Recreational Kayaking Skills Series

ACTIVITY

We’ll help you find your rhythm on the water – and the skills and confidence you need to enjoy the beauty and benefits of recreational kayaking. Over this four-week program, you’ll experience deep, hands-on guidance from our expert instructors, with plenty of drills and live feedback, and ample time to practice your newly acquired skills. Topics cover everything from essential equipment, clothing, safety gear, and planning tools, to fundamental paddling strokes and crucial kayak rescue methods.

Each session is designed to build on the last, for a gradual and thorough introduction that provides you with all the tools required for safe and successful kayak outings. On the last day, you’ll head out in your kayak on an exciting tour, where you’ll put all your new skills to the test.

No prior kayaking experience is needed.

If participants miss a session, there is no partial refund or rescheduling.

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
- Wetsuit or drysuit
- 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, PFDs, etc.
Prerequisites
- None
QUESTIONS? Contact an Adventure Consultant

odprograms@llbean.com | 1-888-270-2326 | HOURS: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 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 (17 & 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 17 years old and younger.
Recreational Kayaking Skills Series

We are glad to have you in our Recreational Kayaking Skills Series! As a reminder, this course meets weekly for four weeks. We will be adding the dates for the additional weeks to your reservation within 48-hours.

We look forward to seeing you on the water!
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.