Half-Day Sea Kayaking Strokes Course

ACTIVITY

This exciting sea-kayaking course is perfect for beginners, self-taught paddlers looking to refine their technique, or anyone else who wants to start enjoying this popular sport. You’ll spend half a day with our experienced instructors learning all the paddling skills you need to embark on most kayaking adventures.

Your day will start with a review of paddling techniques to improve kayak control and efficiency on the open water, plus an overview of kayak design and boat fit – helpful information for any paddler who wants to be more comfortable during long days out on the water. Thanks to a small group setting, you’ll get plenty of one-on-one attention as our instructors share their knowledge and answer your questions.

After a thorough introduction, you’ll learn paddling terminology and basic paddling strokes. Our instructors will guide you step-by-step through each stroke, helping you hone and refine your abilities. Throughout the day, you’ll learn to master the forward stroke, reverse stroke, sweep strokes, and the stern draw, allowing you to paddle straighter, turn quicker, and navigate around obstacles.

Expect to work hard, get wet, and most importantly, have fun! You should expect to see substantial improvements in your technique by the end of the course.

All necessary paddling equipment is provided.

L.L.Bean Flying Point Paddling Center

14 Marietta Ln, Freeport, ME 04032

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
- Towel
- Wetsuit or drysuit
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- 14.5 foot or longer sea kayak with two bulkheads, spray skirt, 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
- Hot showers
- 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.