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.
Economic Stimulus- All Class Prices Are Reduced for 2009!
Kayaking 101
Dates: Wednesday, May 13th
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: Genesee Country Parks & Recreation Office – 5045 Stanley Rd, Flint, MI
Cost: FREE
Registration Information:While this session is FREE, registration can be made by calling (810) 736-7100, ext 6 or (800)-648-PARK, ext. 6 or via the website, genesseecountypark.org.
Course Description: Interested in kayaking, but when you walk in a store to look at one you find yourself confused about which boat to buy? How do you chose a paddle? Do I really need a lifejacket and what are key features if I buy one? What should you wear for a day on the water in Michigan? What would I need to camp out of my boat? Where are good places to paddle? Which outfitters are good for booking trips? All these questions and more will be answered at our “Kayaking A to Z” public information session. This is a free information session…come and get informed and be a “smart buyer” when you walk in the store. The money you save will be your own! Questions? Call (734) 878-3689 for additional information.
American Canoe Association, ACA Level II Assessment
Dates: Friday, May 29, 2009
Time: 9am - TBD
Location: Genesee County Parks – Mott Lake, 5045 Stanley Rd., Flint, MI
Cost: $25 or free if enrolled in the Instructor Development Workshop.
Registration Information:Registration is through Black Parrot Paddling, LLC, 810-599-9089, prior to May 1 and 734-878-3689 after May 1.
Class Limit: 10 students
Course Description: This is an assessment course to calibrate your kayaking paddling skills against the American Canoe Association's standard for "Essentials of Kayak Touring". Paddle strokes, boat handling skills and general flat-water kayaking knowledge will be assessed. Paddlers passing the assessment will receive a certificate of successful completion of the assessment. This course is a pre-requisite for the "Essentials of Kayak Touring" Instructor's Development Workshop being held on Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31, 2009. Paddlers must utilize their own equipment for the assessment. Course conducted by Black Parrot Paddling, LLC. For adults, ages 16 and older.
American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) & Instructor Certification Examination (ICE) “Essentials of Kayak Touring”
Dates: IDW – Saturday & Sunday, May 30 & 31; ICE – Saturday & Sunday, August 22 & 23, 2009
Time: 9am - TBD
Location: Genesee County Parks – Mott Lake, 5045 Stanley Rd., Flint, MI
Cost: $125 for each course, $225 if enrolled for both at the same time.
Registration Information: Registration is through Black Parrot Paddling, LLC, 810-599-9089, prior to May 4 and 734-878-3689 after May 4. Registration for the IDW must be completed by May 15, 2009. Registration for the ICE must be completed by August 10, 2009. Participation in a Level 2 Assessment is required (see above) Prework is also required.
Class Limit:10 students
Course Description: Are you an experienced kayaker who wants to share your skills and experience with others? Become a certified American Canoe Association “E ssentials of Kayak Touring” instructor. The path to becoming a certified instructor requires successful participation in an Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) where candidates will review the basic skills and knowledge needed to be a certified “Essentials of Kayak Touring” instructor. Following the successful completion of the IDW, candidates are required to successfully complete an Instructor Certification Examination (ICE) for “Essentials of Kayak Touring”. Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) for “Essentials of Kayak Touring” is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 30 & 31st. Instructor Certification Examination (ICE) for “Essentials of Kayak Touring” is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23, 2009. Please contact Black Parrot Paddling, LLC for additional information. For adults, ages 18 and older.
American Canoe Association (ACA) Level IV Assessment
Dates: Thursday, May 14th
Time: 9am - TBD
Location: Duck Lake State Park, North of Muskegon, MI.
Cost: $35 or free if enrolled in the Instructor Development Workshop.
Registration Information: Registration is through Black Parrot Paddling, LLC, 810-599-9089, prior to May 4 and 734-878-3689 after May 4.
