Schedule
Clinic Schedule
- All clinics are listed on your registration forms.
- Cinics are included with your festival fees.
- You may take two clinics per day 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm.
- Please read about the clinics before making your clinic choices.
SATURDAY CLINICS
Saturday Morning (10am to 12pm)
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Guided Paddle—Go off on a two-hour tour of the lovely Madawaska River with professional instructors and guides. Pick their brains about strokes, techniques and tripping planning (or anything really) along the way, or simply enjoy the trip. We may go upstream to see the famous Palmer Rapids or downstream on a quiet paddle past the surfing the tide clinics—or both if you’re up for it. (code #NaSKSSATAMA) ALL |
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Introduction to Sea Kayaking, Part I—The first clinic in a four-part weekend progression. This series of clinics is ideal for new or beginner sea kayakers, introducing you to paddling a kayak in calm sheltered water. This progression of clinics is modeled after national and provincial paddling associations’ eight-hour introduction to kayaking courses and includes paddling skills, safety and rescue skills and building an understanding of boat design, equipment and personal gear. Sign up for parts 2, 3 and 4 throughout the weekend. (code #NaSKSSATAMB) Level 1 |
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Sea Kayaking, The Next Step, Part 1—The first clinic in a four-part intermediate weekend progression. This series of clinics is perfect for sea kayakers who have previously taken an introductory weekend course or have been paddling for little while on their own and want to refine or advance their skills with professional instruction. We expect this clinic to be divided by experience level with elements from national and provincial Level 1 and Level 2 paddling skills courses. This series of clinics may take you beyond just strokes and boat control with discussions on safety, judgment and trip preparation. (code #NaSKSSATAMC) Level 1+/2 |
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Kayak Rolling 101—Whether you are starting from scratch or have been working on your roll for a while this two-hour clinic is for you. The roll is one of sea kayaking’s most prestigious and sought after skills, not to mention the ultimate self-rescue, and it’s really not that hard—once you know how to do it. Develop the three simple concepts, put them together, and leave this clinic with a solid understanding of rolling fundamentals—or maybe even a solid roll. (code #NaSKSSATAMD) Level 1/2 |
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Video Analysis: Power Strokes—Ahh, the perfect forward stroke—powerful, efficient and effortless… like you could do it all day. This clinic begins with a forward stroke tune-up and then uses a video camera to record your technique for some professional, peer and self-analysis. This clinic is open to all intermediate and advanced sea kayakers looking for and ready to share feedback on the forward and reverse strokes. (code #NaSKSSATAME) Level 2/3 |
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Rescues 1—In this clinic you will discuss basic safety equipment, theories and standard practices and then get on the water to watch and practice various assisted and unassisted re-entry rescues as well as towing. This is an ideal first rescue course for all sea kayakers and especially those looking to head out on their first trip. (code #NaSKSSATAMF) ALL |
|
Navigation & Communication—Often sea kayak navigation and communication is taught in a classroom, but not here. We begin with a shore discussion then take to the boats. Using maps, charts, compasses, GPS units and the river currents we work on compass navigation, using ranges, dead reckoning and other simple navigation, followed by an introduction to using GPS technology. We also look at ways we communicate between members of our group and with the outside world while on trip. Practice a variety of one-way signaling devices such as paddles, whistles, horns, and mirrors and new technologies like the SPOT and sat phones. Demonstrating the proper use of a variety of two-way communication devices such as VHF radios, FRS radios and cellular phones. (code #NaSKSSATAMG) ALL |
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Kayak Surfing 101—Spring on the Madawaska produces deep and glassy one- to two-foot river-wide rolling waves perfect for learning to surf a sea kayak. Surf your first wave or pick the brains of our expert instructors to improve your existing kayak surfing skills. Note: Playing on the waves is super fun but requires a fair amount of edge control. It’s recommended that you have a roll or be proficient at self-rescues. Helmets required. (code #NaSKSSATAMH) Level 2+/3 |
