Courses Offered in Michigan
BCU courses and private outings can also be scheduled by private appointment. Please contact us by visiting the Contact Us page or by calling (810)599-9089.
All Class Prices Are Reduced for 2011!
Scheduled Course
Standup Paddleboard
Course Date: Saturday, July 16, Brighton Area. All other sessions by private appointment.
Join in on the hottest new paddlesport sweeping the country. Black Parrot Paddling, LLC is proud to be one of only two paddling schools in Michigan with certified ACA instructor’s in stand up paddleboarding, SUP. SUP is a great sport to improve balance, core strength and discover a new way to enjoy time on the water. You’ve sat in canoes and kayaks…now STAND UP and see the water world from a different perspective. All equipment is included. Cost $75.00 Call Black Parrot Paddling, LLC (810) 599-9089 to register.
ACA Basic Seakayaking - Beginner's Lake Sessions
Course Dates: Saturday, June 4th (Brighton Area)
This course is oriented to beginners who are comfortable on the water. All the basic stokes (forward, reverse, sweep, draws, stopping and braces) are covered. Various rescue and towing techniques will be taught. Students will have the opportunity to apply their new skills on an inland lake with possible wind and small wave action. Classes will be held in the Southeast Michigan area. Specific site will be determined one week prior to class date. Classes will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude by approximately 5:00 p.m. Cost is $95 with our gear, $75 with your own gear.
Registration is through Black Parrot Paddling, (810) 599-9089. Classes are limited to 10 students.
Sea Kayak Rescues A-Z and Towing
Course Dates: Saturday, July 2, (Brighton Area)
Rescues are like a magician’s bag of tricks…it’s always good to have one more up your sleeve. This course is for experienced beginners and intermediate paddlers who want to expand their skills in various deep water rescues. The “T” rescue, paddle over, paddle float, scoop, hand of God, stirrup, rafted “T”, “X” rescue and others will be taught in this class. All boats must be equipped with sealed bulk heads or fixed floatation in both the stern and bow areas. Cost: is $75 with your gear, $95 with our gear. Registration is through Black Parrot Paddling, LLC, (810)-599-9089. Class is limited to 10 students.
Women Only Courses
Becoming An Outdoor Woman – ACA– Quickstart Your Kayak – In Association with the Michigan DNR
Course Date: Saturday, May 21th, Proud Lake Area
A great atmosphere for women to get starting in kayaking. Black Parrot Paddling, LLC women instructors will lead this special “Becoming An Outdoors Woman program”. This program will be held at Heavner’s Canoe Livery, 2775 Garden Road, Milford, MI. Class will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude by approximately 5:00 p.m. Cost is $100. Registration is through the Michigan DNR on-line www.michigan.gov/bow, or call Black Parrot Paddling, LLC at (810) 599-9089 for additional information. Class is limited to 10 students.
Becoming An Outdoor Woman – ACA–Quickstart Your Kayak – In Association with the Michigan DNR
Course Date: Evening Session, Tuesday, June28 and Thursday, June 30. Proud Lake Area
Same as the program above but held over two summer evenings for those who find their weekends too busy. This program will be held at Heavner’s Canoe Livery, 2775 Garden Road, Milford, MI. Class will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will conclude by approximately 8:30 p.m. Attend both nights for $65 . Registration is through the Michigan DNR on-line www.michigan.gov/bow, or call Black Parrot Paddling, LLC at (810) 599-9089 for additional information. Class is limited to 10 students.
Recreational Kayaking and Family Outings 
Interested in learning about the sport of kayaking in general but not ready for sea kayaks with spray skirts and all the trappings of advanced paddling? Give us a call and let us provide you with an introduction to kayaking using beginner/family friendly recreational kayaks. You will learn proper paddling and boating techniques which will enhance your experience on the water and provide you with a great insight into this exciting sport. Black Parrot Paddling, LLC is proud to announce that we are providing these recreational and family oriented instructional courses upon request in cooperation with Heavner’s Canoe & Kayak Livery, Inc., in Milford, MI. Cost is relative to the number of participants and equipment required. Dates are by appointment. Registration is through Black Parrot Paddling, LLC. (810) 599-9089.
Attention Desperate Housewives, Stay At Home Dads, Weekend Workers, Bridge Clubs, Women’s “Red Hat” Society gatherings! Tired of the same old cottage cheese lunch and soap operas? Try a weekday afternoon of paddling on the water. With a brief safety orientation you and your group can be outside enjoying kayaking or canoeing on one of SE Michigan’s great inland lakes. We can accommodate groups of all sizes. Call (810) 599-9089 to arrange a private outing for your friends/organization.
Return to Camp This Summer 
Remember how much fun it was to go to summer camp? Now, you can enjoy learning to canoe, kayak or SUP along with your family at one of Michigan’s premier camps. Black Parrot Paddling, LLC is pleased to offer weekday and overnight programs in association with YMCA Camp Storer in Jackson, MI. Meal and lodging packages available after August 1, 2011. Costs are variable upon program and options. Call Black Parrot Paddling, LLC. (810) 599-9089 for additional information.
ADVENTURE RACERS!
We are your complete source for Adventure Racing paddling certifications!
Yes, you can learn basic strokes at any kayak instructional center, but do their instructors race? Earn your Adventure Racing Kayaking Endorsement from instructors who are medal winners at kayaking races from 6 to over 100 miles with experience on rivers, lakes and oceans. We provide an aggressive training session with emphasis on teaching you and your team what they need to know about strokes (including the proper technique for a WING paddle), rescue techniques, team towing and racing techniques to be competitive in the kayaking/canoeing segment of your adventure race. Call us to discuss your team’s needs and we’ll customize a plan for you. We’ve trained teams for Southeastern Michigan Adventure Racing Club, Exterra Utah and Infiterra MIX. Call (810) 599-9089 for more information.
