KAYAK COURSES

This course is aimed at the complete beginner and allows you to try paddling in calm water at a calm pace together with an experienced kayak instructor, who teaches basic paddling techniques.

Your instructor will go through some basic kayaking techniques, kayak settings and safety information before putting the kayaks in the water. This course has a simple pace that suits everyone.

Our goal is to make you appreciate kayaking as we do. Even though you do not need any previous experience to take this course with us, you should be able to swim to participate. After completing this course, you will have your EPP white level, the first of five available levels.

Course objectives

After this beginner introduction, you have gained an insight into kayaking and hopefully you want to paddle and learn more, click here to see our other courses in kayaking.

Duration

2 hours

This course is our most popular and is aimed at beginners who want to learn more about the basics of kayaking to open up possibilities of paddling in calm waters; on a lake or the inner archipelago. We alternate exercises with instructions and practice at a leisurely pace together with an experienced kayak instructor, in a small group where positive encouragement and fun are always in focus.

Your instructor will go through several basic paddling techniques and safety information before you try some simple paddling exercises, which aim to give you confidence in yourself and your kayak. During the course we paddle approx. 10-12 kilometers. This gives us time to show and teach the course requirements in a pedagogically good way, with a lot of joy, laughter and try for yourself.

Even though you do not need any previous experience to take this course with us, you should be able to swim to participate.

After completing this course, you will have your EPP yellow level, the second of five available levels. Read more about the Paddle Pass here. With approved results, you can buy a YELLOW EPP paddle pass for 150 SEK.

Duration

3 hour

CRITERIA

Technique

1. Lift, carry and load the kayak
2. Kayaking forward, 50 m
3. Stop
4. Swipe, 360 degrees on the spot
5. Paddle backwards, 25 m
6. Paddle an eight
7. Paddle to the bridge and get out

Progression – to try

8. Sideway movement
9. Steer
10. Avoid tipping over – support (low)

Security

Personal protective equipment must be adapted to prevailing weather, kayak and location. The kayaker must also show water habits in / under the water. Furthermore, the kayaker should try to roll over, collect his things, swim ashore and empty the kayak.

Environment and Behavior

The kayaker must show understanding and appreciation for current environmental legislation. Furthermore, the kayaker must relate to the following:

• Know its capacity and stay within its framework.
• Know the risks associated with current waters.
• Ensure adapted and relevant equipment.
• Always respect nature.
• Follow the Right of Public Access, environmental legislation and possibly local rules and regulations.
• Respect access agreements; Avoid conflict with landowners and other stakeholders in the area.
• When training and competing, follow the principles of Fair Play.

Internship

At level 1 yellow, the examination / assessment can take place in connection with a course / education.

This course is a fun and educational course, which will lift you from a beginner to a safe kayaker.

We alternate exercises with instructions and practice at a leisurely pace together with an experienced kayak instructor, in a small group where positive encouragement and fun are always in focus.

To get the most out of this course you and the other participants are expected to have previous experience kayaking, preferably you have completed an EPP YELLOW course with us or you can prove beforehand that you have the basic kayaking knowledge equal to the EPP YELLOW course.  You should be able to swim to participate.

Your instructor will run through paddling techniques, safety instructions and lots of exercises designed to build your strength and confidence as a kayaker, while we laugh and enjoy life in a kayak.

We will stop at a suitable place for a break and a leg stretch (PLEASE NOTE! Bring your own lunch bag and/or snacks).

Duration

5 hours

COURSE OBJECTIVE  & CRITERIA

Once you have completed the course, you will have the knowledge to do kayak trips in the archipelago with an overnight stay without too much exposing and long crossings.

Technique

1. Lift, carry and load the kayak
2. Efficient paddling forward
3. Paddle backwards
4. Stop
5. Move the kayak sideways
6. Low support
7. Rear rudder
8. Steer with rudder depending on the kayak
9. Swing with low support
10. Turn and turn
11. Edging and slope
12. Paddle to the dock and get out of the kayak
13. Put the kayak safely on land

Progression – to try

1. High support
2. Bow Rescue
3. Side movement during speed
4. Sculling

Security

In addition to a touch of the first and yellow level, in terms of personal protective equipment and water habits, level 2 green includes different types of rescue.

1. Self-rescue – The kayaker is encouraged to roll over, gather equipment and get into the kayak for further travel, alternatively swim to land, empty and then get in the kayak again.
2. Comrade rescue – Furthermore, rescue in deep water is included, and there be both the person who saves and the person who is rescued with the help of friend rescue.

