Interested in developing a new life-long skill?
Looking to face a challenge with the help of professionals?
Our staff are here for you.
Paddle Bridge instructors combine teaching practices developed by the American Canoe Association with years of paddling experience to bring you a top-of-the-line learning experience.
Topics commonly covered include kayak terminology, paddling techniques, hazard awareness, self-rescue methods and more—the exact syllabus often depends on students’ goals!
Lessons start at $45/hour + tax (minimum 2 hours) and are currently available by request.
Ready to book a lesson? Please share your interest in the submission form below.
Body, boat, and blade blend together in our immersive kayaking courses.
Whether you’re an excited new paddling student, coming back after a hiatus with your brand new kayak, or grew up self-taught and want to grow your technique, this may be the push you’ve been looking for. Our ACA-certified instructors will teach you everything you need to know to start hitting the water with confidence and give you the tools to level up your skills.
If you have your own kayak, you are encouraged to use it. If you don’t own yet or want to learn more in order to make a smart purchase, you can rent one of ours for the lesson.
2025 course dates:
*L2: Essentials of Kayak Touring - Sat, July 12
*Optional L1 & 2 Skills Assessment Sun, July 13 & Sun, August 10
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If you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics in a focused classroom, Intro to Kayaking is your bridge to the world of paddling! With instruction and feedback from a professional guide certified by the American Canoe Association* (ACA), you will gain a foundation of essential skills for safe and confident navigation.
What this course offers, at a glance:
Preparation:
Evaluating weather conditions, water hazards, and risk assessment
Kayak anatomy, proper gear selection/use, and other technical knowledge
On-Water Skills:
Basic efficient strokes
Combining strokes into essential kayak maneuvers in a buoy course
Introduction to rescues
Expertise & Resources:
Individualized feedback from your instructor
ACA Member pro-deals & educational resources (if purchasing an ACA membership with the course)
*This class corresponds to the standards for the ACA’s Level 1 Introduction to Kayaking skills course, designed as a short program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry level individuals.
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If you're a kayaker looking to build real rescue skills, Paddle Bridge’s Foundations in Flatwater Rescue & Safety offers the knowledge and tools to stay safe and support others on the water. Taught by one of our ACA-certified instructors*, this 6-hour course blends practical experience with effective safety techniques.
What this course offers, at a glance:
Preparation:
Reading wind, waves, and weather
Planning for safety, risk, and communication
Hands-on practice with safety gear, rope handling, and signals
On-Water Skills:
Wet exits and safe swimming techniques
Self-rescue and assisted rescues (T-rescue, paddle float, sling, reentry)
Towing systems, gear recovery, and real-life scenario practice
Expertise & Resources:
Personalized feedback from an ACA certified instructor
Supportive, team-based learning environment
Optional ACA membership offers pro-deals and ongoing learning tools
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Level 2 Essentials of Kayak Touring:
A certificate-bearing Skills Course with optional Skills Assessment from the American Canoe AssociationBody, boat, and blade blend together in this immersive kayaking course.
Whether you’re an excited new paddling student, coming back after a hiatus with your brand new kayak, or grew up self-taught and want to grow your technique, this may be the push you’ve been looking for. Our instructors will teach you everything you need to know to start hitting the water with confidence and give you the tools to level up your skills.
If you have your own kayak, you are encouraged to use it. If you don’t own yet or want to learn more in order to make a smart purchase, you can rent one of ours for the lesson.
*Optional L1 & 2 Skills Assessment Sun, July 13 & Sun, August 10
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*Optional L1 & L2 ACA Skills Assessments available Sun, July 13 & Sun, August 10 with and without L1: Intro to Kayaking or L2: Essentials of Kayak Touring participation.
Add-on Skills Assessments purchase available with your L1: Intro to Kayaking or L2: Essentials of Kayak Touring Skills Course registration. Our instructors will reach out to confirm Skills Assessment scheduling.
Complete the submission form below for more information.