Instructional Classes

Turn inevitable "out of boat" experiences into opportunities to cool off and have fun!

Our ACA certified and experienced instructors will help you learn proper and safe sea kayak rescue and re-entry techniques that can be performed either alone or when paddling in a group; essential for the safety conscious paddler. This workshop is conducted year-round, either in a heated indoor pool or a nearby lake. We maintain a ratio of no more than 2 students per instructor in these workshops in order to provide a highly personalized learning experience that is focused on your success.

Minimum Age: 16 years    Prerequisites: No prior training

Duration: Workshops consist of two, 3 hour lessons conducted one week apart and include one hour of classroom instruction combined with two hours of in water instruction. A typical schedule is:

Check-in	6:45 PM	Cost
Class begins	7:00 PM	$150.00
In the pool	8:00 PM	inc. Kayak & gear
Out of the pool	10:00 PM

When your friends ask ... "Can you do an Eskimo roll?"  You will answer “YES!”

Our ACA certified and experienced instructors will help you learn proper and safe sea kayak bracing and rolling techniques. This workshop is conducted year-round, either in a heated indoor pool or a nearby lake. We maintain a ratio of no more than 2 students per instructor in these workshops in order to provide a highly personalized learning experience that is focused on your success.

In this workshop you will learn proper boat fit and adjustment for effective rolling, a safe and effective wet-exit technique, body and head positioning, hip snap, bracing and paddle position and techniques; all part of the mechanics of an effective Eskimo roll.

Minimum Age: 16 years    Prerequisite: Successful completion of a Basic Strokes & Rescues class

Duration: Workshops consist of two, 3 hour lessons conducted one week apart. Each lesson includes 1 hour of classroom instruction combined with 2  hours of in water instruction.  A typical schedule is:

Check-in	6:45 PM	Cost
Class begins	7:00 PM	$150.00
In the pool	8:00 PM	inc. Kayak & gear
Out of the pool	10:00 PM

The recommended starting point for all kayakers.

Our ACA certified instructors provide a thorough, safe, and enjoyable introduction to coastal kayaking. This course introduces participants to kayak terminology, proper fit and adjustment for effective boat control, entering a kayak from shore, safe ‘wet-exits’, solo and assisted rescues in deep water and the core strokes to make a kayak move forward, backwards, sideways or in an arc to turn or to spin in place. This is a full day event, pack a lunch, snacks, and water.

Minimum Age: 16 years    Prerequisites: No prior training

Check-in	8:45 AM	Cost
Launch	9:00 AM	$135.00
Off the water	4:00 PM	inc. Kayak & gear

Take your skills to the next level for control in wind and waves!

This session is a natural follow-up to our "Basic Strokes and Rescues" course. Core strokes are reviewed and refined, new strokes are added and multiple strokes are combined into various maneuvers to enhance each paddler’s boat control in more challenging conditions. Paddlers at all levels of experience can expect to increase their efficiency, fluidity and boat control in moderate conditions. Skills covered include forward and reverse strokes, sweep strokes, draw strokes, side slips (hanging draws), sculling brace, low and high braces, static brace turns, and bow and stern rudders.

Minimum Age: 16 years    Prerequisite: Successful completion of a Basic Strokes & Rescues class

Check-in	8:45 AM	Cost
Launch	9:00 AM	$135.00
Off the water	4:00 PM	inc. Kayak & gear

A half day or full day of moderately challenging conditions for graduates of our strokes and maneuvers programs!

Experience the adventure of paddling in moderate conditions while surrounded by the amazing flora and fauna of this local treasure. Back Bay is the largest watershed in Virginia Beach. Back Bay is a large, shallow body of water where the surface conditions are affected by prevailing winds. The resulting waves provide graduates an opportunity to test their boat control skills under the watchful eyes of an ACA certified instructor before venturing out in moderate conditions privately. 

Your open water adventure begins on the Western bank of the Bay and follows one of several routes around the various islands in the middle of Back Bay. Routes are chosen to provide a moderate challenge for trained kayakers. Graduate tours are either full or half day tours.

Minimum Age: 16 years    Prerequisites: Successful completion of Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement Class

Check-in	8:45 AM	Cost
Launch	9:00 AM	$135.00
Off the water	4:00 PM	inc. Kayak & gear

Are you new to kayaking? Did you just get a new Sit-on-Top kayak?