|
Tidal Currents—In Ontario? Sure, we’ll use the Madawaska River’s class I rapids to simulate ocean currents and tides. Just downriver of the festival site are 30-foot eddy lines and slow moving currents perfect for playing in a sea kayak. We’ll practice peeling in and out of big eddies as well as work on ferrying across currents. Whether you’re planning a West Coast trip or just looking to have some fun, this clinic is for you. Helmets required. (code #NaSKSSATAMI) Level 2+/3 |
|
Kayaking for Kids, Part 1—Fun, games and some skills along the way. These kids’ clinics will be progressive throughout the weekend building on one another. Great for introducing and engaging kids ages 7 and up. It is early spring so kids must be dressed in safety and cold water paddling gear. Sign up for part 2, 3 and 4 throughout the weekend. (code #NaSKSSATAMJ) ALL |
Women’s NaSKS Clinics
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Introduction to Sea Kayaking for Women, Part I— The first clinic in a four-part weekend progression. This series of clinics is ideal for new or beginner sea kayakers. Sign up for parts 2, 3 and 4 throughout the weekend. (code #NaSKSWOCSATAMA) Level 1 |
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How to Kick His Ass—We’re taking a playful jab at the men of this symposium, but keeping up on expeditions and even evening paddles can be a seriously difficult and frustrating issue for women. Men often have stronger and longer upper bodies and they tend to paddle longer, faster boats, not to mention their mock waiting tendencies—waiting just long enough for us to catch up then taking off again. This clinic teaches efficient forward and correction strokes and shares other ass-kicking strategies of female paddlers, instructors and guides. (code #NaSKSWOCSATAMB) Level 1+ |
Saturday afternoon (2pm to 4pm)
|
Guided Paddle—Go off on a two-hour tour of the lovely Madawaska River with professional instructors and guides. Pick their brains about strokes, techniques and tripping planning (or anything really) along the way, or simply enjoy the trip. We may go upstream to see the famous Palmer Rapids or downstream on a quiet paddle past the surfing the tide clinics—or both if you’re up for it. (code #NaSKSSATPMA) ALL |
|
Introduction to Sea Kayaking, Part 2—The second clinic in a four-part weekend progression. This series of clinics is ideal for new or beginner sea kayakers, introducing you to paddling a kayak in calm sheltered water. This progression of clinics is modeled after national and provincial paddling associations’ eight-hour introduction to kayaking courses and includes paddling skills, safety and rescue skills and building an understanding of boat design, equipment and personal gear. Sign up for parts 2, 3 and 4 throughout the weekend. (code #NaSKSSATPMB) Level 1 |
|
Sea Kayaking, The Next Step, Part 2—The second clinic in a four-part intermediate weekend progression. This series of clinics is perfect for sea kayakers who have previously taken an introductory weekend course or have been paddling for little while on their own and want to refine or advance their skills with professional instruction. We expect this clinic to be divided by experience level with elements from national and provincial Level 1 and Level 2 paddling skills courses. This series of clinics may take you beyond just strokes and boat control with discussions on safety, judgment and trip preparation. (code #NaSKSSATPMC) Level 1+/2 |
|
Video Analysis: Correction and Turning Strokes—This stroke tune-up works on correction strokes and turning strokes and then uses a video camera to record your technique for some professional, peer and self-analysis. This clinic is open to all intermediate and advanced sea kayakers looking for and ready to share feedback. (code #NaSKSSATPMD) Level 2/3 |
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Rescues 2—This clinic goes beyond basic rescues you’d find in introductory padding clinics. Practice assisted and unassisted rescues, all-in rescues, towing and lots of variations. We may even practice scenarios that engage leadership skills like critical decision making and maintaining the safety of the group. We expect there to be a sharing of ideas and practices between instructors and among the group. (code #NaSKSSATPME) Level 2/3 |
|
