Sea Kayaking Instruction and Trips, Eskape Sea Kayaking, Santa Cruz

Introducing Eskape "Custom" Kayaking
Each year, more and more of our schedule gets filled with requests for custom kayak classes from returning students. So we've decided to run with that, giving preference to the wishes of repeat students and groups of friends.

Spring/Summer Classes:
The following is a partial list of classes requested so far:

Pool Rolling Tues. nights, Feb. through Nov. at NASA Pool in Mtn. View, basic bombproofing or more advanced "Greenland-style" techniques.

River Kayaking for Sea Kayakers June 14-16 (6 spaces available)
Other dates possible: July 12-14, Aug. 9-11.

Tides and Currents June 25 (2 spaces available)
Other dates possible: July 10, 11, 23, 24; Aug. 20, 21.

Surf Zone Classes June 26 (2 spaces available)
Other dates possible: July 10, 11, 23, 24; Aug 20, 21.

Big Sur Advanced Coastal Kayaking Expedition 4 days from Carmel to Big Sur!
Other dates possible: 4-7 days, mid July through mid-Sept.

Because You Know It's Worth It
Quality. That's what it's all about. You've learned that you get what you pay for in life, and sometimes it's worth paying a little more to get what you really want.

3-Day Intensive Skills Development Workshop
This class is designed to make you a better paddler. Patterned after our instructor training workshops (but without the emphasis on how to teach), it includes both extensive on-water training as well as two evening sessions in the classroom, reviewing videos and practicing navigation. Class features: use of video tape to refine strokes and maneuvers, emphasizing greater efficiency and boat control; rescue/reentry skills sessions, focusing on rough water techniques and developing a repertoire of more advanced options; towing and swimmer rescues; on-water navigation practice; advanced surf zone techniques. Locations: Elkhorn Slough, Santa Cruz (surf zone), SF Bay (navigation, tides and currents).
Prerequisite: Surf Zone (parts 2A and 2B or equivalent); 4A or 4B Open Coast Intro; (recommended: part 3A Intro to Tides and Currents or some experience paddling on SF Bay; Brent Reitz forward stroke clinic).
Price

River Kayaking for Sea Kayakers
River running is excellent cross training for sea kayakers seeking to improve their bracing, comfort and control in rough-water. And it's a whole lot of fun. Designed specifically for sea kayakers, this accelerated 2-day course gives you the opportunity to get on the river without having to start from scratch with fitting foot pegs and beginning paddling strokes. We'll take what you already know, fill in the gaps, and run (the river) with it! Learn moving-water skills, eddy turns, surfing, river reading, and safety. Learn how to play and run the river, instead of it running you, and watch your overall comfort and boating control improve in any water, fresh or sea! Held on Cache Creek.

Prerequisite: Surf Zone Skills (suggested: kayak surfing clinic, Eskimo roll training).
Price: $250*/2 days; $325/3 days (includes kayak, etc.; does not include camping fees of $10/person/night)
(*when prepaid by check or credit card; add $5/day when paid on day of class)

In my mind this is the best of the best, with a minimum of driving and a maximum of coastal exploration. We'd spend 2 days paddling north into the Sinkyone Wilderness--along the Anderson Cliffs and the towering 2000 foot crest of Timber Ridge--up to Bear Harbor, taking layover days to explore both there and halfway at Little Jackass Creek, campsites which are near some of the area's finest rock gardens and caves. On day 5 we'd paddle back to Usal, resupply on food and water, then spend the last 2 days paddling the approx. 20 miles south to Westport where the geology and scenery change from towering cliffs blending into a more Mendo-like seascape of sea stacks and arches. The combination of north and south provides a sample of all the amazing diversity this area offers.

Option 2: Usal Beach north to Bear Harbor and back --approx. 20 miles (5 Days: Sunday-Thurs.)

Same as above but missing out on the wonderful southern section. There is a possibility of continuing down the southern section for part of the group while dropping off others at Usal on day 5.

