Kayaking
School - Whitewater Kayaking Classes -Private Kayaking Instruction
Join
us as we celebrate our 27th year in business. We are proud
of our status as the oldest, largest, and
most experienced kayaking school in Southern
and Central California.
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Beginner - Minimum Age 14 yrs.
 2
Days - $305 - Mid-week $285
3
Days - $415 - Mid-week $395 |
Our Style - Class
Pricing - Reservation Info - More Information - Roll
Classes - Whitewater Kayaking Float Notes (PDF)
Exciting, dynamic and rewarding, whitewater kayaking is the most
challenging of all the various styles of kayaking available. With
this class, we've successfully created river kayakers for 26 years.
Our proven teaching method takes you through a gradual progression
that maximizes the fun. We've designed our beginning class for those
who have never river kayaked before, or who have played around with
kayaking some, but have not had formal instruction in the fundamentals
of river kayaking. Take this class if you are a sea kayaker or surf
kayaker paddling on the river for the first time.
The 101 class starts on the flatwater of Isabella Lake, where you will
learn essential boating skills such as the wet-exit, self-rescue,
partner-assisted rolls and efficient stroke technique. At the end
of the morning session, we will break for a hearty lunch and preview
the afternoon's challenges. We spend the afternoon on the lake developing
more of the steering and balancing skills needed to do river maneuvers
such as peel-outs, ferries, and eddy turns. These and other techniques
are required to become a safe, efficient whitewater kayaker.
You'll begin your second day with a review of the first day's progress
and an introduction to river reading and more safety skills. We will
progress to the river to practice our new techniques on moving water.
After lunch, the two-day class graduates take an exciting run down
a class II-III whitewater section of the Kern. Upon completion of
this class, students will receive a free kayak package rental and
be eligible to rent a kayak in the future. What are you waiting for?
Come out and learn a great new way to play! Classes start at 8:30am.
sharp and are usually over by 4pm. Included are paddling equipment,
lunch & transportation once you get to Sierra South. Now you are
ready for the next step, The Third Day or
an AM Roll/PM Tune-up.
"If I just had one more day!" . . . We've heard our students say
this time and again. A third day is often just what the River Gods
ordered to make it all come together. Graduates of our three-day courses
have described the third day as more valuable than the first two combined.
Why? Everything seems to come together and just click. You'll get
a dedicated introduction to the Eskimo roll, more river experience
and extra time to practice new skills. And besides, it's a great way
to spend a Monday! We understand that some people enjoy Monday morning
traffic, so the third day is optional. All we need is at least three
individuals from the class to sign up, and the third day is a go.
Talk your classmates into blowing off work, and invest in a great
sport. We'll write you a note. See Schedule for dates.
Our Style - Class
Pricing - Reservation Info - More Information - Roll
Classes - Whitewater Kayaking Float Notes (PDF)
Beginner - Minimum Age 14 yrs.
1 Day- $139
The Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking classis designed for those who want a taste of whitewater kayaking and may not want to commit to our 2 or 3 day classes. Instructors will help you learn some of the basic skills while introducing you to the exciting aspects of this sport. Instructor's will select the best boats for you, and gear, and then start you out on flat water to build better boat control. Lunch is included. Minimum number is 4 students.
Advanced Beginner - Minimum Age 14 yrs.
2
Days - $305
3
Days - $415
Our Style - Class
Pricing - Reservation Info - More Information - Roll
Classes - Whitewater Kayaking Float Notes (PDF)
A 201 is for those who have successfully completed a 101 class, or
can boat comfortably in Class II water,
competently self-rescue, and have a working knowledge of the Eskimo
roll. The majority of the class is spent on moving water, with a morning
at the lake as a refresher. Our river time starts with refining basic
paddle strokes, eddy turns, and ferry angles. We then introduce advanced
strokes, surfing, and more difficult eddy turns and peel-outs. If
your 101 class did not include a third day, we recommend you take
a 101 AM Lake Roll/PM Tune-Up, or repeat a 101 class before taking
this class. Classes start at 8:30am. sharp and are usually over by
4pm. Included are paddling equipment, lunch & transportation once
you get to Sierra South. If you need advice, please give us a call.
And On The Third Day...
"If I just had one more day!" . . . We've heard our students say
this time and again. A third day is often just what the River Gods
ordered to make it all come together. Graduates of our three-day courses
have described the third day as more valuable than the first two combined.
Why? Everything seems to come together and just click. You'll get
a dedicated attention to your Eskimo roll, more river experience and
extra time to practice new skills. And besides, it's a great way to
spend a Monday! We understand that some people enjoy Monday morning
traffic, so the third day is optional. All we need is at least three
individuals from the class to sign up, and the third day is a go.
Talk your classmates into blowing off work, and invest in a great
sport. We'll write you a note.
For Additional Classes Click One of the Following Links!
