Beyond Basics

The perfect stepping stone to paddling on your own sea kayak adventure or with qualified and experienced team members of ECK. Consolidate all the skills covered in the Sea Starter Course and extend them in a safe and supportive environment.  
These 3 courses have been developed over many years – explore the best of Australian paddling locations, we understand the needs of the clients that have undertaken our Sea Starter course, and what they feel they need in order to further their kayaking journey. There is no set order; you can do whichever elements you believe would suit your needs or drop us a line to discuss.

• Advanced Strokes/Self Rescue – an introduction to the Eskimo Roll, minimum of 4 participants
• Day Journey – Westernport/Philip Island  - minimum of 4 participants
• 3 Day Expedition to Wilsons Prom/snake Islands or Gippsland Lakes – Minimum of 4 participants

We strongly suggest that you practice your kayaking skills between the Sea Starter Course and doing the Beyond Basics courses, utilizing your 4 hours of free kayak/equipment hire.

INCLUSIONS
As standard we supply all sea kayaking equipment:

• sea kayak
• spray deck
• PFD
• hand pump
• sponge
• paddle
• CAG (spray jacket)

However, if you have you own equipment and it meets our standards, we like you to train and become familiar with your own equipment

Instructor ratio is 1:6 participants – ensuring the best outcomes

Programs

Advanced Strokes / Self Rescue – An Introduction to the Eskimo Roll, minimum of 4 participants

After the course head out on a self guided paddle with the other participants either to Brighton Baths or Half Moon Bay for a well-deserved coffee – and practise the skills you have learnt.

Meet at our Training Center, 37 Jetty Road Sandringham at 8:30am to help set up for a 9:00am start – finishing at 12 noon – $90 per person.

Includes: sea kayak, spray deck, paddle, spray jacket (CAG), hand pump, sponge.

Instructor ratio of 1:6 participants

Extra Equipment hire - Wetsuit $15, Fleece $5 per day

Receive 2 hours of free kayak hire to be taken in one session.

Dates:
Sun 13 October 2013
Sun 10 November 2013
Sun 1 December 2013
Sun 12 January 2014
Sun 9 February 2014
Sun 9 March 2014

Day Journey – Westernport/Philip Island - minimum of 4 participants

Using your new-found knowledge of sea kayaking, winds, tides and charts you can plan and paddle your own trip with the help of our guides in the best locations that Victoria have to offer!
You will learn:

• route planning to compensate for tidal influence and weather conditions
• how to negotiate protruding land masses, constriction, shipping channels, effects of wind, tide ferry gliding and negotiating surf zones – weather dependent
• leadership skills for group management.

We strongly suggest that you practise your kayaking skills between the Sea Starter Course and doing the Expedition – Beyond Basics. Use your 4 hours of free hire From the Sea Starter Course
8:30am: Meet at a designated café to discuss weather, tides and formulate the route for the day, incorporating all these elements. Arrange car shuffles No trip is exactly the same - $170 per person.
Includes: sea kayak, spray deck, PFD, paddle, spray jacket (CAG), hand pump, sponge, light lunch and snacks.
Instructor ratio of 1:6 participants
Extra Equipment hire - Wetsuit $15, Fleece $5 per day
Please be aware that we ask participants to make their vehicle available to assist with car shuttles if necessary. 
Dates:

Sun 27 October  2013
Sun  15 December 2013
Sun 23 Febuary 2014
Sat 10 May 2014

3 Day Expedition to Wilsons Prom/snake Islands or Gippsland lakes – Minimum of 4 participants

Using your new found knowledge of sea kayaking, winds, tides and charts you can plan and paddle your own Expedition with the help of our guides.
You will learn & develop through:

• consolidating basic kayaking skills and building your confidence and expertise
• planning a kayaking adventure; knowledge of waterproofing equipment, loading a sea kayak,
• understanding the clothing, equipment and provisions used in sea kayak expeditions
• understanding the principles of food preparation, menu planning and using portable stoves.
• Developing kayak camping skills - utilizing principles of minimum impact camping and using tarpaulins to provide shelters in sun or rain.
• route planning to compensate for tidal influence and weather conditions
• negotiating protruding land masses, constrictions, shipping channels, effects of wind, tide ferry gliding and negotiating surf zones (weather dependent)
• developing leadership skills for group management.

We strongly suggest that you practise your kayaking skills between the Sea Starter Course and doing the Expedition – Beyond Basics utilizing your 4 hours of free hire from the Sea Starter Course.
Includes: sea kayaking equipment (as above), catering.
Instructor ratio of 1:6 participants - $745 per person
In addition, participants will need to bring their own personal equipment, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, rain jacket, rain pants, and 2 person tent, hire of this equipment can be arranged at extra cost
Receive 2 hours of free kayak hire to be taken in one session
Please be aware that we ask participants to make their vehicle available to assist with car shuttles if necessary. 
Dates:
22-24 November – Gippsland Lakes
21-23 March – Wilsons Prom/snake Islands

Below on the 2 sheets are the intended routs taken - weather dependent

OUTCOMES & RESULTS
Paddlers finish the course with the following:

• an excellent grasp of the fundamental strokes and efficient techniques used in sea kayaking
• knowledge of how to paddle within a pod
• defensive paddling skills
• practical experience of self- and assisted-rescues and recoveries
• an appreciation of the effects of tide and wind
• navigation principles
• the ability to plan and prepare for paddling trips
• an understanding of sea kayak design and performance
• knowledge to choose the right boat to buy

REASONS TO ENROL

• Become a better paddler, faster – Good instruction means you can gain skills in two days that would take so much longer to gain on your own.
• Increase your confidence – learning how to competently perform self-rescue techniques and basic sea kayaking rescues allows you to explore further and fear less. Day tripping is fun, but multiday expeditions open up a whole new world of exciting possibilities!
• Learn right – start with good habits and avoid having to get rid of bad habits later on.
• Grow together: learning to paddle within a group is a supportive and fun educational environment.
• Test your skills – While you can learn from books and DVDs, there is no substitute for time spent actually on the water.
• Pure enjoyment – good skills mean you can have more fun on the water

Download Course Programs