ACA Coastal Kayaking: L3 Skills Training and Optional Assessment
Location
Benzonia, Michigan
Group Size
5 people per guide
Duration
4 days
Location
Benzonia, Michigan
Group Size
5 people per guide
Duration
4 days
This 24 hour plus course includes the latest ACA course requirements for Level 3 with some additional tools that only 30 plus years of paddling history can provide. We combine “Coastal Kayak Basic Strokes and Rescues” along with a “Strokes and Maneuver’s refinement” and group leadership on water. On land we’ll cover practical navigation, radio use, rules of the navigable road and emergency equipment. In the water, we’ll cover a variety of group and solo rescues, bracing, boat handling and towing scenarios.
This workshop is held in our Northwest Michigan base, giving us access to multiple venues to provide a variety of conditions including moving water. Since food is provided and we’re all based out of the same location with a instructor/student ratio of 1:3, you are assured of a great inclusive experience tailored to your learning style.
Uncommon Adventures
We specialize in guided paddling adventures - both expedition style kayaking and lodge-based paddling retreats - in the Great Lakes, Greenland, Iceland, Alaska and more. We also offer kayak skills training, outdoor cooking programs and ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor Training. Our focus is small groups for trips (3-6) and friendly student/instructor ratios for classes (4:1 max)
Since 1984 we have been known for professional, ACA certified instructors, outstanding cuisine, and top quality equipment that helps create an enjoyable learning environment for everyone at all experience levels. No matter what shape or size you may be, we will work hard to help you blaze a pathway to your own paddling adventure.
The Guides
Where you'll meet
The details
What to bring
What's Not Included (and some help with packing):
- Transportation to the site
- Navigational tools: compass (orienteering style) and anything else you'd like to work with, including charts. (We have a few extra if you don't have your own.)
- Farmer John/Jane style wetsuit: for May/June/September/October, can be rented from our shop. Drysuit if you have one.
- Synthetic or wool long underwear: polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc….anything but cotton, both tops and bottoms, can be worn under shorts too for a very comfortable if not very stylish ensemble.
- Fleece jacket
- Paddling jacket or rain parka: I have a few loaners.
- Neoprene boots: I try to discourage sandals because they can get tangled in footrests….and that’s bad if you're upside down.
- Sunscreen
- Sunhat
- One liter reusable water bottle
- Lunch supplies (refrigerator available)
- Snacks
- Alcohol or preferred adult beverages
- One dinner at a local establishment
- Guide Gratuity (Suggested 5-10%)
Cancellation Policy
Uncommon Adventures payment terms and conditions are based on the investment we make in planning, equipment allocation, staffing, and delivering our programs. These expenses are not recoverable in the case of short-notice cancellation or transfer. However, we do understand that things often happen beyond your control and will work with you the best we can. That may take the form of a gift card for a credit for a future program.
For expeditions of a week or more, we RECOMMEND that you research travel insurance options and purchase one that will protect your investment. Options include Allianz Travel Insurance and World Nomads.
Refund / Cancellation Policy:
- Overnight Adventure Trips (Backcountry and Lodging):
- If cancelled more than 60 days prior to the start of the program, we provide a full refund less any fees incurred by us. If you prefer, we will offer a 100% credit towards future programs used within 24 months.
- If cancelled less than 60 days, but more than 30 days, your fees are forfeit, unless we can rebook your spot. A credit will be issued, less our booking costs, in the form of gift card good towards programs for 24 months.
- If cancelled less than 30 days prior to the start of the program, no refunds will be given. If we can rebook your spot, then a gift card will be issued less our booking costs.
- Instructional Day courses and programs
- If you cancel within 72 hours, we offer a 100% credit towards future programs in the same year.
What if Uncommon Adventures Cancels Your Program?
If Uncommon Adventures determines that a scheduled program needs to be canceled due to risk management concerns, weather, a natural disaster, or any other reason, we will offer the client a full refund minus any unrecoverable expenses already incurred.
Our precautions for COVID-19
What you can expect from us:
Covid-19 Policy
Going forward we will be monitoring CDC guidelines as they change. Most kayak skills training and paddling have built-in social distancing, but some things like rescues and kinesthetic coaching often are more effective with closer contact. If you are more comfortable wearing a mask during programs, you are welcome to.
Our business model has always been one of small groups of 2-6, minimizing group risks. Firstly, bringing all of your own kayaking gear that only you have handled helps mitigate risk.
Items like whistles and paddle floats will not be shared. We are happy to demo their use, but you should have your own to practice with.
While we recognize the need to mitigate contact risk in every way possible and practical way, your immediate safety will always be our priority. For camping programs, we will be following the same strict food hygiene standards we always have because it always applies and individual campers will be handling and rinsing their own eating ware in a bleach rinse.
— Michael Gray, Owner
More trips from Uncommon Adventures
Reviews
Trip: ACA Coastal Kayaking: L3 Skills Training and Optional Assessment
Guide: Michael G.
By Eddie Q. on June 12, 2024
Trip: ACA Coastal Kayaking: L3 Skills Training and Optional Assessment
Guide: Lisa D.
Took the Level 3 assessment course with Michael & Lisa. They graciously shared their home with us campers and provided an excellent course to make us all better and safer paddlers, highly recommended
By Daryl M. on June 05, 2023
