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Opening day in Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Stoneham, and Medford is May 3rd
and in Waltham and Somerville on May 10th– weather and water temperatures permitting Stay tuned for updates!

 

 

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Instruction

Rough-Water Kayak Skills Trips

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Our Rough-Water Skills Series is all about building confidence in turbulent conditions.

Introduction to Rough Water

The New England coast, with its multitude of tidal rivers and bays, has no shortage of current. During this full-day trip, you’ll practice handling your boat in moderate current, where waves and eddylines will force you to use your bracing and rescue skills.

We will travel to Cohasset Harbor, where we will find ocean waves (weather permitting) and a tidal rip with moderate current (see video above), introducing you to conditions commonly encountered on the ocean. Our guides will help you test your limits while taking advantage of situations that are within your capabilities. We will cover a broad spectrum of topics including refining the forward stroke and practicing boat lean, bracing, ferrying, and re-entries.

Realistic Conditions

If you haven’t practiced rescues in the conditions of the day, you shouldn’t paddle in those conditions. The prudent paddler learns and improves by experiencing realistic ocean conditions with a veteran guide alongside. Our Rough-Water Skills Clinics provide an environment in which to test your limits.

This trip is designed for those who have taken our Introduction to Kayaking and Ocean Skills. Paddlers should be able to perform assisted rescues and paddle 6 miles over the course of the day.

Introduction to Rough Water meets at the Newton Historic Boathouse and travels by van to the destination. We plan to return to Newton approximately 9 hours after the trip departs. $155 includes full-day trip with expert guiding (max. 5:1 student:instructor ratio) using your own boat. $169 with a composite or plastic sea kayak (model depends on availability). Pre-Requisites & Requirements: Before signing up, you must have:
  • Formal instruction in bracing and rescue skills on the ocean, like our Ocean Skills Trip or equivalent.
  • Previous practice of a wet exit, where you flipped a kayak, removed the sprayskirt, and exited the kayak while underwater.
  • Previous practice of an assisted rescue, where you wet-exited the kayak in deep water and were rescued by another kayaker.
  • Ability to paddle 6 miles in an outing.

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Read Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

  • Full payment is due upon registration for a class, clinic, or trip.
  • For cancellations received 7 days or more before your scheduled activity, we will issue a refund less a 10% registration fee.
  • For cancellations received fewer than 7 days before your scheduled activity, we are unable to offer any refunds.
  • Classes, clinics, and trips always run unless the weather is extreme.
  • A minimum number of registrants is required for any event to run. If we cancel an event due to low enrollment, we will provide a full refund.
  • Each participant will be required to sign a waiver of liability. To save time, you can download this waiver and bring it with you.
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Read Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

  • Full payment is due upon registration for a class, clinic, or trip.
  • For cancellations received 7 days or more before your scheduled activity, we will issue a refund less a 10% registration fee.
  • For cancellations received fewer than 7 days before your scheduled activity, we are unable to offer any refunds.
  • Classes, clinics, and trips always run unless the weather is extreme.
  • A minimum number of registrants is required for any event to run. If we cancel an event due to low enrollment, we will provide a full refund.
  • Each participant will be required to sign a waiver of liability. To save time, you can download this waiver and bring it with you.

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Charles River Canoe & Kayak Operates in Cooperation with... Discover Newton Parks Logo Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Logo Canal District Kendall Square Logo City of Somerville, Massachusetts
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