“Both Fundementals III and IVwere really terrific for me... The courses expanded the limits of what I can reasonably expect to do as a solo kayker... and pushed me far beyond where I would have gone on my own.”
- Steve FeldmanTrips, Courses, Beginners to Novice, Novice to Intermediate, Advanced Professionals, BOOK YOUR COURSE
Come get a paddle wet
Maine Island Kayak Co’s traditional on water courses are designed to provide effective learning of boat handling skills, safety and seamanship with an awareness of the magic of our marine environment. Regardless of your level of commitment, safe sea paddling requires good seamanship and effective decision-making for your group.
Any MIKCo course is available for private booking with your group of 4 or more.
MIKCo continues to offer Private Courses, Trips and Trainings to your group of friends or business associates turn key or a la carte.
FUNDAMENTALS 3
Intermediate Strokes in Conditions
MIKCO can increase your confidence and commitment to effective strokes in mild conditions. For those who’ve taken Fundamentals 1 and 2 onboard, this in-the-field stroke clinic is designed for novices and intermediates looking to get more comfortable in varied conditions. We can tune up your maneuvering and bracing while playing in appropriate seas. You’ll leave feeling connected to your boat and receive an individualized critique of your overall skills.
FUNDAMENTALS 4
Practical Navigation, Seamanship & Route Selection
Let’s get out of the harbor and develop our ability to observe the sea states, waves and tidal flows to choose the conditions we are comfortable in based on our skill set. This is the essence of applied seamanship. You can develop a working outline for on-water decision-making outside the harbor in light sea conditions and surf. We are studying applied seamanship, the sum of one’s skills in navigation, rescues, strokes in conditions, trip planning, communications, rules of the road, island ethics and the environmental factors. For those with Fundamentals 1-3 or equivalent experience or interest.
FASTTRACK II COURSE – 5 Day
This scenarios based course is designed for the intermediate paddler comfortable in their boats and ready to lead their own trips. It’s appropriate only for those with significant paddling experiences under their skirts – for those who feel ready to expand and develop their hard skills and environmental judgment. This is a challenging and active course for the committed sea kayaker based on real world issues we’ve experienced.
SURF & RESCUE CLINIC
The real excitement of sea kayaking lies in its rough water paddling. Sea kayaks are particularly adept in bumpier seas. This course focuses on beach breaks or tidal races. In Maine we need to use the tide and current for maximum effect. We’ll work on wave choice, surf technique, surf survival, real-world bracing and rolling skill development, while practicing the latest in rough water paddling and rescue techniques. Course may be taught in whitewater/surf boats. Prior rough water experience and braces required. Come get wet, it’s a gas.
ROCK GARDEN PLAY
Gulf of Maine paddling is along beautiful rocky coasts, underwater ledges and reflecting waves. Learn that rocks are your friend! This wet, challenging day is for those seeking the thrill and challenge of sliding about in the rocking and rolling environment of our rock gardens. The rocks and ledges of Maine train us for dynamic, effective strokes, in a wide variety of rough water and seemingly erratic breaking waves. Exhilarating and challenging, you will learn how to tune in, study confused surf zones, and practice real life rescues. Course may be taught in whitewater/surf boats. Prior experience required. This is not a machismo experience. We recommend this training for most all paddlers given appropriate conditions. Developing bracing skills a minimum.
BRACING & ROLLING
Let our trained Instructors and Coaches introduce or perfect this Holy Grail of kayaking. We’ll analyze your skills and train you in the natural steps towards this goal. In attempting to achieve this skill set you will obtain skills that reduce the need for a roll.