Susan Conrad is the magic behind any good learning journey. She is incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated to the sport. From the first meeting I knew I was in excellent hands. She introduced me to ideas and concepts that I would never have discovered on my own and provided reasoning and explanations behind her time proven practices. I have found success on the water reflecting her approach and way of thinking. I eagerly looked forward to each lesson and found my mind replaying the lesson for days afterwards. She covered equipment, safety, kayak set up and posture, dry entry, wet exit, self rescue, group rescue, paddle strokes, bracing, and the infamous kayak roll. Susan was able to evaluate my abilities and progress, offer demonstrations, and break concepts down into small easily digestible steps. My level of personal safety has increased and I have a much broader vision of kayaking. Whether starting as a beginner, intermediate, or seasoned veteran, I am convinced that Susan can play a key role in getting you started, help you brush up, or find the next level. 

Tim Cameron, British Columbia

I cannot imagine having a more genuinely caring, amazingly experienced, technically precise, and downright fun instructor than Susan.

former student from the Community Boating Center, Bellingham, WA

I joined Susan on a 5 day saltwater adventure in British Columbia in September 2007. It was an exciting adventure, very memorable and invigorating. It was obvious to me that Susan had previously and thoroughly checked everything out with an emphasis on safety - especially important to me since I am a beginning kayaker! The opportunity was there to learn and push myself and experience the thrill of being out where I would not be comfortable going alone.

Ann Jeremiassen, Olney, Montana

Intro to Kayaking

Beginners

Looking to get your feet wet and see if kayaking is for you? Then sign up for a fun and informational three hour adventure! This laid-back workshop offers the best of both worlds; on-land and on-water instruction combined with a mini-tour of local waters.

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Designed for beginners with recreational or touring kayaks, this course covers basics such as equipment and terminology, proper cockpit entries and exits, basic strokes, safety, and other fundamentals. (To gain more skills, I recommend signing up for the Kayaking 101 Wet Class.)

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3 Hours

$80- With your own equipment

$95-Using my equipment

(Add $20 for private lessons)

Flexible time and dates-call to schedule

Location: Flexible. Directions will be provided upon registration.

Kayaking 101

WET!

Ready to think outside the boat? Then let's have fun and GET WET! Knowing how to deal with an unexpected capsize is fundamental to a kayaker's safety. This is a very thorough, comprehensive, and interactive course, so plan on learning lots and getting wet! We'll spend a fair amount of time on making your strokes and maneuvers in the kayak smooth, effortless, and fluid. Grace and style on the H20- that's our goal! An efficient forward stroke, turning strokes, braces, and moving the boat laterally will all be covered. The last hour will be spent in and out of the water as we practice getting back in the kayak after that "out of boat experience"!

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Wetsuits highly recommended!

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3 1/2 Hours

TIME: 1-4:30 PM

$90- With your own equipment

$110- Using my equipment

(Add $20 for private lessons)

Flexible dates- call to schedule

Location: Flexible. Directions will be provided upon registration

Eskimo Rolling Clinic

Kayaking 101

I only teach the roll 1 on 1- you can't beat that instructor-to-student ratio to learn the art of putting the upside-down world of kayaking right-side up!

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With hip snap drills, braces, body and paddle movements, we'll break down the components of the roll. WETSUIT AND/OR DRYTOP HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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2 Hours

$95- With your own equipment, includes loaner video

$115- Using my equipment, includes loaner video

Flexible times and dates-call to schedule

Location: Flexible. Directions will be provided upon registration.

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Note: the roll is usually not mastered in a single session. If you schedule a follow-up class within one week of your first class, I will only charge you $50 for the second class!

Pool sessions: I can also offer a private pool lesson. Learn in the comfort of a heated pool!