Greenland Paddling— Everyone’s heard about Greenland-style paddling; here’s your chance to see what all the hype is about. In this clinic, history and paddling instruction rub noses while you learn how northern hunters and paddlers developed and practiced their (some say superior) style of kayaking. If you have a Greenland paddle, please bring it. We’ll do our best to round up demos for everyone to use. Already a Greenland-style kayaker? Jump in here with your quiver of Greenland paddling skills and learn more advanced Greenland-style techniques. Although the plentiful Madawaska River seals are not in season, we may still practice some traditional hunting methods from our kayaks! (code #NaSKSSATPMF) 2/3 |
|
Kayak Surfing 101—Spring on the Madawaska produces deep and glassy one- to two-foot river-wide rolling waves perfect for learning to surf a sea kayak. Surf your first wave or pick the brains of our expert instructors to improve your existing kayak surfing skills. Note: Playing on the waves is super fun but requires a fair amount of edge control. It’s recommended that you have a roll or be proficient at self-rescues. Helmets required. (code #NaSKSSATPMG) Level 2+/3 |
|
Tidal Currents—In Ontario? Sure, we’ll use the Madawaska River’s class I rapids to simulate ocean currents and tides. Just downriver of the festival site are 30-foot eddy lines and slow moving currents perfect for playing in a sea kayak. We’ll practice peeling in and out of big eddies as well as work on ferrying across currents. Whether you’re planning a West Coast trip or just looking to have some fun, this clinic is for you. Helmets required. (code #NaSKSSATPMH) Level 2+/3 |
|
Kayaking for Kids, Part 2—Fun, games and some skills along the way. These kids’ clinics will be progressive throughout the weekend building on one another. Great for introducing and engaging kids ages 7 and up. It is early spring so kids must be dressed in safety and cold water paddling gear. Sign up for part 1, 3 and 4 throughout the weekend. (code #NaSKSSATPMI) ALL |
Women’s NaSKS Clinics
|
Introduction to Sea Kayaking for Women, Part 2— The second clinic in a four-part weekend progression. This series of clinics is ideal for new or beginner sea kayakers. Sign up for parts 1, 3 and 4 throughout the weekend. (code #NaSKSWOCSATPMA) Level 1 |
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Edging and Bracing—Feeling comfortable in your boat is critical to having the confidence to paddle and travel comfortably for long periods of time and in rough conditions, not to mention enjoying yourself on the water. First we look at how you’re sitting in your kayak and suggest ways to improve comfort and performance. On the water, we work on edging and bracing skills—the two fundamental skills to maximizing your kayaking performance. Putting your kayak on edge makes it easier to turn and correct your course while paddling, reducing the number of turning strokes and letting you paddle forward with speed and precision. (code #NaSKSWOCSATPMB) Level 1+/2 |
SUNDAY CLINICS (Note: Please only register for Sunday clinics you are sure to attend.)
Sunday Morning (10am to 12pm)
|
Guided Paddle—Go off on a two-hour tour of the lovely Madawaska River with professional instructors and guides. Pick their brains about strokes, techniques and tripping planning (or anything really) along the way, or simply enjoy the trip. We may go upstream to see the famous Palmer Rapids or downstream on a quiet paddle past the surfing the tide clinics—or both if you’re up for it. (code #NaSKSSUNAMA) ALL |
|
Introduction to Sea Kayaking, Part 3—The third clinic in a four-part weekend progression. This series of clinics is ideal for new or beginner sea kayakers, introducing you to paddling a kayak in calm sheltered water. This progression of clinics is modeled after national and provincial paddling associations’ eight-hour introduction to kayaking courses and includes paddling skills, safety and rescue skills and building an understanding of boat design, equipment and personal gear. Sign up for parts 1, 2 and 4 throughout the weekend. (code #NaSKSSUNAMB) Level 1 |
|
Sea Kayaking, The Next Step, Part 3—The third clinic in a four-part intermediate weekend progression. This series of clinics is perfect for sea kayakers who have previously taken an introductory weekend course or have been paddling for little while on their own and want to refine or advance their skills with professional instruction. We expect this clinic to be divided by experience level with elements from national and provincial Level 1 and Level 2 paddling skills courses. This series of clinics may take you beyond just strokes and boat control with discussions on safety, judgment and trip preparation. Sign up for parts 1, 2 and 4 throughout the weekend. (code #NaSKSSUNAMC) Level 1+/2 |
|
