Sea Kayak School

Kayak Instruction and Classes

Gateway to Deer Isle-Stonington Archipelago

The Old Quarry Kayak School now offers a progression of instruction for people just starting out as beginner paddlers who want to learn correct basic skills and to be safe on the water and through the progression to advanced paddlers who either want a brush up or want to go to the next level of paddling skills.

Our instructors are both licensed Maine Sea Kayak Guides and American Canoe Association (ACA) certified instructors. They have developed the following curriculum to better address the needs of our clientele.

Some of these classes require a wetsuit or drysuit. You can rent or purchase them from our Camp Store if you do not have your own.

Click the classes below to see the full description.

Kayak Lessons

Throughout the season.

SOLO Wilderness First Aid Class

April 20 & 21, 2013.
16 hour course for Maine Licensed Guides and other interested people.

Registered Maine Guide Course

April 26, 27, 28 & May 3, 4, 5, 2013.
6 day course designed to prepare participants for the State of Maine Sea Kayak Guide Exam.

Personal Skills Development

Extra Maine Guide Training.
Extra on-the-water training between the two weekends of our Registered Maine Guide Course.

Paddler Development Week

August 26-30, 2013.
5 day course for beginners to intermediates to hone all the skills which contribute to becoming a complete intermediate sea kayaker.

Quick Start - Safety Clinic

For Beginners.
Four hour class, no previous experience required.

Sea Kayaking Fundamentals

For Beginners.
Full day course for beginners who have had no formal training.

Beyond Basics

For Intermediates.
Full day course for intermediate paddlers who are eager to apply their skills in a more challenging ocean environment.

Navigation with a Chart, Compass, and GPS

1 day course.
Eight hour navigation course will cover nautical charts and symbols, aids-to-navigation, use of the compass, and route planning. GPS technology and use of the marine VHF will also be covered.

Sea Kayak Rescues

For Beginners with some previous training.
Essential safety skills for kayakers. Learn how to get back in your boat and to help others in your group.

Rolling Clinic

For Intermediates.
Capsizes happen; learn how to get back up!

The Inside Scoop

Local knowledge you need before setting off on your sea kayaking adventure.

Fundamentals of Kayaking I

For Beginners to Intermediates.
5 day course. Skills for Paddling the Coast of Maine.

Fundamentals of Kayaking II

For Intermediates.
5 day course. Advanced Skills for Multi-Day Trips.

Special Traing Events

For Intermediates.
Current, Rocks, Surf, Open Water.

Old Quarry Ocean Adventures is the gateway to the incredible islands of the Deer Isle - Stonington archipelago, with a campground, practice pond, classroom facilities, and two all-tide launch sites. Our Sea Kayak School offers courses for most any experience level. Whether you are new to the kayaking sport, want to improve your skills, or prepare for the Registered Maine Guide Sea Kayaking Exam, your experience promises to be both educational and fun.

Old Quarry will provide kayaks, paddles, spray skirts, and PFD's. Equipment lists and a recommended reading list will be provided in the course confirmation packet.

Full payment is required at time of registration. Deadlines for registration are two weeks prior to course dates, after which a late fee applies. All classes have a four person minimum and a twelve person maximum. Rates for private lessons for classes listed are $50/hour for one person, $70/hour for two people, special class rates apply for three or more students. Refunds will be given up to four weeks prior to course dates less a 15% processing fee and solely at the discretion of Old Quarry Ocean Adventures, Inc.

Please contact us to register.

Kayak Lessons

Spend some time in our clean, fresh water practice pond or on the ocean for a private kayak lesson with a Registered Maine Guide.

Private lesson beginner topics include getting in and out of the kayak, paddling techniques, wet exit, and self rescue. Advanced topics include weather, navigation, rescue, and maritime safety. Depending on your skill level, time may be spent both in the pond and the ocean during your kayak lesson.

Rates:

One person: $50/hour - Each additional person: $20/hour.

SOLO Wilderness First Aid Class

16 hour class for Maine Licensed Guides and other interested people. Wilderness First Aid Certification card will be issued upon satisfactorily completed course.

Accidents happen. People get hurt, sick, or lost. The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and it starts to rain. Would you know what to do? Many backcountry emergencies are preventable, and even when bad things happen, sometimes the wrong care can make things worse. By learning a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one - and maybe even save a life.

The WFA (Wildlife First Aid) is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants a basic level of first aid training for short trips with family, friends, and outdoor groups. It also meets the ACA guidelines.

The WFA is 16 hour long (two days), and focuses on the basic skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies.

2013 Class Dates:

April 20 & 21. Arrive at 8:00 am and finish at 5:00 pm both days.

Tuition:

$225.00 per person

Campsites at Old Quarry Campground:

$12 per night

Old Quarry Bunkhouse:

$25 per night

Meals:

Breakfast ($6 each) and lunch ($12 each) available

CPR Certification:

This 4 hour class will also be offered on Saturday evening, April 20 from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Cost: $40.00 per person.

