Canoeing and kayaking are more fun when you understand the skills to paddle safely. Learn the basics of paddling from the experienced instructor-volunteers of the Miami Group Sierra Club. This is our 36th year to offer training in paddling skills. Emphasis is on boating safety, having fun and learning the strokes and maneuvers required for paddling effectively on your favorite lake or river. Our schools offer one-day and two-day courses.
One Day Course |
The one-day courses provide an introduction to safe paddling skills for the beginning paddler. |
| Two Day Course |
The two-day courses offer more intensive craft and venue specific instructions. Day 1 includes a safety lecture and lots of on the water instruction where you learn basic strokes and maneuvers. On Day 2, you will practice those skills with emphasis on greater challenges through venue specific scenarios. |
| Eligibility requirements for all courses: |
be able to perform all activities on the course outline unassisted and be able to communicate orally with the instructor. No previous paddling experience is necessary (unless noted) but the all courses are physically challenging. |
| Minimum Age |
for all courses is 14 (unless stated otherwise). Those 14 – 17 must be accompanied with parent or guardian. Adult is 18 and up. |
| Additional Information: |
Contact the lead instructor listed for each course. |
| Registration |
Mail registration form along with a check payable to Miami Group Sierra Club to: Sierra Club, P.O. Box 8068, Cincinnati, Ohio 45208-0068.The registration form can also be found at
www.miamigroup.org. |
| Use of Photos: |
By registering for a school, you are giving your permission for any photos taken to be used by the Sierra Club. |
| Fee for instruction: |
Sierra Club members: One day course $75. Two day course $150.
Non Members: One day course $85.00.
Two day course: $170.00
3 hr evening courses: $30.00 members, $35 non-members.
A late fee is charged for registering within 14 days of course date. |
| Personal Boat/Equipment: |
Boats, paddles, helmets and life jackets are provided unless indicated otherwise. If you intend to use your own boat/equipment in the course, you must obtain approval from the lead instructor for that course. Boat owners must have approved registration by state of residence where applicable. Wet suits not provided. |
| Location: |
Several rivers and lakes in the Greater Cincinnati area will be used. |
| Accommodations: |
Not provided. Return home each evening, camp, or stay at a motel close to the school. |
| Food and Drink: |
Not provided. Bring your own snacks, lunch and 2 quarts of water. |
| Liability Waiver: |
Upon arrival at the school each participating person will be asked to sign a waiver. Parent or guardian will sign for 14 – 17 year olds. To see a copy, contact the lead instructor. |
| Refund Policy: |
No refunds given after cutoff date for class. (Cutoff date is 14 days prior to start of the course). |
| Postpone Date: |
In case of unsafe conditions, the students will be notified of the make-up date. |
| Carpooling: |
In the interests of facilitating the logistics of some outings, it is customary that participants make carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel. |
| Volunteer Training: |
2008 Sierra Club paddlesport instructors and support volunteers participating in one course may enroll at no charge in one other course providing space is available and you provide your own boat/equipment. |