Class Limit:10 students
Course Description: This is an assessment course to calibrate your kayaking paddling skills against the American Canoe Association's standard for “Open Water Coastal Kayaking”. Paddle strokes, boat handling skills and general open-water kayaking knowledge will be assessed. Paddlers passing the assessment will receive a certificate of successful completion of the assessment. This course is a pre-requisite for the “Coastal (Basic)/Open Water” Instructor's Development Workshop being held on May 15 – 17th. Paddlers must utilize their own equipment for the assessment. Course conducted by Black Parrot Paddling, LLC. For adults, ages 18 and older.
ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) & Instructor Certification (ICE) Examination: “Coastal (Basic)/Open Water”
Dates: IDW: May 15 – 17th; ICE: September 18 – 20, 2009.
Time: 9am - TBD
Location: Muskegon State Park, Muskegon, MI.
Cost: $250 each course or $475 for combined IDW/ICE.
Registration Information:NOTICE: All Instructor candidates must be registered for the ICE by September 1, 2009. Registration is through Black Parrot Paddling, LLC. SPECIAL Number until May 4th (810) 599-9089.
Class Limit:10 students
Course Description: Ron Smith, ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor Trainer will lead these workshops which focus on the how-to’s of quality instruction as candidates learn the essentials to teach paddling to others. During the Instructor Development Workshop candidates will give classroom presentations, learn to demonstrate skills and prepare lesson plans. All participants will have video analysis of their on-water skills. The focus will be on exploring different teaching strategies. This includes developing different methods of conveying information to students as well as examining how people learn. The three-day Instructor Certification Exam evaluates each candidate’s paddling skills and knowledge, teaching abilities and people skills. Candidates will receive written and verbal feedback as well as a critique of their on and off water teaching and paddling skills. Participation in both an IDW and ICE is necessary to be eligible for certification. NOTICE: All Instructor candidates must be registered for the IDW by May 1, 2009 and have participated in a Level IV Assessment (see above). Pre-work is required.
ACA Quickstart Your Kayak
Dates: Saturday, June 20, Sunday, July 26, Saturday, August 1.
Time: 1pm-6pm
Location: Genesee County Parks – Mott Lake, 5045 Stanley Rd., Flint, MI.
Cost: $40 per person with own equipment, $65 per person with rental equipment.
Registration Information: Register by calling 810-736-7100, ext. 6, 800-648-PARK, ext. 6 or on the website, geneseecountyparks.org.
Class Limit: 10 students
Course Description: A short introductory course in flat-water kayaking. Sit-a-top, general purpose (recreational) kayaks or touring/sea kayaks may be used in the course. This course will emphasize safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry level flat-water paddlers. This is an excellent course for those who are interested in trying out flat-water kayaking and have had little or no instruction in proper paddling technique or paddle sport safety. Participants should bring their kayak, PFD (life jacket), drink, spare clothing, whistle, clothing suitable for getting wet and appropriate to the conditions. Kayaks can be rented for the course and should be requested at the time of registration. For adults, ages 16 and older.
Essentials of Kayak Touring
Dates: Sunday, June 21, Sunday, July 11, Sunday, August 15.
Time: 9am – 5pm
Location: Genesee County Parks – Mott Lake, 5045 Stanley Rd., Flint, MI.
Cost: $50 per person with own equipment, $75 person with rental.
Registration Information: Register by calling 810-736-7100, ext. 6, 800-648-PARK, ext. 6 or on the website, geneseecountyparks.org.
Class Limit: 10 students
Course Description: A course for beginning kayakers which emphasizes safety and the skills necessary to safety enjoy kayaking on inland lakes and other calm protected flat-water environments. Sit-a-top, general purpose (recreational) kayaks with bulkheads and touring/sea kayaks with or without spray skirts may be used in the course. This course will focus on the skills and knowledge needed to spend a day on protected flat-water and for those planning on doing day/weekend trips in protected flat-water environments. Kayaks can be rented for the course and should be requested at the time of registration. For adults, ages 16 and older.
