Texas Brownies and Girl Scout Go Kayaking
Kayaking Program Community Resources for ages 8 and above
Contact: Dave Holl dave@kayakinstruct.com
(214) 629-4794 in Texas
The instructors include Olympians, US Team Members, Junior Olympians and many accomplished kayakers. They teach Girl Scouts how to safely kayak by beginning with kayak games in a swimming pool. The program staff will help the scouts develop self-esteem, teamwork, sportsmanship and character. Programs begin with two hours of fun, kayak and safety games and can progress all the way to the Junior Olympics.
Kayak Instruction Inc. makes it easy for groups to try out this sport. They provide all the equipment: kayaks, paddles, PFDs and all other safety equipment. Kayak Instruction, Inc. meets the Safety Wise Guidelines. The girls will be under the supervision of a certified lifeguard during a water safety exercise to make sure girls feel safe and confident in the water before participating on the water, as described in Safety-Wise Water Activity Checkpoints and there will be an instructor-to-girl scout ratio of 1 to 5.
These four training programs are designed to help girls earn badges at almost all program levels; Paddle, Pole and Roll Badge for Cadets and Senior, Small Craft Badge for Junior.
Level One Young Kayaks
Ages 8 through 17
Brownie, Junior, Cadets and Senior
Location: Winter-Indoor heated pool; Summer-Lake, pond or pool.
Description: A two-hour fun class that stresses safety. Participants will become comfortable in a kayak and learn how to do self-rescues while playing games. Kayak Instruction, Inc. meets the Safety Wise Guidelines. This activity starts with a Safety Wise safety exercise designed to ensure that the girls feel safe and confident in the water. This program is under the supervision of a certified lifeguard. Participation in this program meets the requirements for the Council Brownie “Paddle Safely” Try-It.
Cost: $15. per girl
Level Two Kayak Skill Techniques
Ages 9 through 17
Junior, Cadet and Senior
Location: Winter-Indoor heated pool; Summer-Lake, pond or pool
Description: A three hour clinic which provides the kayaker with the necessary skills to paddle safely, efficiently and with confidence. You will leave this class knowing how to enter, exit and maneuver your kayak in any direction so your future kayaking experiences are enjoyable and safe. This clinic’s focus is on instruction with a few less kayak games. Participation in this program meets the requirements for the Junior “Small Craft” badge.
Cost: $25. per girl
Level Three Kayak Technique & Rescues
Ages 11 through 17
Cadet and Senior
Location: Winter-Indoor heated pool; Summer-Lake, pond or pool
Description: A six hour clinic which includes everything in the Level Two clinic along with a two hour classroom session and several rescue techniques. You’ll learn how to recover from being capsized, including how to clear the water from your kayak and how to get back into your kayak from the water. Techniques for assisting other kayakers are also covered. Participation in this program meets the requirements for the Cadette/Senior Interest Project “Paddle Poll and Roll” with exception of the service Project requirement. Arrangements may be made for this to be done at a later date if desired.
Cost: $40. per girl
Level Four Whitewater Kayaks
Ages 11 through 17
Cadet and Senior
Location: San Marcos River; Fort Worth Trinity River whitewater course
Description: After you have completed four hours of flatwater instruction, come along and take a whitewater clinic. This half day clinic is extremely fun and slightly challenging. This clinic emphasizes specific whitewater maneuvers, balance, and some fun and exciting vertical drops. Your instructors will include Olympians and US team members from the Power Olympic Center and Kayak Instruction, Inc. When they are not teaching you, they are tuning their skills for a spot on the US team.
Cost: $50. per girl