Environment and Behaviour

Regarding the environment and behaviour, the same principles apply as in the previous yellow level. The three basic messages are:

• Know your capacity and stay within these limits
• Respect nature
• Follow the principles of Fair Play during training and competition

Internship

For level 2 green, it is appropriate with at least three weeks of internship linked to the examination, either by participating in a course or paddling on your own. The examination is booked separately.

Green European Paddle Pass Examination in sea kayaking can be taken for your own personal kayak development or it may be a requirement to rent a kayak or join a kayak club. The green paddle pass is the third level in EPP to be developed as a paddler. Regardless of your motivation, we offer an excellent location and all the equipment that will help you.

If you are unsure of your knowledge, we recommend booking one of our GREEN courses before the examination.

More information about the different levels in EPP can be found here.

The purpose of this examination is to build trust and encourage further learning and development and joy in kayaking.

Completion of the Examination

We set out on a short trip of about 5-6km from our dock where the examiner asks you to complete particular exercises. Once you have completed the paddle the examiner will give you feedback on your technique and hints and tips of things to work on.

Duration

3 hours

CRITERIA

Technique

• Lift, carry and load the kayak
• Efficient paddling forward
• Paddle backwards
• Stop
• Move the kayak sideways
• Low support
• Rear rudder
• Steer with rudder depending on the kayak
• Swing with low support
• Turn and turn
• Edging and slope
• Paddle to the dock and get out of the kayak
• Put the kayak safely on land

Progression – to try

• High support
• Rescue
• Side movement during speed
• Sculling

Security

In addition to a touch of the first and yellow level, in terms of personal protective equipment and water habits, level 2 green includes different types of rescue.

• Self-rescue – The kayaker is encouraged to roll over, gather equipment and get into the kayak for further travel, alternatively swim to land, empty and then get in the kayak again.
• Comrade rescue – Furthermore, rescue in deep water is included, and there be both the person who saves and the person who is rescued with the help of friend rescue.

Environment and Behaviour

Regarding the environment and behaviour, the same principles apply as in the previous yellow level. The three basic messages are:

• Know your capacity and stay within these limits
• Respect nature
• Follow the principles of Fair Play during training and competition

Internship

For level 2 green, it is appropriate with at least three weeks of internship linked to the examination, either by participating in a course or paddling on your own.

This course is aimed at learning how to rescue a paddling friend and self-rescue yourself as well as towing techniques.

We alternate exercises with instructions and practice at a leisurely pace together with an experienced kayak instructor, in a small group where positive encouragement and fun are always in focus.

Your instructor will go through several basic paddling techniques and safety information before you try some simple rescue exercises, which aim to give you confidence in yourself and your kayak.

Our kayak dock is located right in the heart of the city, on Kungsholmen, just a couple of hundred meters from T Centralen, in the Karlberg Canal just below Barnhus Bridge. Here we can teach you kayaking in an excellent accessible and central location! Our kayak equipment is new and in top condition and our kayak instructors are qualified and experienced.

Even though you do not need any previous experience to take this course with us, you should be able to swim to participate.

After completing this course, you will feel confident rescuing your colleague or yourself in case of capsize.

Course objectives

Learn the best techniques for self-rescue, friend rescue and towing.

• We provide Prijon kayaks, TNP Wolferine paddles, Hiko life jacket & spray decks, plus a map of the area.
• Our accident insurance applies to all participants during the course.
• Minimum height: 1.50 m / maximum height: 1.95m. Maximum weight: 130 kg.
• Minimum age: 15 years. All youth must be accompanied by an adult.
• Small groups; minimum 2 participants / maximum 8 participants.
• Language: Swedish and/or English. 
• Our instructors are trained in the EPP European Paddle Pass.
• Our dock is the most centrally located in the city. It is located near Barnhusbron on Kungsholmen and approx. 900 meters from T Centralen, the closest street address is Pipersgatan 45.
• There are no toilets at our kayak dock, the meeting point for your tour, but you are welcome to come to our main location (Kungsbro Strand 21) during our office hours to use the toilet.
• Once the course is completed and you are approved, you can buy the paddle pass EPP YELLOW step 1 for 150 SEK.
• Buy the Big Book on kayaking, recommended by the Swedish Canoeing Association for training in the Swedish version of the EPP European Paddle Pass. Price 350 SEK.
• Bring your own swimwear or change of clothes for safety exercises (see syllabus) we also rent dry suits if you want the price 450 SEK / pp.
• This course will take place in all weathers unless the instructor believes it to be unsafe. Please dress appropriately.
• Life Vest sizes:
  • Extra Small (15-30kg)
  • Small (30-40kg)
  • Small/Medium (35-75kg)
  • Large/X Large (50-90kg)
  • XX Large (+95kg)
• If we do not meet the minimum number required for the course, we will offer you an alternative date, or a full refund.