Miles) on the Cuyahoga River to practice all the skills they have been working on in the pool! We will meet at Water Works Boat Launch for our trip together! (Additional youth/adult family members are welcome to join us for this paddle for an additional fee.)
We will provide a youth sit-on top kayak, youth paddle & youth life jacket for each paddler.
Paddlers are asked to arrive 5-10 minutes early. Our course will start promptly to ensure we utilize our time in the pool!
Come prepared to get wet! We will be spending most of our time in the pool! Each paddler must be comfortable being in the water.
Attire should be appropriate for paddling: Swim suits and a non- cotton synthetic shirt under life jacket is recommended to prevent rubbing of life jacket. Water shoes are optional.
Locker rooms will be available for changing & restroom use.
Adult of paddler is required to remain on premises of Lifecenter Plus during course sessions.
Advance registration is required for this course series. A minimum of 4 youth paddlers are required for this course series to run. In the event our minimum is not reached a refund will be issued to those registered.
Adventure Tips
Wear a properly fitted life jacket
Always use a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device to stay safe on the water.
Stay hydrated during sessions
Bring a water bottle to keep energy levels up during paddling activities.
Check weather conditions beforehand
Avoid paddling in high winds or thunderstorms to ensure safety.
Listen closely to instructor guidance
Following instructions closely helps build skills faster and keeps everyone safe.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Great blue heron
- Painted turtle
History
Hudson’s location near the Cuyahoga River has made it a hub for water-based recreation since the 19th century.
Conservation
The course teaches leave-no-trace principles to protect water quality and wildlife habitats in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Essential for safety on the water during any kayaking activity.
summer specific
Quick-dry clothing
Keeps participants comfortable by drying quickly after splashes or falls.
summer specific
Sunhat and sunscreen
Protects skin from sun exposure during outdoor paddling sessions.
summer specific
Water shoes
Provides grip and foot protection when entering or exiting the water.
summer specific