Details for Kayaking Basics Class

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Thank you for registering for Blues City Kayaks' Kayaking Basics Class! Please read the information below thoroughly. It will help ensure things run as smoothly as possible. We are looking forward to introducing you to the wonderful world of kayaking! 

Below is a link to the waiver form for the trip. Please print it out, read it, initial and sign, and bring it with you. If you have a guest besides yourself, a copy will need to be filled out by them as well. If your guest is a minor, please fill this out on their behalf and a parent or legal guardian must sign and attend.  

waiver.bluescitykayaks.com

LIFEJACKETS ARE REQUIRED: Every Blues City Kayaks participant is required to wear a US Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while paddling or in the water. Children must wear child size approved PFD’s. There are no exceptions to the PFD requirements. A PFD is included with your boat rental.

All Blues City Kayaks participants will need to meet at the lake behind Lowe’s no later than the starting time so we can promptly start. To get to the lake behind Lowe’s: 

(The location is listed as 430 South Germantown Parkway in Cordova, TN, it is actually behind that building (Lowe's) on the East side.)   

Directions from Interstate 40: 

• Take Germantown Road South exit. 
• Drive down Germantown Road for approximately 5.3 miles and turn left at Lowe's Drive.  
• Drive to the East end of the building and you will see a gravel parking area. 

Directions from Poplar Avenue: 

• Turn North on Germantown Road. 
• Drive for about 1.86 miles and turn right onto Lowe's Drive. 
• Drive to the East end of the building and you will see a gravel parking area. 

If you have any questions or have difficulty finding the access point, please don't hesitate to call or text (901) 762-1133. 

You should bring sunscreen, bug spray, water, snacks, as well as any other personal items you may need. For a comfortable trip back home, you may want to bring a second set of clothing to keep in your vehicle to change into after the class. 

Dry-wick or neoprene layers are recommended. Another recommendation is to bring a set of dry clothing in the event your clothes get wet. Please bring plenty of water and snacks for the class. Also, be sure and bring a very pleasant, accommodating attitude and come prepared to enjoy a relaxing evening laying the foundation for your kayaking skills! 

Water sensitive electronic devices should be securely stored in a dry bag when not in use. “Zip-lock” plastic bags are not waterproof and will not offer protection from the water. Your instructor will have dry bags for such items so be sure let your instructor know if you need something stored. Items to consider are cellphones, electronic keys, wallets, cameras, and anything else that could be damaged if immersed in water. 

There are no bathroom facilities at the course site, therefore, it is advisable to make a bathroom stop prior to arriving and/or boarding the craft.  

Disclaimer: The lake access point is a relatively safe environment and you should be able to leave your vehicle in the parking area. The security of your vehicle, personal items you leave in the vehicle or bring along on the kayak are your responsibility to maintain. Neither Blues City Kayaks nor the Wolf River Conservancy (lake owner) are liable for losses or damage to private property, whether such losses or thefts occurs in the parking areas/lots or on the lake. 

Below is the GPS link to the parking area: (35°07'05.0"N 89°47'47.6"W) 

https://goo.gl/maps/g81SknAtLWw4YDAx6

During  our course you will go through the following:

• Inform instructor of swimming ability 
• Describe types of kayaks and learn the parts of the kayak and paddle you are using.
• Demonstrate how to select an appropriately sized kayak paddle and how to position your hands 
• Precautions to take for a safe kayak outing. 
• PFDs: Types, delection, fitting, and local laws 
• Safety equipment: PFDs, air bags, grab loops, and helmets. 
• Demonstrate entering and launching a kayak from shore or dock
• Demonstrate landing or docking and exiting a kayak 
• Demonstrate forward stroke, sweep stroke, reverse stroke, draw stroke, and rudder stroke
• As a solo paddler, do the following: Paddle forward in a reasonably straight line for 100 feet, move the kayak sideways to the right and to the left, pivot 360 degrees to the right and left, and stop the kayak within one boat length.Stop the kayak. 
• Demonstrate your ability to aid yourself and others in the event of a capsize
• Capsize your kayak in water at least seven feet deep, perform a wet exit if necessary, and swim the boat to shore. (This will be dependant on physical ability and swimming ability) 
• With assistance, if needed, ready the capsized craft for use.