Paddling Instruction
Classes for 2023 are being planned now. Please check back in mid-June.
NWIPA offers basic kayaking and canoeing classes, along with a sea kayak rescue clinic. A Standup Paddleboard (SUP) class is in development. Classes are taught by Dan Plath, Maggie Byrne and Rebecca Merz, our own experienced ACA certified instructors.
These classes are perfect for beginners or those paddlers who have never had formal instruction. Even if you have been paddling for years, you will definitely learn some valuable skills if you have never before taken a paddling class. Cost is $50, or $35 for Full NWIPA Members. All classes will be held at Robinson Lake in Hobart IN or Wells Street Beach in Gary IN, unless noted otherwise. If a class is filled, or must be canceled, we will contact you to give the choice of another session or a refund. To take a NWIPA class, you must be age 18 or above, or be age 8 or above and accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Wells Street Beach
Robinson Lake Park
Classes Offered
Coastal Kayak Workshop
This three hour on-the-water class teaches basic kayaking safety, boat types and features, and basic paddling strokes. It is based on the American Canoe Association’s Level 2 kayak curriculum. Plenty of time is available to practice with the instructor. If you are interested in buying a kayak, this class will teach you how to choose the right boat for you. On request, a kayak, life vest, and paddle can be made available. Up to ten students can be accommodated in each class, with a minimum of three.
Date: NEW DATE - JULY 18TH
Location: Wells Street Beach
Registration: This event is fully subscribed.
Kayak Instructor Workshop
NWIPA will host a Kayak Level 1 & 2 Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) from Monday, July 31, 2023 at 9:00 am CDT continuing daily through August 3, 2023 starting from Cummins Lodge on Stone Lake, Grangemouth Dr., La Porte, Indiana. The workshop will be taught by ACA coastal kayak instructor trainer educator, John Browning. Participants will learn methods of teaching kayaking safety, boat types and features, and basic paddling strokes.
Dates: July 31st through August 3rd
Location: Stone Lake, LaPorte, IN
Registration: Click here to register now!
Sea Kayak Rescue Clinic and Stroke Refinement
Also, NWIPA is offering a Basic Sea Kayak Rescue Clinic, to learn and practice basic rescue skills including wet exits and assisted ‘T’ rescues. This clinic is for kayakers who have true sea kayaks—boats with dual watertight bulkheads, that are at least 13 feet long. Please do not sign up for this class if your boat does not fit this description.
Up to ten students can be accommodated in each class, with a minimum of three.
Prerequisite: Intro to Kayaking
Date: NOT YET SCHEDULED!
Lake Michigan for Beginners
A class for those who want to learn to paddle safely on Lake Michigan. We will likely launch from a Lake Michigan beach. A sea kayak is required for this class, and may be borrowed from NWIPA.
Up to ten students can be accommodated in each class, with a minimum of three.
Prerequisite: Intro to Kayaking and preferably Sea Kayak Rescue Clinic and Stroke Refinement
Date: August 27th
Location: Washington Park, Michigan City, IN
Registration: Click here to register now!