intrested in learning how to kayak

[absoluteZero]

Hi,

I have been intrested in learning how to kayak for a while now. I will appreciate any help to know if there is a club I can join. Canoe Polo sounds intresting too!!! But I guess, first thing first.

I live in Burlingame CA.(near San Francisco CA) Distance is not really an issue. But cost is. Most of the places I have checked out are one day classes and quite expensive.

If I want to get my own kayak, what would be a good place- obvously used to start with will be prudent.

Thanks in anticipation.

Cheers!!

[JW Lester]

Check out California Canoe and Kayak at Jack London Square in Oakland. They have some reasonably priced lessons.

One of the first thing's you'll need to learn how to do is roll the kayak back up which you can learn to do in the same pool that we play in on a different night through CCK.

And... strangely enough, even though it may seem crazy, kayak polo is used worldwide not only as a fun sport, but also as a way for beginners to learn how to kayak in a the safe environment of a pool. Proper paddle stroke technique, rolling skills and more advanced manoeuvering skills are all part of polo.

We have beginner sessions where you can cheaply (we have rental kayaks and gear) learn the basics of kayak polo, and you'll pick up some of the skills you'll need to do Sea Kayaking, Surf Kayaking, Whitewater Kayaking or Recreational Kayaking.

Plus we also go to the pub afterward! :cheers:

You can find links to CCK and the San Francisco area kayak polo club at http://www.sfbay.uskayakpolo.org/

Once you've learned a bit, the biggest local whitewater kayaking club is called Gold Country Paddlers : http://www.rivervilla.com/gcp/

There is also a great sea kayaking club called the Bay Area Sea Kayakers : http://www.bask.org/

Good luck and maybe we'll see you around.

Cheers,
John
:welcome:

[absoluteZero]

Hi John,
:wavey:
I already checked out bask-- they don't seem to be a fun group -- and moreover they don't go to the pub either :mad: !!

Thanks for the info but you did not mention where you practice? Davis? When do you practice? Weekends ?
How do I join? How much is the fee? How long have you been playing? Too many questions eh?

Sure would love to join a fun group of people like you sound!

;) cheers!

hini

[JW Lester]

We play primarily at the JFK High School Pool which is off of I-80 in Richmond (just north of Berkeley.

I started playing about 5 years ago when, like you, I decided I wanted to try kayaking. I started to play kayak polo as a way to improve my paddling skills to make me a better whitewater paddler - but now I probably play more polo than I do whitewater.

I drive all the way into the Bay Area to play because there isn't a group in Sacramento anymore :(

We play Kayak Polo every Monday evening from 7-10PM at the Richmond Swim Center at Kennedy High School (at 45th Street and Cutting Boulevard) in Richmond, California

The second monday night session starts about 10:30 at the Albatross Pub in Berkeley and usually lasts until about midnight. :cheers:

Here is a link to a map: http://66.134.204.220/kayakpolo/RichmondSwimCenterMap.jpg . Every week we have an hour long introductory session for beginners (Newcomers are welcome to come try it out - you don't need to know how to roll!) from 7-8pm and then we have skills development, drills and then play games from 8-10pm. Dues are $5 for the introductory hour long sessions, $15 for the full three hour session (boat rental is included) for non-club members and $10 for club members (membership is $40 per year and includes membership in the American Canoe Association). Once you buy a kayak, and become a member, it is only $6 per night for the whole session.


Individuals interested in Kayak Roll sessions should contact California Canoe and Kayak (www.CalKayak.com) and sign up for a roll class (held at the same pool on Thursday nights)


Hope to see you there!
Cheers,
John :welcome:

[absoluteZero]

thanks john....

very encouraging. I will check out the dude's in Oakland this weekend...I am really intrested and will definitely come by to say hello.

you take care and have a rocking weekend. :headbang:

cheers!