Beginning Kayaking: Pool Classes
Dates:TBD
Time: 7:45pm - 10pm
Cost: Approximately $145 person / $260 couple
Registration Information: Brighton: Call Brighton Community Education to register at (810) 229-4130. Howell Aquatic Center: Call (517) 548-6355 to register.
Class Limit: 10 Students
Course Description: This is our popular indoor pool sessions which were the focus of a Detroit News recreation article. These classes are an excellent beginner’s course held in the safe and warm confines of the Brighton High School Aquatic Center. The classes run for four (4) consecutive Thursday evenings and will run from 7:45 pm until 10:00 pm. Attendance at the first night is mandatory. First night, be dressed for the pool session and at pool side by 7:00 pm for safety/orientation session. Attendance at the first night is mandatory. This course will focus on basic kayaking strokes which are applicable to both sea kayaking and white water kayaking. We will also work on self and assisted rescues, recovery strokes, sweep strokes and the beginning elements of the kayak roll. Students should bring swimming goggles, nose plugs and a towel along with swimming apparel. All kayaking gear is provided. Participants under 16 must be approved in advance by the instructor.
ACA Basic Seakayaking - Beginner's Lake Sessions
Dates: Saturday, June 13th (Brighton Area), Sunday, August 16th (Brighton Area)
Time: 9am – 5pm
Location: TBD
Cost: $125 with our gear, $90 with your own gear.
Registration Information: Registration is through Black Parrot Paddling, (734) 878-3689.
Class Limit: 10 students
Course Description: This course is oriented to beginners who are comfortable on the water with experience gained by kayaking, canoeing or one of our four-week pool courses. All the basic stokes (forward, reverse, sweep, draws, stopping and braces) are covered. Rescue techniques are emphasized and participants will be introduced to towing. Students will have the opportunity to apply their new skills on an inland lake complete with possible wind and small wave action. Classes will be held at an inland lake in the Southeast Michigan area. Specific site will be determined one week prior to class date.
Kayaking Rolling Class
Date: TBD
Time:TBD
Location: Brighton
Cost:$70 with your own gear, $80 with our gear
Registration Information: Registration is through Black Parrot Paddling at (734) 878-3689.
Class Limit: 10 Students
Course Description:You’ve been asking for it and now you’ve got it. This class will focus on the elements of hip snap development, high and low bracing and the Kayak Roll. Either the "C to C" or Extended Paddle Roll will be taught depending upon student’s capabilities. Strength is not important in learning to roll…boat fit and flexibility are. So if you are ready to learn to roll that boat, here’s your chance.
ACA Advanced Strokes and Towing Course
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: $75 with your own gear, $100 with ours.
Registration Information: Call Black Parrot Paddling, LLC to register at (734) 878-3689
Class Limit: 10 students
Course Description: Have a couple of paddling seasons under your belt? Anxious to learn how to make your boat really perform? This course will focus on elements of edging your boat, off balance strokes, i.e. cross bow draw, hanging draw, bow rudders, inside/outside sweeps, high and low bracing with the boat off balance, etc. Scenarios will be developed with multiple rescue and towing situations for practice.
Sunday Morning "Over Easy" Rolling and Bracing Session
Date: TBD
Time: 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Location: Brighton High School Pool
Cost: $30 with your gear, $40 with ours.
Registration Information:Registration is through Black Parrot Paddling at (734) 878-3689.
Course Description:These sessions are just what a paddler struck with cabin fever needs. Work on that bomb proof roll and bracing in the warm inviting waters of the Brighton High School Pool. Sessions are from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. Please note, these are not formal classes, but an opportunity to clean up your technique with assistance from our coaching staff.
Sea Kayak Navigation
Date: TBD
Time: 9:30am - 4:00pm
Location: TBD
Cost: $75. Kayaking gear including a boat may be rented for the day for $35
Registration Information: Call Black Parrot Paddling, LLC to register at (734) 878-3689
Class Limit: 10 Students
Course Description:A thorough working knowledge of marine navigation will be conveyed to participants in this combination, classroom and "on the water practical" course. Participants will learn fundamentals of marine navigation including nautical chart reading, dead reckoning, piloting, rules of the nautical road, use of transits and compass. Class will be from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Participants should come equipped to paddle and have a quality (Silva Ranger or similar type) hand held compass, water proof chart case as well as their lunch. The on the water practical will provide a challenging and instructive exercise.
