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 2010!
Scheduled Courses
ACA Basic Seakayaking - Beginner's Lake Sessions
Dates: Saturday, June 5th (Brighton Area), Saturday, July 10th (Brighton Area)
Time: 9am – 5pm
Location: Southeast Michigan area. Specific site will be determined one week prior to class date.
Cost: $95 with our gear, $75 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.
Rescues A-Z and Towing
Date: Saturday, August 14th (Brighton Area)
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Brighton area
Cost: $75 with your gear, $95 with our gear
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 beginner 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 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.
Instructor Certifications and Updates
ACA Instructor Update
Date: June 17, 2010
Time: TBD
Location: Port Austin, MI
Cost: $20 or $10 if teaching at the Port Austin Symposium
Registration Information: Advanced registration is required through Black Parrot Paddling, LLC at (734) 878-3689
Course Description: ACA Instructors are required to maintain their certifications via a variety of processes. One is the “Instructor Update”. This day long program will serve to update ACA Instructors from Level 1 through Level IV. Topics will include ACA Coastal Kayaking Committee Updates, ACA National Updates, Student Centered Learning Techniques, review of the strokes required for teaching the “Strokes Refinement Course” newly assigned to Level 3 instructors. Cost: $20 or $10 if teaching at the Port Austin Symposium.
ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor Certification (ICE) Examination: “Coastal (Basic)/Open Water”,
Date: ICE: October 7 - 10, 2010
Time: TBD
Location: Beulah, MI
Cost: $295/person course fee + $40 materials fee. Food and Lodging package for 3 days/nights is $150.
Registration Information: Registration is by check or credit card directly with Uncommon Adventures, 1-866-882-5525. For questions regarding the certification process, call Ron Smith at (810) 599-9089.
Course Description: So, you’ve taken your IDW, you’ve been practicing your paddling and teaching skills and have your pre-req’s out of the way, like first aid certification and joining the ACA. Now it’s time to apply those refined teaching and paddling skills in a practical setting for assessment against the ACA standards. You’ll be evaluated with the goal of you completing the ICE as a certified ACA Coastal instructor at the highest level appropriate for your skills. We are holding this course in the fall to take advantage of warmer waters as well as the greatest chance for Level 4 conditions. ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor Trainer, Ron Smith will conduct this ICE along with noted ACA Instructor and guide Michael Grey of Uncommon Adventures.
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. (734) 878-3689.
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 (734) 878-3689 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 or kayak or both 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, 2010. Costs are variable upon program and options. Call Black Parrot Paddling, LLC. (734) 878-3689 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 (734) 878-3689 for more information.
