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Instruction

We offer high quality instruction to people of all levels of ability.

St. Regis Canoe Outfitters

Instruction

St. Regis Canoe Outfitters offers canoe/kayak instruction for all skill levels from beginner and beyond in flat water & river paddling up to class III. We offer private group instruction for an hour or up to a half day.   Our most advanced class for people wanting to develop leadership skills is a full day of training.  Our family fun clinic is a great experience for children and parents to learn at the same time.

All of our instructors are American Canoe Association and/or British Canoe Union certified, and have many years experience teaching the necessary paddling skills to become a better boater and to safely enjoy the sport for years to come.

All instruction reservation deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.  If the group classes have less than 4 participants the class will be offered as private instruction--see rate below.**  If circumstances beyond our control cause us to cancel the course we will provide a full refund.

Please call ahead to schedule.

 

SOLO Wilderness First Aid 

Looking to feel more confident heading into the backcountry? Join St Regis Canoe Outfitters and Synaptic Sport LLC for SOLO Wilderness First Aid. This 2-day course is a great start for outdoor enthusiasts looking to learn or expand their skills in the fundamentals of outdoor emergency care and transportation. 

This course will be hosted by Friends of Dewey Mountain at the Dewey Mountain Recreation Center. This venue will offer students a great variety of both indoor and outdoor learning space to hone their skills.  

The SOLO WFA curriculum is centered on practical learning. Participants can expect to walk away having performed skills that can make the difference in an emergency. If you haven’t yet taken a first aid course, need to take a first aid course for your job, or are looking to boost your guiding skill set, this is a great opportunity.

Where: Dewey Mountain Recreation Center

238 George H Lapan Memorial Highway

Saranac Lake, NY 12983

When: June 13th and 14th 2024 from  8:30am to 5pm

Cost: $275 for the general public ($245 for licensed NY state guides). Purchase Ticket HERE

To enroll please follow the link above or call our shop at 518-891-1838.

For more information on curriculum, visit the SOLO First Aid website


Paddling Safety & Rescue Class

Learn the fundamentals of safety skills and rescue techniques in a flat water environment. This class will also introduce such techniques as bracing, edging and sculling. It will discuss essential gear and first aid kits. You'll learn to have greater control of your canoe/kayak and you'll become much more prepared for paddling in a variety of conditions.   

Class Ratio: Tandem Canoes: 6 students: 1 instructor. Solo Canoes: 5 students: 1 instructor. Additional students will be accommodated with an additional instructor or qualified assistant.

Time:  3 hours          Cost: $135 per person for 2-3 participants, $119 per person for 4 or more participants

Family Canoe Games Class

Family Paddling Clinics are a great way for families with children to learn paddling skills. Using a game-oriented approach we teach the basic paddling maneuvers on flatwater including forward, back, sweep, and draw strokes, as well as techniques for safe paddling. Our Family Paddling Clinic are appropriate for children ages 8 to 16 years of age, and one or both parents.  

Class Ratio: Tandem Canoes: 6 students: 1 instructor. Solo Canoes: 5 students: 1 instructor. Additional students will be accommodated with an additional instructor or qualified assistant.

Time:  3 hours           Cost: $135 per person for 2-3 participants, $119 per person for 4 or more participants

Paddling Trip Planning & Navigation Skills Workshop

Whether you are planning a day or  a multi-day canoe trip, it is important to be able to use a map and compass.  Here we will learn to read a topographical map, how to use a compass, plot a course, heading and bearing and how to identify unknown landmarks, how to figure out your location when you're lost,  determine speed and distance. The course will help you plan and/or lead a day or multi-day paddling trip.  This is a  fun few hours of learning and games!   This course is designed for the beginner or intermediate paddler.  (Maximum 6 participants)

Time:  3 hours         Cost: $135 per person for 2-3 participants, $119 per person for 4 or more participants

Moving Water Canoe or Kayak

This course can focus on solo or tandem class 1, 2 skills ( class 3 with other qualified instructor), Safety/rescue., expedition canoeing. (Maximum 6 participants)

Time:  3 hours       Cost:  $135 per person for 2-3 participants, $119 per person for 4 or more participants

Fundamentals of Canoeing

This class is designed for beginners new to canoeing as well as those who have been trying to figure it all out on their own.  We will cover the basic strokes and the basics of movement and control.  We will discuss safety gear and ways to avoid wet exits.   Basic skills are essential to staying safe and having fun on the water. 

Class Ratio: Tandem Canoes: 6 students: 1 instructor. Solo Canoes: 5 students: 1 instructor. Additional students will be accommodated with an additional instructor or qualified assistant.

Time: 3 hours         Cost: $135 per person for 2-3 participants, $119 per person for 4 or more participants

White Water Canoe/Kayak

This class is designed for beginners as well as people who want to improve their white water paddling skills.  The course covers white water up to class III rapids.  We will focus on help you accomplish your goals, as well as develop a better understanding of the best boat and gear for your individual needs.

Time:  3 hours     Cost: $135 per person for 2-3 participants, $119 per person for 4 or more participants

Private Instruction**

Geared to meet your individual needs and schedule, private instruction gives you the time and attention to really develop your paddling skills.  Private instruction can be arranged for your specific needs.

Time/Cost:  $125 for first hour, additional hours $50.  

Expedition Skills:  Bushcraft Survival Skills

Options for focus include navigation/orientation, camp craft( gear selection use), bush skills ( friction fire,etc), Planning/preparation, cooking, travel, forecasting (cloud/weather reading), Safety/risk assessment planning.  This is ideally done in combination with a guided overnight camping trip.

Time:  1 Day (8 hours)       Cost:  $225 per person for 2-3 participants, $185 per person for 4 or more participants