Fundamentals of Costal Kayaking Navigation
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: $40
Registration Information: Call Black Parrot Paddling, LLC to register at (734) 878-3689
Class Limit: 12 Students
Course Description: This five to six hour class room course will cover the navigational skills needed by kayakers venturing out beyond sight of the parking lot. The course will cover the concepts of dead reckoning, piloting, familiarization with a compass, reading, interpreting and using nautical charts, plotting courses and obtaining a position fix, triangulation, calculating ferry angles for crossing currents and beam winds and navigation with GPS. All materials provided, however if you have a “base plate” compass, please bring it.
ACA Coastal Kayaking Open Water Course
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: One day: Camping fees, plus $100 with your own. Two day: $190 with our gear, $150 with your own
Registration Information: Call Black Parrot Paddling, LLC to register at (734) 878-3689
Course Description: This is an advanced course for intermediate paddlers. This course will focus on coastal touring, navigation, deep-water rescues, group management, towing, trip planning and packing your boat for tripping. Participants should be comfortable paddling 10 miles in seas to 2 feet and 15 knot winds. We are offering this course in two formats. An intense one day experience and a more in-depth but less intense two day experience with overnight camping. Black Parrot Paddling, LLC, will reserve camping sites where required. ACA Level 3 Course.
Rescues A-Z
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: $60
Registration Information: Call Black Parrot Paddling, LLC to register at (734) 878-3689
Course Description: 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 intermediates 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 many 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.
Racing and Performance Paddling Workshop
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: $60
Registration Information: Call Black Parrot Paddling, LLC to register at (734) 878-3689
Class Limit: 6 students
Course Description: This workshop will focus on building a highly efficient forward stroke with the modern touring blade and the "wing" paddle. Topics covered will be building a training regime for fitness and racing, racing techniques and strategies. Instructor will be ACA/BCU Coach Ron Smith who has medaled in 10 of his 13 past races covering race distances of 6 miles to 105 miles.
Fast Touring with a "Wing" Workshhop
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: $60 (the cost of the class applicable to a purchase of an Epic Wing paddle)
Registration Information: Call Black Parrot Paddling, LLC to register at (734) 878-3689
Class Limit: 6 students
Course Description:The modern "wing" paddle has often been thought to be the paddle of choice only for the kayak racer. In truth, the wing is an excellent paddle for general use in most situations and allows the paddler the ability to get the most from their stroke while minimizing the chance of "repetitive motion injuries" to the wrist and shoulder. This workshop will focus on building a highly efficient forward stroke with the modern "wing" paddle as well as working with sweeps, draws and braces with the wing. Instructor will be ACA/BCU Coach Ron Smith.
BCU 3 Star and 4 Star Sea Training Assessments
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost:
3 Star Training: Cost $100 with your gear, $130 with ours
3 Star Assessment: Cost $100 plus BCU fees if "pass". $130 with our gear.
4 Star Sea Training: $100 with your gear, $130 with ours.
Registration Information: Call Black Parrot Paddling, LLC to register at (734) 878-3689
Class Limit: 6 students
Course Description:The British Canoe Union, BCU, Personal Competency Assessment, Star Awards, are the internationally recognized standard of achievement. If you are interested in determining how your skills stack up against a globally recognized standard then these courses/assessments are for you. Weather dependent.
ACA Coastal Kayaking Rough Water Maneuvering, Towing and Rescue Course
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: $100
Registration Information: Call (734) 878-3689 to register.
Course Description:This course will be dependent upon sea conditions and participants should be working towards being able to paddle in seas up to 5 feet, surf to 3 feet and winds up to 25 knots. ACA Level 4 Course.