Registered Maine Guide Course

Our Registered Maine Guide Course is designed to prepare participants for the State of Maine Sea Kayak Guide Exam. Participation in this course does not guarantee certification.

This six day, 56 hour course, held over two 3-day weekends, will cover a variety of topics, including risk management, trip planning, group leadership, navigation, safety, island ethics, and minimal impact camping. There will be on-water training in kayak paddling skills, rescue techniques, and towing. If time and weather permit, one night may be spent on an island learning group island camping techniques.

Due to the time of year this course is offered, drysuits are required for all on-water activities. We have a few dry suits and many wet suits for rent if you do not have your own. We have dry suits and wet suits for sale as well. Students should be in good physical condition and be prepared for the weather and sea conditions of springtime in Maine.

2013 Course Dates:

April 26, 27, 28 & May 3, 4, 5. Starts Friday 9:00am and ends Sunday 5:00pm.

Tuition:

$582.74 per person

Campsite at Old Quarry Campground:

Stay Thursday night through Sunday afternoon both weekends: Regular rates

Old Quarry Bunkhouse:

Stay Thursday night through Sunday afternoon both weekends:
Upstairs Room(s) (2 twin beds per room): Regular rates
Downstairs Room (1 double bed & 1 bunkbed): Regular rates

Meals:

Breakfast and lunch daily included

Personal Skills Development

This year we are offering extra on-the-water training between the two weekends of our Registered Maine Guide Course. During the 6-day Guide course, time is divided between classroom topics, practice examinations, and practical skills on the water. However, the foundation to being a great leader on the water is really solid personal skills. Paddlers of any level can benefit from spending a few extra days working with our instructors, to hone those skills, so that you can feel confident in your abilities to take care of yourself and your paddling partners on the water. We'll work on such skills as maneuvering, navigation, currents, tricky landings, rescues and more, in a variety of environments that we have available in our area. We can provide boats and drysuits, or you can bring your own equipment.

Tuition:

$140 per person per day

Paddler Development Week

A 5 day course for beginner to intermediates to hone skills for becoming a complete intermediate sea kayaker.

Come spend a week with Nate Hanson (ACA L3 Instructor, BCU 4-star sea leader), and hone all the skills which contribute to becoming a complete intermediate sea kayaker. In this unique 5-day format, students will have time to explore and improve everything from boat handling to weather planning. We'll spend part of each day refining strokes, learning new rescues, or expanding our knowledge of navigation and tidal planning. But we'll also leave time to relax and enjoy those skills as we tour around the scores of scenic islands that surround the Stonington area. Class size will be small, and instruction will cater to each student's particular needs and goals. This class is appropriate for beginner or intermediate paddlers. Cost is $585 per person for the full 5-day class (or $140 per day if you are unable to attend the full week).

2013 Course Dates:

August 26 - 30

Tuition:

$585 per person for the full 5-day class (or $140 per day if you are unable to attend the full week)

Quick Start Safety Clinic

A 4 hour course geared towards the beginner, no previous experience required.

Looking to give kayaking a try? This introductory course is a great place to start. You'll work in a small group with one of our ACA-certified instructors to gain a solid foundation on which to build your kayaking skills. Each half-day class is customized to students' needs, and will include boat and gear selection, basic strokes, and keeping yourself safe on the water. No prior experience is necessary.

Tuition:

$85 per person

Sea Kayaking Fundamentals

A full day course for improving paddlers and those who have been paddling for a while, but without formal instruction.

Learn the basic skills that will give you more from your time on the water. More miles with an improved forward stroke; More fun with better maneuvering skills; More safety with rescue and navigation training. This full-day class introduces students to the skills and knowledge that every kayaker needs for safe and efficient paddling in the ocean environment. We'll cover a variety of strokes, equipment selection, basic navigation, avoiding capsizes, and how to stay safe when things go wrong. Our small class size allows us to give individualized attention to each student, and customize the class to your specific needs. You'll leave this class with plenty to practice, and a clear plan of action for meeting your goals as an improving sea kayaker.

Tuition:

$140 per person

Beyond the Basics

A full day course for intermediate paddlers who are eager to apply their skills in more challenging ocean environments.

This class is offered for the experienced kayaker who is interested in taking their paddling to the next level. During this full-day session you will work in a small-group format with an ACA-certified Coastal Kayaking Instructor to improve those skills needed for sea paddling in a broad range of environments and conditions. Course content will be determined by your specific needs, and may include advanced bracing, stroke refinement, navigation, etc. Participants should have an understanding of basic strokes and rescues, equivalent to ACA Level 2. (For paddlers aspiring to take off on their own tours of the area, pair this class with The Inside Scoop.)

