Standup Paddleboard and Kayak Lessons
Standup Paddleboard Lessons and Kayak Lessons
Private, semi-private, and group lessons allow you the flexibility to learn in the environment that works best for you. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff use a hands on approach, with lessons tailored to your experience and designed to meet your goals. Whether working on basic skills, fine tuning maneuvering, paddling fast and efficiently, or advanced navigation and trip planning, we’ve got the staff and training to let you grow your skills and confidence on the water.
Standup Paddleboard and Kayak Lessons
A kayak or stand up paddle board lesson is a great way to jump start a lifetime of paddling. If you’re new to paddling, let a qualified instructor show you the basic techniques for getting on a paddleboard or in a kayak. Emphasis in these lessons is placed on proper technique, safety, and efficiency, so you can get the most out of your time on the water. Lesson are offered in private, semi-private, and group lessons, so you can choose the option that best fits your needs!
For paddlers who have already mastered the basics, a private lesson is a great way to leap-frog your skills, so you can paddle further up the coast, or to that island you’ve dreamed of reaching.
Each lesson is customized to the skill level and needs of the individual paddler. Listed below are just a few examples of the things you can learn on a paddleboard or kayak.
With drysuits available for rent to all paddlers, lessons are offered year-round! Don’t wait till next summer to learn- book your lesson now!
Basic SUP Skills
Proper forward stroke technique, emphasizing use of your entire body to help drive your board through the water.
Understand the principle of "setting your paddle" and pulling your board past it, rather than moving the blade through the water.
Maneuver your board with sweep strokes and cross bow draws, focusing on proper blade and shaft angles as well as how to keep balanced while using a variety of strokes on the board.
Learn to remount your board after falling off.
Strategies for paddling against headwinds or strong currents, so that you can take to the water in a variety of conditions.
Advanced SUP Skills
Use nose, tail, and T draws to control the orientation, tracking, and position of your board.
Perform a pivot, or step back turn, for faster 180 degree turns.
Employ a high brace or low brace to stay upright after losing your balance
Gain confidence moving your feet around your board, and understand how trimming the board will affect the way it paddles in wind and waves.
Assist struggling paddlers with a variety of towing techniques.
Basic Kayak Skills
Proper forward stroke technique, emphasizing use of your entire body to help drive your board through the water.
Understand the principle of "setting your paddle" and pulling your kayak past it, rather than moving the paddle through the water.
Maneuver your kayak with sweep strokes and stern rudders, focusing on proper blade and shaft angles and how to know when to use each stroke.
Learn to re-enter your kayak after a capsize.
Strategies for paddling against headwinds or strong currents, so that you can take to the water in a variety of conditions.
Advanced Kayak Skills
Learn to edge your kayak for more nuanced and dynamic maneuvering and control.
Utilize a variety of strokes such as hanging draws, bow rudders, stern rudders, and cross bow draws to place your kayak exactly where you want it to be.
Learn to re-enter a capsized kayak in both assisted and unassisted self-rescues.
Learn to use use high and low recoveries to regain balance after a near capsize.
Learn to proactively use high and low bracing to prevent capsize and execute high performance maneuvers.
Meet Our Instructors!
Aaron Mearns
owner/instructor/guide
Aaron has been working as a paddle guide/instructor since 2004. He has led groups of paddlers throughout the diverse waters of the north shore of MA, and has helped introduce the sport of paddling to thousands of paddlers.
He discovered his love of paddling while canoeing recreationally with his brothers and cousins on a small mountain lake in the Adirondacks of NY. However, it was while attending college along the coastline of Beverly that he and his roommate launched a plan to reach some of the islands of Salem Sound, and his passion for paddling the ocean was born.
Aaron believes that nearly anybody, regardless of age or fitness, can find joy in paddling, and in so doing, can nurture a love for the waterways we’re so fortunate to live near.
Ashley Skomurski
owner/instructor/guide
Ashley’s enthusiasm for paddling is as vast as the waters she navigates. With a deep-rooted passion for the local waterways, she excels in guiding clients of all skill levels, helping them discover and hone the paddler within. Her approach is unique; she meets each individual at their level, focusing on their strengths and interests to cultivate their innate connection with paddling. Ashley's guidance is not just about teaching; it's about sharing a love for the sport and the environment.
Audrey Dalton
instructor/guide
Audrey's journey with us began as an intern, focusing on board repairs, but her talents quickly propelled her to become the lead guide in our kids' programs. Her secret? An uncanny ability to connect with children, keeping their experiences fun and engaging while imparting valuable lessons about navigating the complexities of wind and tides. Audrey’s understanding of these elements makes every kid's paddling adventure both safe and exhilarating, ensuring they leave with smiles and a newfound respect for the water.
She is driven to push her own skills as well as those of her students, with an encouraging manner that allows her to break down complex movements into simple explanations
Aedan Knowlton
instructor/guide
Meet Aedan, a natural athlete whose passion for sport and movement is infectious. He brings this zest to paddling, guiding beginners with his encouraging and gentle demeanor. Aedan is a true believer in the paddling athlete that resides in everyone. His approach is all about fostering confidence and skill on the water, making each session with him not just a lesson, but a step towards unlocking one's potential in the realm of paddling.