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Whitewater Kayaking Classes
Kayaking
101
Kayaking
201
Total
Kayaking Immersion
Women's
101 and 201
Never
Too Old To... 101
Freestyle
Class
Class IV/V Upper Kern
Class V Forks
Youth 101
101 & 201
Tune-Ups
101 &
201 Roll/Tune-Up Combos
Private
Instruction
Boaters
Rescue Course
Roll Classes
Lake Roll Class
River Roll Class
101 &
201 Roll/Tune-Up Combos |
Touring and Recreational
Kayaking
Intro To
Lake Paddling
Custom Group Programs
Youth Groups
Company
Trips
Public and
Private Schools
Adventure
Race Certification
Demos and Events
Boaters Rescue
Course
Private Instruction
Event Calendar Tandem Whitewater Kayaking
Dynamic Duo Whitewater
Trip |
Reserve online or call us at 1-800-457-2082, Monday-Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm. You
may also contact us via our fax at 1-760-376-1706
or write us a letter. Our classes start booking weeks
in advance, so make your reservations early. Prices listed
do not include 3-7% USFS/Land
use fees. Operating under permit
with the Sequoia National Forest, trips are conducted on
the Wild & Scenic Kern River,
at Isabella Lake, and in the majestic mountains of the Southern
Sierra Nevada.
Please review our Kayaking
Float Notes (PDF) to see how to get to Kernville,
what you need to bring, and other important information.
For more details, see Making
Reservations. For
information on Motels and
Campgrounds see our "Around
the Kern" Resource Guide.
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The Day of the Kayak Class
All of Sierra South's classes meet at the Sierra
South Mountain Sports Kernville store. There you
will check-in for your class get any last minute items needed
such as river shorts, sunscreen, noseplugs, etc., and greet
your instructor. We will begin to outfit you with all the
proper gear for your respective class. Then it is off to
the river or lake to begin paddling. All of our classes start
within a few minutes of the store. Vehicles are equipped
with radios to insure a smooth operation. Lunch is provided
on all one and two-day classes. Afternoon sessions end with
transportation back to the store. Please see our Float
Notes (PDF) for additional details.
Who is Sierra South? - Student Comments
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New Whitewater Kayak Classes!
We have expanded our operations
to provide commercial outfitter and guide services
on the Forks of the Kern and additional sections
of the Upper Kern River. This means more exciting
kayaking classes for your paddling pleasure! Download
our Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (PDF)
for more information!
Float
Notes
Equipment Rentals
Nearly all our classes include
the basic paddling equipment needed for the class.
Please read the class description to see what equipment
is included. If you would like to demo a new boat
or paddle, or you left a vital piece of equipment
at home, we have boat and equipment rentals available.
Please consult out Rental
Info page for rates and rental policies. Restrictions
and pre-qualifications may apply on certain rental
items.
Early Bird and
Mid-Week Classes
Take advantage of our Early
Bird and Mid-Week classes at reduced prices. We
have scheduled several throughout the season for
those who can take advantage of off-peak days.
Book Your Own
Group Lesson!
If you have a group of four
or more, and would like a date not scheduled, call
us. We can set up a special mid-week class to fit
your calendar at no extra charge.
Which Class Is
Right For Me?
It is important to take
a class at your proper skill level. Signing up
for the wrong class can make the experience unpleasant
for everyone. Our goal is to advance your boating
skills with just the right amount of challenge.
If you still have some questions after reading
over the class descriptions, please give us a call
at 1-760-376-3745.
Group Discounts
Group discounts can be earned
for most of our trips. We are sorry, but group
discounts are not available on Saturday starts
or Holidays. To qualify for group discounts you
must meet the minimum group numbers, pay your deposit
and final payment with one check or credit card,
and pay by the required dates, or revert to normal
rates. For any confirmed Class III Lickety Split,
Lickety Blaster, Lickety Inflatable Kayak, or Lickety
Combo reservation of 15 people, one goes free.
With a confirmed reservation of 25-34, 2 go free,
and 35+ 3 go free. On our Upper Kern trips, any
group of 12 or more qualifies for a 15% discount
any day except Saturdays or Holidays. Charter a
full group of 15 guests on the Forks of the Kern
and one goes free, except Saturdays or Holiday
starts. For any confirmed Kayak or Climbing class
of 10 (full charter) one goes free. NOTE: School
programs are already group discounted and do not
qualify for any of the above discounts.
Cancellations
You may cancel 45 or more
days before your Sierra South trip date and receive
a full refund less a $25 processing fee per person.
Cancellations made 44 days or less before trip
date are non-refundable. If you must cancel , try
to find a friend to take your space. All trips
go rain or shine. However, we reserve the right
to cancel a trip due to water conditions or insufficient
reservations, in which case, only your trip fees
are refundable. Refunds cannot be granted by guides
and must be approved by our main office. No refunds
will be given if you are injured, sick, or leave
a trip or class early for any other reason. Sierra
South is not liable for other costs incurred in
association with a cancelled trip. We suggest trip
insurance such as www.travelguard.com to cover
any unexpected situations.
Responsibility
and Liability
All Sierra South trips and
classes involve physical activity and include certain
elements of risk. We make every effort to run trips
and classes in the finest, most fun-filled manner
as possible. However, we cannot guarantee your
safety. It is your responsibility to evaluate your
level of fitness and to select a trip or class
which is appropriate for you. Seek medical advice
before your trip if you question your physical
condition. It is your responsibility to follow
our instructions. Everyone will be required to
sign a release of liability/assumption of risk
form and photography/video waiver form before departure.
Minors under 18 not accompanied by their parents
must bring to the river a release form signed by their parent or legal
guardian. Click
here to download the Release Form. ( PDF) |
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