Downunder – Specialists in Kayak Lessons and Stand-up Paddle Board Lessons

Downunder kayaking instructors have been trained by the leading authority in Paddle Sports, the American Canoe Association, the World Paddling Association (WPA), and Paddlefit with Brody Welte.  All of our staff members are trained by our instructors in skills, group management, and safety.  They are first aid and CPR certified.

Downunder offers a range of group kayak lessons and stand-up paddle board lessons. We also offer private instruction– either on-site or off-site – as well as provide guides to show you or a group around the local area.

KAYAK and SUP LESSONS

Take a lesson and learn all you need to know to have a safe and comfortable paddling experience.

What you'll learn:

• Equipment:  boat/board, paddle, lifejacket
• Safety:  Local area, weather, tides
• Paddle Plan:  based on the conditions, destination
• Posture and stretching
• Strokes:  forward, backwards, turns, rudder, sideways
• Bearing:  paddling straight towards an object, stroke refinement
• Rescues and Capsizes:  how to assist someone that needs help - boat swapping, towing.  What to do if you capsize, how to self rescue and how to perform and assisted rescue.  Demonstrated by instructor - participation is optional.

Quickstart Ocean Kayak Lessons - 2 hours, group class, $85 includes kayak rental. 

Sit-on-top kayaks are also referred to as ocean kayaks.  They are far easier and safer than cockpit-style/sit-inside sea kayaks.  This class is for beginners and focused on the recreational kayaker who wants to learn the skills to make their paddling experience optimal: paddling right requires less effort and there is less of a chance of injury.  These lessons focus on safety –how to get on and off the kayak, in open water, on a dock or beach.



 

BY APPOINTMENT – Private Instruction Kayak or SUP

Private lessons:  $100 / hour.  30% discount off additional hours. 

Semi-private lessons: $80 each for 2 people, $65 each for 3 people, $50 each for 4 or more.  Equipment included.

Let us know what works for you – either on-site or off-site -- and we will arrange the staff, kayak/SUP transportation, and all details.

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STAND-UP PADDLE BOARD LESSONS



Stand-up Paddle Board (SUP) Instruction

SUP Beginner: 1 hour, maximum 5 participants per class.  $50 includes SUP rental. 

Schedule:  Westport, Rowayton

Learn the fundamentals of SUP boarding in a safe flat-water environment.  This class follows the outline of the Kayaking Quickstart class, with extra emphasis on balance and coordination.  We begin with balance skills on the dock, and take things gradually – leaving the dock in a kneeling position until fully clear, and then coming into a standing position, as we move out into the river.  We carry a wide variety of boards that are stable and very forgiving!

SUP Advanced: 1 hour, maximum 5 participants per class.  $55 includes SUP rental.   Start end of May. 

In the advanced class we will review your skills (stance, hand positioning, form, strokes), develop your technique and add advanced skills such as a cross bow draw, pivot turns, draw stroke, and spend more time paddling.

Private lessons:  1 hour $100, semi private (2) $85pp, (3) $65pp, (4+) $50

YOGA, FITNESS & RACING

Program info on the Fitness page or subpages.