Tuition:

$140 per person

Navigation with a Chart, Compass, and GPS

The one day, 8 hour navigation course will cover nautical charts and symbols, aids-to-navigation, use of the compass, and route planning. A basic overview of GPS technology will be covered.

An on-water exercise will be held to execute a student planned route emphasizing safe route planning and detailed course plotting.

Use of the marine VHF for communicating and safety will also be covered.

Tuition:

$140 per person

Sea Kayak Rescues

Essential safety skills for kayakers.

This 2 hour class concentrates on teaching you to get back in your kayak in the event of a capsize. The water here is chilly, even during summer, and knowing how to get yourself or your partners back in a kayak is one of the most important safety skills you need to know. While these rescues are taught as part of our comprehensive classes (Sea Kayak Fundamentals and Beyond the Basics), this important skill sometimes warrants a little extra attention.

Tuition:

$85 per person

Kayak Rolling

Capsizes happen. Learn how to get back up!

Learning how to roll your kayak is a great confidence builder, and will greatly improve your safety. This basic skill is not a dark art, only attainable by the true masters - it's just another kayak stroke. Our ACA certified instructors will work with you in a 2 hour private or semi-private session, guiding you towards a solid roll. Already performed a few rolls? We'll provide you with the tips and refinement you need to make it rough water ready! Call us and we'll schedule a rolling class that works for you.

Tuition:

$85 per person

The Inside Scoop

A full day class to learn the local knowledge that you need before setting off on your sea kayak adventure! This weekly class is geared towards experienced kayakers who are planning to do their own day or multi-day trips. Offered every Monday, or custom-scheduled for your group of 2 or more.

The Maine coast offers remarkable opportunities for sea kayakers, but it also poses unique challenges. We want you to be well-prepared for your self-guided trips, so we are offering this class (NEW for 2012) to help you get the most out of your time on the water. Best camping options, danger areas, tidal planning, navigation and more. You'll spend a day paddling around the Stonington Archipelago with an experienced Maine Guide and ACA certified Instructor, learning valuable information along the way that will improve your paddling experience and keep you safe! Participants should have intermediate paddling skills, equivalent to ACA Level 3. (If you are in need of a skills tune-up, pair this course with Beyond the Basics.)

Tuition:

$140 per person

Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking I - Skills for Paddling the Coast of Maine

The Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking I course is a 5 day course designed for beginner to intermediate paddlers. The course will provide a foundation of the basic skills required to safely paddle the coast of Maine. The Fundamentals I course will be based at Old Quarry with a combination of classroom and on-water training.

On-water training will include kayak paddling skills, rescue techniques, and navigation. As time and weather allows, a day tour of the islands will be provided to emphasize the skills covered in this course.

Topics to be covered include kayak types and features, basic kayak paddling skills, self rescue and assisted rescue techniques, navigation and safety, tides and currents, the decision process, communicating with VHF, island and waterfront ethics, and dealing with weather.

Tuition:

$582.74 per person

Campsite at Old Quarry Campground:

Stay Sunday night through Friday afternoon: Regular rates

Old Quarry Bunkhouse:

Stay Sunday night through Friday afternoon:
Upstairs Room(s) (2 twin beds per room): Regular rates
Downstairs Room(1 double bed & 1 bunkbed): Regular rates

Meals:

Breakfast and lunch daily included

Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking II - Advanced Skills for Multi-Day Trips

The Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking II course is a 5 day course designed for those who have completed the Fundamentals I course or can demonstrate intermediate kayak paddling skills and experience. Fundamentals II is designed to cover the decision making and kayak paddling skills required for multi-day trips on the coast of Maine.

Training will include both classroom and on-water training. The course model will be based on planning, executing scenarios, and debriefing. Topics to be covered include advanced kayak paddling skills, self rescue and assisted rescue techniques, towing, navigation and safety, the decision process, tides and currents, decisions on weather, dealing with emergencies, trip planning including camping, and minimal impact camping techniques.

Tuition:

$582.74 per person

Campsite at Old Quarry Campground:

Stay Sunday night through Friday afternoon: Regular rates

Old Quarry Bunkhouse :

Stay Sunday night through Friday afternoon:
Upstairs Room(s) (2 twin beds per room): Regular rates
Downstairs Room (1 double bed & 1 bunkbed): Regular rates

Meals:

Breakfast and lunch daily included

Special Training Events

A full day class with a taste of something different! Currents, Rocks, Open-Water.

Occasionally during the season we may offer special courses for students wishing to push their abilities in some of the more challenging paddling environments in our region. Some sample offerings:

Tidal Currents Training at one of the area's numerous reversing tidal falls.
Rocks and Ledges Training, an introduction to the dynamic area where the rocks meet the sea.
Open-Water Training during a passage to one of the more distant off-shore islands in our area.

If these Special Training Events sound interesting to you, please let our instructors know, and we will keep you posted as these events are scheduled.

Tuition:

$140 per person