|
 Learn
the basics of Canoeing and Kayaking or take your water sport to the
next level. We offer private or group Maine Canoeing and Kayaking Instruction at our beautiful private
pond & Saco River locations; for beginner, advanced beginner, and
intermediate boaters. Our instructors are expert boaters with the enthusiasm
and patience to get you to the next level. For more information on Maine Kayaking and Canoeing Instruction or to
reserve your space, please call us @ 207-793-2652.
Where
We Teach:
We start
at our own private sandy beach/pond in Parsonsfield, Maine. As your
comfort level progresses we then go to the Saco River where we take
advantage of learning moving water skills. Here as your boating skills
advance, you have the option of playing in class II and low class III
white water.
 We provide all top notch equipment for our Outdoor Adventure Schools; boats by Old Town Canoe, Dagger, Necky, Perception, paddles, spray skirts, helmets, and personal flotation devices. An excellent lunch and snack are included with all Maine Canoeing and Kayaking Classes.
Our
Style of Instruction:
We limit our student to instructor ratio along with keeping students of comparable aptitudes together for a more positive learning experience. Southern Maine Guide Service emphasizes the development of safety and sound paddling techniques which are the key to enjoyment and success in whitewater boating. While everyone wants to get on moving water as soon as possible, we will continually work on fundamentals as we progress. If it is not second nature on flat water it won't be on moving water!
We start on flat and slow moving water and work on wet escapes, bracing, eddy turns, peel outs, ferries, and water reading. When we move to quicker water on the river we sometimes spend the afternoon in one rapid working on these skills. Beginning to learn how to surf is also done early in the program. As skills develop we will gradually go to rapids with faster and rougher water but we will always make sure students are capable of handling it. Our goal is to paddle and enjoy whitewater, not just go down it! We will also work on developing a roll at our Private Pond where many of our students learn to roll during a one or two day course. We will later work on rolls in moving water.
 Our Maine Canoeing and Kayaking Classes for more advanced boaters are customized based on the students individual goals, but we continue to work on developing strong paddling skills, confidence, and water reading. We will work on surfing, basic play boating techniques, and run more technically challenging water.
Private
and semi-private instruction:
Private
instruction is great for guaranteed one-on-one intensive instruction.
Semi-private works well for couples or those small groups that have
similar goals and abilities.
 Guided
Tours:
We also
offer guided tours for intermediate and advanced paddlers on the Saco
River. While the primary focus of a tour is to provide safety and guidance
for those paddling these rivers for the first time, we will also work
on paddling techniques as needed.
Canoe
and Touring Kayak Instruction:
This instruction
is run much like our kayak programs and is also based on the Saco River.
Instruction is available by request and on an unscheduled basis.
 Class
Descriptions and How to Rate your Ability:
Please use
the following descriptions to evaluate your skill level. Once you have
made your reservation, one of our staff will telephone you to go over
goals, prior experience, and athletic background so that we can place
you with a group and instructor best suited to your needs.
I.
Beginner: Brand new to the sport - has never been in an enclosed boat in moving water and has had no prior instruction in whitewater, brand new to the sport. Generally speaking, experience in a sea kayak does not transfer to whitewater paddling.
II.
Advanced Beginner: Has had prior instruction, has paddled low class II moving water, and has attempted a roll. Understands and can perform a peel out, eddy turn and ferry, and basic bracing techniques. Generally cautious and still inconsistent in performing basic techniques.
III.
Intermediate: Generally more aggressive, has performed a roll in flat water and tried in moving water, and can comfortably run class II and low class III water. Still needs work on sound paddling techniques. This also gives participants the opportunity to take kayaking to a play boating level. We will work on the eskimo roll, learn how to front and side surf and more.
Southern Maine Guide Service Canoe & Kayaking Whitewater Adventure School
- Courses
can be reserved for 1, 2, and 3 days
- Weekday
and weekend trips available
- Minimum
group size of 4 required for alternative dates
- Minimum
age required is 14 years
- Special
pricing for personal instruction
- Top
of the line equipment provided
- Certified
ACA instructors
- Whitewater
Kayaking Made Easy
- Whitewater
Canoeing Made Easy
Lodging,
Camping, and Meal Options:
If
you are interested in signing up then CLICK
HERE! |
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