Option 3: Shelter Cove to Westport--approx. 40 miles (7 Days: Sunday-Sat.)

This is the way I've done the trip before, but adding the 11-mile stretch from Shelter Cove to Bear Harbor also adds a 6-hour shuttle and most of an extra day of driving on either end of the trip, without adding a significant change in scenery. The Shelter to Bear stretch is very similar except that there are few rock gardens, etc. to explore until you get down around Bear Harbor and beyond. This is why I suggest focusing on the southern stretch.

Prices: Starting at *$110/day -- extremely reasonable considering the type of trip!

*Somewhat negotiable, depending on number of people, number of days, food and "extras."

A specialty trip like this requires me to be away for two weekends, so to be able to afford to offer this sort of thing, I will need to charge more or less what other kayak companies are charging for week-long trips. Considering that week-long kayak trips in Baja cost $1100 (but include all food and paddling gear), I can do this for $770 if we fill the trip, people take care of their own food and use their own gear.

Add $100 to price below if I handle all food; (I could also handle food on an individual basis for those who wanted it)

Add $50 if I handle dinners only;

Add $10/day boat rental to use ESK boats and gear.

7-day price: 6 paddlers = $770. (=$110/day) 5 paddlers = $925. 4 paddlers = $1150. 3 paddlers = $1495. 2 paddlers = $1995. 5-day price* 6 paddlers = $675. 5 paddlers = $795. 4 paddlers = $995. 3 paddlers = $1295. 2 paddlers = *$1895.

Prerequisite: Instructor Recommendation

Top Schedule & Reservations Pay by Credit Card

Advanced Sea Kayak Rescue Skills Clinic
Based on the techniques covered in our book Sea Kayak Rescue , and our instructor training workshops, this clinic focuses on expanding your repertoire of rescue options. We'll work on bomb proofing basic rescues for rough seas, using both rough-water simulation drills and optional open-water practice. We'll practice more advanced skills, i.e., scramble rescue, scoop, hand of God, sling use, Cleopatra’s needle, rock garden and surf zone techniques, towing, retrieval of swimmers and drifting kayaks.
Prerequisite: 2A Surf Zone skills (4A Open Coast suggested).
Price

Pre-Season Skills Tune Up!
Part 1: Strokes, Braces and Recoveries
Start the season out right with a paddling-skills review and tune up. In Part 1 we'll review and refine your techniques for strokes, braces and rescues. Bust those bad habits before they start and set the groundwork for a season of more efficient and advanced-level paddling.
Part 2: Advanced Strokes, Maneuvers and Recoveries
In Part 2, we'll move on to more advanced skills and maneuvers: carved turns and sideslips, sculling draws and “hyper” braces, low-brace turns, expanded rescue techniques. Build the confidence to get your kayak up on edge and make it dance.
Prerequisite: Flatwater Skills 1A and 1B and some paddling experience.
Dates: See Schedule
Price

Spring/Summer Classes:
The following is a partial list of classes requested so far:

Because You Know It's Worth It
Quality. That's what it's all about. You've learned that you get what you pay for in life, and sometimes it's worth paying a little more to get what you really want.

Lost Coast Advanced Coastal Kayaking Expedition:
Sinkyone Wilderness Area

Spring/Summer Classes: The following is a partial list of classes requested so far:

Because You Know It's Worth It Quality. That's what it's all about. You've learned that you get what you pay for in life, and sometimes it's worth paying a little more to get what you really want.

Lost Coast Advanced Coastal Kayaking Expedition: Sinkyone Wilderness Area

Spring/Summer Classes:
The following is a partial list of classes requested so far:

Because You Know It's Worth It
Quality. That's what it's all about. You've learned that you get what you pay for in life, and sometimes it's worth paying a little more to get what you really want.

Lost Coast Advanced Coastal Kayaking Expedition:
Sinkyone Wilderness Area