A beginner kayaking safety program is on course to launch National Safe Boating Week.
“Kayaking 101” is being offered May 18 at 11 North Carolina State Parks and three other natural areas, with four in coastal waters. An effort through the National Safe Boating Council, National Safe Boating Week kicks off the Safe Boating Campaign the weekend before Memorial Day weekend and continues throughout the year.
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The North Carolina State Parks division, the North Carolina chapter of the American Canoe Association, or ACA, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are offering the classes.
On the coast, participants can take the course at Carolina Beach State Park in New Hanover County, Hammocks Beach State Park in Onslow County, Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Dare County, and Salmon Creek State Natural Area in Bertie County.
Register at ncparks.gov/kayak101-2024 or to see where the courses are being offered in other parts of the state.
This is the second year the safety courses are being offered.
“We were eager to bring the event to North Carolina once again this year, with even more parks and locations, to maximize the impact of prioritizing water safety,” Division Director Brian Strong said in a statement. “We are committed to providing safe recreation for our visitors, and that starts with educating the public about the importance of wearing personal flotation devices and ensuring necessary preparations are undertaken by paddlers and boaters.”
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Cost to join the class with American Canoe Association instructors is $15 per person for the day and includes a free kayak rental for anyone who needs it. This training typically cost $75-$150 at retail.
All instructors are volunteers who are nationally certified to provide paddling and rescue training and who are donating their time especially for National Safe Boating Week.
“Our instructor volunteers are so excited to share their love of the sport with newcomers and experienced paddlers alike,” said ACA Southeastern Chair Andrea White. “Just one day of training can make the difference between setting yourself up for a bad experience that ruins the sport for you versus setting yourself up for a whole lifetime of paddling fun.”
Each event will be limited to 15 participants. Participants can either bring their own kayak or indicate at registration that they would like to borrow a kayak, paddle, and life jacket at no additional cost.
“North Carolina has so many beautiful places for kayakers to explore, from rivers and lakes to estuaries and along the Atlantic Coast,” Strong said. “With that range also comes a variety of unexpected situations that paddlers may encounter during their adventure. It is important to take the proper precautions and be able to practice these safety techniques so paddlers can feel confident in knowing what to do.”
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation’s Interpretation and Education Council recognized in August 2023 Ranger Jake Vitak at Hammocks Beach State Park “for his leadership, innovation, and exemplary efforts in providing and promoting a quality interpretation and education program to the public” with the “Kayaking 101” program in May 2023. The event involved 11 locations, more than 50 volunteers, dozens of organizations and 130 participants.
Because of the program’s success in 2023, a total of seven states are participating this year with multiple simultaneous programs for May 18 in North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas and Missouri, state park officials said.