Kayak Rolling 101—Whether you are starting from scratch or have been working on your roll for a while this two-hour clinic is for you. The roll is one of sea kayaking’s most prestigious and sought after skills, not to mention the ultimate self-rescue, and it’s really not that hard—once you know how to do it. Develop the three simple concepts, put them together, and leave this clinic with a solid understanding of rolling fundamentals—or maybe even a solid roll. (code #NaSKSSUNAMD) Level 1/2 |
|
Video Analysis: Edging and Bracing—The better edge control you have, the more comfortable and effective you will be in your boat. And the better you are bracing, the more likely you are to tilt your boat and really engage your edges. This skills clinic works on your edging and bracing by using a video camera to record your technique for some professional, peer and self-analysis. Video can show you that what feels like extreme edging may in fact be little more than slight tilt. This fun and revealing clinic is open to all intermediate and advanced sea kayakers looking for and ready to share feedback. (code #NaSKSSUNAME) Level 2/3 |
|
Rescues 1—In this clinic you will discuss basic safety equipment, theories and standard practices and then get on the water to watch and practice various assisted and unassisted re-entry rescues as well as towing. This is an ideal first rescue course for all sea kayakers and especially those looking to head out on their first trip. (#NaSKSSUNAMF) ALL |
|
Navigation & Communication—Often sea kayak navigation and communication is taught in a classroom, but not here. We begin with a shore discussion then take to the boats. Using maps, charts, compasses, GPS units and the river currents we work on compass navigation, using ranges, dead reckoning and other simple navigation, followed by an introduction to using GPS technology. We also look at ways we communicate between members of our group and with the outside world while on trip. Practice a variety of one-way signaling devices such as paddles, whistles, horns, and mirrors and new technologies like the SPOT and sat phones. Demonstrating the proper use of a variety of two-way communication devices such as VHF radios, FRS radios and cellular phones. (#NaSKSSUNAMG) ALL |
|
Greenland Paddling— Everyone’s heard about Greenland-style paddling; here’s your chance to see what all the hype is about. In this clinic, history and paddling instruction rub noses while you learn how northern hunters and paddlers developed and practiced their (some say superior) style of kayaking. If you have a Greenland paddle, please bring it. We’ll do our best to round up demos for everyone to use. Already a Greenland-style kayaker? Jump in here with your quiver of Greenland paddling skills and learn more advanced Greenland-style techniques. Although the plentiful Madawaska River seals are not in season, we may still practice some traditional hunting methods from our kayaks! (code #NaSKSSUNAMH) ALL |
|
Kayak Surfing 101—Spring on the Madawaska produces deep and glassy one- to two-foot river-wide rolling waves perfect for learning to surf a sea kayak. Surf your first wave or pick the brains of our expert instructors to improve your existing kayak surfing skills. Note: Playing on the waves is super fun but requires a fair amount of edge control. It’s recommended that you have a roll or be proficient at self-rescues. Helmets required. (code #NaSKSSUNAMI) Level 2+/3 |
|
Tidal Currents—In Ontario? Sure, we’ll use the Madawaska River’s class I rapids to simulate ocean currents and tides. Just downriver of the festival site are 30-foot eddy lines and slow moving currents perfect for playing in a sea kayak. We’ll practice peeling in and out of big eddies as well as work on ferrying across currents. Whether you’re planning a West Coast trip or just looking to have some fun, this clinic is for you. Helmets required. (code #NaSKSSUNAMJ) Level 2+/3 |
|
Kayaking for Kids, Part 3—Fun, games and some skills along the way. These kids’ clinics will be progressive throughout the weekend building on one another. Great for introducing and engaging kids ages 7 and up. It is early spring so kids must be dressed in safety and cold water paddling gear. Sign up for part 1, 2 and 4 throughout the weekend. (code #NaSKSSUNAMK) Level 1 |
Women’s NaSKS Clinics
|
Introduction to Sea Kayaking for Women, Part 3— The third clinic in a four-part weekend progression. This series of clinics is ideal for new or beginner sea kayakers. Sign up for parts 1, 2 and 4 throughout the weekend. (code #NaSKSWOCSUNAMA) Level 1 |
|
Kayak Rolling for Women—Women make great kayak rollers. Why? Because we tend to use finesse rather than brute strength to right the kayak, and kayak rolling is all about finesse. Start from scratch or pick up where you’ve left off and make your roll 100 per cent. (code #NaSKSWOSUNAMB) Level 2/3 |
Sunday afternoon (2pm to 4pm) NOTE: Please only register for Sunday clinics you are sure to attend.
