Sea Kayaking Courses in the Central Zone of Chile
*Ask for our courses in the Lake District-Northern Patagonia Fjords.

Description
Program Requirements
Itinerary Includes

YAK EXPEDICIONES is the first sea kayaking school in Chile. Our courses are designed for those who want to embrace the exhilarating world of sea kayaking voyages and also for those who would like to learn how to organize and implement their own self-supported trip considering improving their paddling technique, learn various rescue methods (self rescue and rescue of others), but mainly to travel taking care of nature and in a safe way. 

This course simulates a real trip, in a self-sufficient manner to a geographic zone of variable climate and very special conditions. At the end of our course, you will have much more confidence in your abilities and you can make use of a great number of tools which will permit you to enjoy your trip to it's fullest, knowing what comes with the knowledge to resolve any eventualities that could arise. 

While increasing your confidence, more places will become safely accessible to you and your group. Our instructors know what works and what does not, therefore, do not hesitate to ask about any insecurities you have about the situations you may encounter.  

We will firmly strive to achieve the potential of adventure rescue experiences transforming them into learning experiences. Qualities such as how to enjoy working the equipment, the integration of all the members of the trip, the motivation, and personal development will naturally develop while interacting with nature. 

To live an experience, reflect on it, and then later be able to apply it to our daily life will be a gift that we were not expecting to receive from a simple trip through nature. 

Reasons why you should take this course

1. You can be sure you will get personalized attention (average 3 students per class, max 6)
2. You will be attended by our Headguide instructor (check section Who We Are (*))
3. We are pioneers in the use of double kayaks for instruction
4. We will practice in the best place to learn
5. We are serious about the quality of our equipment.  Our kayaks ( doubles or singles ) are expedition models, the best available worldwide.
6. We are equipped with marine band radios.

The Program

Theoretical Classes 

• Equipment necessary to perform a sea kayaking excursion (paddling, rescue, clothing, camping). 
• Potential dangers and sea navigation (weather, the group, area,..)
• Video analysis, topographic maps and nautical charts. 
• Safety and rescue methods for the sea.
• General Orientation (topographical maps, nautical charts, Satellite photos, instrumental navigation).
• Basic knowledge about hypothermia, sunstroke, and dehydration.
• Route planning and hazard plan.
• Principles about leadership and Leave No Trace. 

• Knowledge of equipment, regulations and cautions. 
• Leaning, bracing, and paddling techniques. 
• Evacuation and equipment retrieval in the water. 
• Systems and types of sea rescue techniques. 
• Eskimo Roll (demo)
• Landing and launching (entering and leaving the sea and the coast)
• Kayak Surf practice
• Evaluation of potential dangers.
• Group dynamics while on trip.
• Landing evaluation and beach camping

You will use double and single kayaks during the course.

Itinerary and schedule

Theoretical classes: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (21:00-23:30 hrs.)
Practical classes: Saturday and Sunday (even if raining)

• Saturday: At  9AM we will gather in the office, where, after loading the kayaks and equipment in our special conditioned vehicle, we will head to a lake in the central zone.  We'll have our first practice, getting to know the equipment, its use, rescue maneuvers, self and assisted.  Then we will practice paddling techniques, leaning and bracing as we go along the beatiful shores of the lake.
• Sunday : We gather in the office at 9 AM, load the kayaks and head this time to the sea.  We will practice what we learned the day before in marine conditions, and learn new techniques and sea condition evaluation.

Requirements

• Swimming expertise 
• Contemplative attitude and respect for the existing ecosystem. 
• Physical state and health compatible with the activity to be performed. 
• Previous indication of any illness or health problem.
•  You'll find your trip even more enjoyable if you remember to bring flexibility and a sense of humor with you.
• Strictly abide by the indications of the guides during the trips
• Positive mental attitude in front of unexpected situations
• Understand that this is team activity in the outdoors and the participation of each person at each stage is fundamental.  
• Understand that all activities performed in nature can indicate some risk. 
• Before trip you must turn in a signed form of  Release of Liability. 
• To have read and clearly understand the General Conditions section.

Includes

• Transportation in our van from Santiago 
• Paddling Equipment: Single and doubles sea kayaks imported from the USA and Germany, expedition models with original rudder, spray skirt, paddles, life jackets, paddling jackets and wetsuits. 
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Instruction in double kayaks ( to increase safety and speed up learning  ) and singles. You will learn both boats and maneuvers for each of them.
• Complete manual
• Entrance and put in fees when required
• Bilingual instructor with ample experience ( multiple sea kayak expeditions and explorations along Chile, NOLS Kayak Courses and  Wilderness First Responder )
  
  
• Meals NOT included
  
  
  
  Recommended clothing for paddling:
  sun hat, sun glasses with straps, solar protection lotion, polar jacket (midweight or expedition polipropilen ideally), bathing suit, polipropilene pants ideally or wind-proof pants, your own wetsuit if possible, sandals or running shoes that will get get, 1 water bottle and extra personal food if desired.
  

NOTE: This course can be scheduled in different hours and places upon request.
Note: Sea kayaking is a potentially hazardous pursuit, partly because of the nature of the environment in which we operate.

• See our  Trip Calendar and choose the date most convenient for you.
• See also our  General Conditions

Do you wish to accommodate this trip to you needs?  Custom Trip