Fundamentals of Recreational Kayaking

ACTIVITY

This course covers all the basic skills and safety techniques you’ll need to paddle on your own. You’ll learn the fundamentals of recreational kayaking – launching techniques, paddling equipment, kayaking safety, reading weather conditions, boat storage, and more – using recreational-style kayaks that are 14-feet or shorter in length.

After brief introductions, our expert paddling instructors will explain kayak design and boat fit. You’ll learn about paddling terminology and basic paddling strokes. Our guides will lead you step by step through each stroke, helping you hone and refine your abilities throughout the course. You’ll learn the proper forward, reverse, and sweep strokes, allowing you to paddle straighter, turn quicker and navigate around obstacles.

When you are confident in your abilities, you’ll take a short, guided tour with the group, getting a close-up view of the wildlife that inhabit these waters. Our skilled guides will happily share their extensive knowledge of the sport of kayaking, the local waters, and the history of the surrounding area.

All necessary paddling equipment is provided.

Riverfront Park

Please park in the lot next to the baseball fields. Walk the path along the baseball field towards the Glastonbury Boathouse to meet your instructors.

200 Welles St, Glastonbury, CT 06033, USA

Additional Information

What to Bring
- Weather- and activity-appropriate clothing (preferably synthetic*)
- Water shoes or shoes you don't mind getting wet (closed-toe recommended)
- Personal prescriptions such as EpiPen or inhaler
- One quart of water (no glass bottles)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
*Synthetic clothing dries quickly and is the best choice for outdoor pursuits. Please do not wear cotton clothing. When wet, cotton rapidly robs the heat from your body and takes a long time to dry. We also recommend you dress in multiple layers, allowing you more flexibility to comfortably respond to the weather conditions and your level of exertion.
Optional Items to Bring
- Waterproof camera
- Sunglasses with lanyard (polarized recommended)
- Hat with visor
- Extra change of clothes and shoes
- Towel
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- 10-foot or longer recreational kayak, paddle and US Coast Guard-approved Type III PFD†
†Please call ahead if you plan to use your own equipment as it must pass inspection by L.L.Bean staff before use. If it's deemed unsuitable, we will provide you with the necessary equipment.
What We Provide
- Use of all necessary paddling equipment: boats, paddles, PFD's, etc.
Prerequisites
- None
QUESTIONS? Contact an Adventure Consultant

outdoor_discovery@llbean.com | 1-888-552-3261 | HOURS: 7 days a week, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET

Policies & Agreements

Smoking and Tobacco, and Alcohol Policy

Smoking and Tobacco Policy

L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs activities are tobacco- and smoke-free (including electronic smoking devices) in support of a healthy lifestyle and respect for our participants and guests. We thank you for understanding and respecting this policy.

Alcohol Policy

In general, alcohol consumption is not permitted during L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs events for the safety of all participants. However, alcoholic beverages are allowed on overnight trips and may only be consumed in a responsible way after the day’s activities are finished. If participants consume alcohol to excess in the evening and behave in ways that negatively impact their own safety, that of the group or the natural environment around them, our guides will intervene. We hope that we will never have to remove an offending guest from the remainder of a trip to ensure the group’s safety, but we will do so if necessary.
Minimum Age: 12 (14 & under with parent/guardian)

Participants must be 12 years old by the start of the trip, course, or tour; a parent or guardian must participate with anyone 14 years old and younger.
Cancellation Policy: Courses and Tours
This cancellation policy applies to non-overnight courses and day tours.
- 7 days in advance: 100% credit or refund
- Less than 7 days in advance: No credit or refund
L.L.Bean does not usually cancel events due to inclement weather. However, we reserve the right to cancel an event at any time due to severe weather, low enrollment or other concerns. If L.L.Bean cancels your event, you will receive a full refund for the cost of your reservation. All refunds will be in the form of the original transaction. L.L.Bean shall not be responsible or liable for other expenses incurred by the participant as a result of such a cancellation.