|
Guided Paddle—Go off on a two-hour tour of the lovely Madawaska River with professional instructors and guides. Pick their brains about strokes, techniques and tripping planning (or anything really) along the way, or simply enjoy the trip. We may go upstream to see the famous Palmer Rapids or downstream on a quiet paddle past the surfing the tide clinics—or both if you’re up for it. (code #NaSKSSUNPMA) ALL |
|
Introduction to Sea Kayaking, Part 4—The fourth clinic in a four-part weekend progression. This series of clinics is ideal for new or beginner sea kayakers, introducing you to paddling a kayak in calm sheltered water. This progression of clinics is modeled after national and provincial paddling associations’ eight-hour introduction to kayaking courses and includes paddling skills, safety and rescue skills and building an understanding of boat design, equipment and personal gear. Sign up for parts 1, 2 and 3 throughout the weekend. (code #NaSKSSUNPMB) Level 1 |
|
Sea Kayaking, The Next Step, Part 4—The fourth clinic in a four-part intermediate weekend progression. This series of clinics is perfect for sea kayakers who have previously taken an introductory weekend course or have been paddling for little while on their own and want to refine or advance their skills with professional instruction. We expect this clinic to be divided by experience level with elements from national and provincial Level 1 and Level 2 paddling skills courses. This series of clinics may take you beyond just strokes and boat control with discussions on safety, judgment and trip preparation. Sign up for parts 1, 2 and 3 throughout the weekend. (code #NaSKSSUNPMC) Level 1+/2 |
|
Video Analysis: Dynamic Maneouvers—This strokes and skills tune-up puts power, turning and correction strokes and edging and bracing together in front of the video camera for the ultimate professional, peer and self-analysis. This clinic is open to all intermediate and advanced sea kayakers looking for and ready to share feedback. (code #NaSKSSUNPMD) Level 2/3 |
|
Rescues 2—This clinic goes beyond basic rescues you’d find in introductory padding clinics. Practice assisted and unassisted rescues, all-in rescues, towing and lots of variations. We may even practice scenarios that engage leadership skills like critical decision making and maintaining the safety of the group. We expect there to be a sharing of ideas and practices between instructors and among the group. (code #NaSKSSUNPME) Level 2/3 |
|
Kayak Surfing 101—Spring on the Madawaska produces deep and glassy one- to two-foot river-wide rolling waves perfect for learning to surf a sea kayak. Surf your first wave or pick the brains of our expert instructors to improve your existing kayak surfing skills. Note: Playing on the waves is super fun but requires a fair amount of edge control. It’s recommended that you have a roll or be proficient at self-rescues. Helmets required. (code #NaSKSSUNPMF) Level 2+/3 |
|
Tidal Currents—In Ontario? Sure, we’ll use the Madawaska River’s class I rapids to simulate ocean currents and tides. Just downriver of the festival site are 30-foot eddy lines and slow moving currents perfect for playing in a sea kayak. We’ll practice peeling in and out of big eddies as well as work on ferrying across currents. Whether you’re planning a West Coast trip or just looking to have some fun, this clinic is for you. Helmets required. (code #NaSKSSUNPMG) Level 2+/3 |
|
Kayaking for Kids, Part 4—Fun, games and some skills along the way. These kids’ clinics will be progressive throughout the weekend building on one another. Great for introducing and engaging kids ages 7 and up. It is early spring so kids must be dressed in safety and cold water paddling gear. Sign up for part 1, 2 and 3 throughout the weekend. (code #NaSKSSUNPMH) Level 1 |
Women’s NaSKS Clinics
|
Introduction to Sea Kayaking for Women, Part 4— The fourth clinic in a four-part weekend progression. This series of clinics is ideal for new or beginner sea kayakers. Sign up for parts 1, 2 and 3 throughout the weekend. (code #NaSKSWOCSUNPMA) Level 1 |
|
Paddling Outside Your Comfort Zone—Men and women approach and deal with stressful situations differently. Whether it is wind, waves, currents, a long hot day or troubling group dynamics there are surely going to be times on outings or trips that put you outside your comfort zone. In risky or stressful situations women tend to react in a way that’s been coined ‘tend and befriend.’ Men, however, are physically aggressive and confident when faced with risk. Discuss and share ways of better understanding your reactions, strengthen your belief in your ability to succeed and learn tools for constructive communication with your male peers. (code #NaSKSWOCSUNPMB) ALL |