This half-day class will give you all the tools you need to 'quickstart' your paddling skills and get the most out of your new kayak! Designed specifically for entry-level paddlers, you will learn basic paddling skills, safe paddling practices, transporting/car-topping your kayak, paddling and safety gear, launching and recovery scenarios, forward, reverse, sideways, turning and stopping strokes and maneuvers. We'll demo some rescues and even let you try them if you want.

This course will get you off to a great start armed with the knowledge to safely enjoy the wonderful world of paddle sports!

Minimum Age: 16 years    Prerequisites: No prior training

Check-in	8:45 AM	Cost
Launch	9:00 AM	$75.00
Off the water	1:00 PM	inc. Kayak & gear

Are you new to kayaking? Did you just get a new Recreational kayak?

This half-day class will give you all the tools you need to 'quickstart' your paddling skills and get the most out of your new kayak! Designed specifically for entry-level paddlers, you will learn basic paddling skills, safe paddling practices, transporting/car-topping your kayak, paddling and safety gear, launching and recovery scenarios, forward, reverse, sideways, turning and stopping strokes and maneuvers. We'll demo some rescues and even let you try them if you want.

This course will get you off to a great start armed with the knowledge to safely enjoy the wonderful world of paddle sports!

Minimum Age: 16 years    Prerequisites: No prior training

Check-in	8:45 AM	Cost
Launch	9:00 AM	$75.00
Off the water	1:00 PM	inc. Kayak & gear

Feel more comfortable with one-on-one instruction? Would you prefer a training session designed to meet your specific goals? Receive customized training at a location of your choosing – possibly even in your own 'backyard!'

Our ACA certified instructors can provide you with custom, personalized training from basic skills to the most advanced paddling skills and techniques! We will meet your schedule and bring the training to you!

A Private Instruction session can be arranged for 1 to 4 people, half or full day, weekdays or weekends. Call WROTC on 757 431-8566 to arrange your private instruction.

Minimum Age: 10 years old   Prerequisites: No prior training

There's little that is more rewarding and exciting (and sometimes entertaining) than seeing your co-workers perform a 'wet exit' followed by a paddle float rescue. And if you want to emphasize teamwork and communication, we'll have you rescuing each other using one of several kayak rescue techniques. Our experienced ACA certified instructors will tailor a day on the water according to your group’s objectives that will enhance everyone's paddling and rescue skills, as well as group communication, team work and leadership skills and more!

Call WROTC 757 431-8566 to arrange a group kayak instructional class – if you're going to work and paddle as a group, it makes good sense to train as a group.

Minimum Age: 16 years old   Prerequisites: No prior training

Are your youngsters itching to try out kayaking? This Kayak Camp provides instruction in paddling skills and kayak safety in a controlled environment that is interesting, challenging and fun! The 2-day program is filled with activities that will more than wet their appetite!  Guests will learn about kayaks, paddling strokes, safety and rescues (yes, everyone will get wet!). On both days after instruction, we will venture out on a short trip to practice the skills in the morning session and learn about our coastal environment, local wildlife, and nautical 'rules of the road'. Our instructors and guides are specifically trained for this event and have ‘almost’ as much fun as the youngsters!

Ages: 10-15 years    Prerequisite: No prior training

Schedule each day:
Check-in	8:45 AM	Cost
Launch	9:00 AM	$200.00
Off the water	4:00 PM	inc. Kayak & gear

The 2-day program is designed around everyone in the family being safe on the water and learning at an appropriate pace. We gear the class to your needs as we cover strokes and rescues. Call for additional information and let us create a family gathering unlike any other.

Minimum Age: 10 years old   Prerequisite: No prior training

Schedule each day:
Check-in	8:45 AM	Cost
Launch	9:00 AM	Please call WROTC
Off the water	4:00 PM	inc. Kayak & gear

In 3 days, we cover it all: basic and advanced strokes, rescues, towing, and trip planning plus there is time for nature walks, sunrise and sunset paddles, and much more!  All you bring are "clothes to paddle in" and "clothes to lounge around in".

This event will be either a camping or B&B format. Call for details. This can also be run as a custom trip/class for team-building for your company, family reunion or group of friends.

Minimum age: more appropriate for adults, but we will accommodate your group as needed
Prerequisite: No prior training

Schedule each day varies with locations and needs of guests