February 7, 2010

IN THIS ISSUE:

General News & Notes: Events & Programs: Kayak Rental: New & Used Kayak Sales & Information: General Equipment News: Question & Answer Corner: Added Value Deals:

Notes From Dave:

SPRING IS ON THE WAY:Well it might be a few more days until spring. This is a good time to start thinking about your wish list of gear for the paddle season. New boat? Used boat? Paddle, PFD helmet? Where & when to paddle? What ever your gear needs take a look at what we offer. CLICK HERE to e-mail us or call 972-412-7691 with any questions. KID’S KAYAKS SPECIAL PRICING UNTIL MAY 1, 2010! Jackson Kayak is offering the Side Kick & Shooting Star for a low $499.00! This is a $300.00 discount from 2009 prices. This is part of the Jackson “Get Your Kids Paddling” promotion. See below for more information. SPECIAL NOTE: Moore Park, located in downtown Dallas, is schedule for completion October 2010. Moore Park will have two waves forming a park & play spot of white water for kayaks & canoes. This is great news for the paddle community! AS OF JANUARY 2010 ~ WE ARE AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR KOKATAT, Kokatat drysuits have a wonderful reputation for offering protection when paddling in extreme conditions. Look for additional information to be post on the web site soon. REGISTER TODAY! ADAPTIVE PADDLING WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 13 & 14. Instructors are coming from the ACA National Office, participants will learn how to instruct people with various disabilities on safe kayaking techniques. If you are an instructor or want to become an instructor this workshop will be of great benefit. TIME TBA. CLICK HERE to e-mail us or call 972-412-7691 for more information & request a spot in this class. FLYER: CLICK HERE REGISTER TODAY! COASTAL KAYAKING INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP & RIVER KAYAK DAY TRIP LEADING ASSESSMENT (combined class) FEBRUARY 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 We are offering this advanced 5-day class for those who are instructors or wish to become instructors. TIME TBA. CLICK HERE to e-mail us or call 972-412-7691 for more information & request a spot in this class. KAYAK COLLEGE: Kayak College is a comprehensive program that takes a beginner paddler from the first days of kayaking to advanced rough water and rolling competency. Experienced kayakers will begin at appropriate level after assessment with a certified instructor. Through a course of 5 classes and 20 available coaching sessions, students receive certified instruction and feedback to achieve specific goals. For those wanting to become a confident and competent kayaker, this program will take you there. Visit our course descriptions for more information or CLICK HERE US WOMEN’S KAYAK POLO TEAM: January 23 & 24 paddlers from around the country will be arriving in the Dallas area for final selection & a training camp for the US Women’s Kayak Polo Team. This team will represent the US at the international games in Italy fall 2010. These are some of the best kayak polo paddlers around. If you are interested in watching the training camp please check this newsletter or our calendar of events for more details. Location & time of the training camp TBA. FRIDAY NIGHT FLIPS (FNF): February 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16 (last of the series). 7:30-9:30pm. More details below in the event section. GUARANTEED KAYAK ROLL - Steve Walls offers private kayak roll classes during FNFs from 7:30 to 9:30. Steve will teach no more than two students an evening in a private roll lesson. The cost is $75.00 the first class and $10.00 each subsequent lesson until you have mastered a reliable roll. CLICK HERE to e-mail us or call 972-412-7691 for more information & request a spot in this class.. FLEET SALES & LEASES: Kayak Instruction is now working with professional outfitters, schools, churches and other institutional programs to supply affordable high quality kayaking equipment. We offer FLEET SALES & LEASES ~ CLICK HERE for more information! PRIVATE POOL SESSIONS: You can have an AFFORDABLE private event for six paddlers or more in a heated indoor pool. Plan a girls or guys night-out, birthday party, church group event or group lesson. Prices start at just $100.00. See below in Events & Programs for more information! SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY: Come out and see the new PLANO OAK POINT PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE during our QuickStart Kayak Class on 5/15/2010. You are not allowed to kayak on the City of Plano lakes but we have partnered with Plano Parks and Recreation for this program and have the permits which allow us to teach on Oakpoint Park and Nature Center Lake. This is your chance to see another natural area hidden in the DFW Metroplex. CHECK OUR CALENDAR whatever your schedule or skill level we have a class or paddle opportunity for you. CLICK HERE WE HAVE AN ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER that we send out from time to time. If you would like to join our mailing list CLICK HERE. We will deliver to your in box details on upcoming events and activities with Kayak Instruction. Note: We NEVER share our mailing list with other companies, groups or organizations! STOP DREAMING …. START PADDLING T-SHIRTS The Kayak Instruction T-Shirt is NOW available for purchase on line OR at any class / event. Go to the accessory page of this web site to purchase on line. This highly sought after apparel item will complete your wardrobe. Let the world know to STOP DREAMING …. START PADDLING! KEEP CHECKING THIS NEWSLETTER for the latest Kayak Instruction news! See you on the water ~ Dave

EVENTS & PROGRAMS :

OUR 2010 CLINIC SCHEDULE is filling up fast. Check regularly for the latest additions. We have Kayak Badges for Scouts, FNF, Private Classes on demand & much more. Not everything is posted yet so keep checking back for additions to the schedule. Some upcoming programs…. See our CLINIC SCHEDULE for more listings. MARCH 20 ~ QuickStart at The Colony SPACE LIMITED ~ REGISTER TODAY! ADAPTIVE PADDLING WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 13 & 14. Instructors are coming from the ACA National Office, participants will learn how to instruct people with various disabilities on safe kayaking techniques. If you are an instructor or want to become an instructor this workshop will be of great benefit. TIME TBA. CLICK HERE to e-mail us or call 972-412-7691 for more information & request a spot in this class. FLYER: CLICK HERE COASTAL KAYAKING INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP & RIVER KAYAK DAY TRIP LEADING ASSESSMENT (combined class) FEBRUARY 6, 7, 8, 9. We are offering this advanced 5-day class for those who are instructors or wish to become instructors. TIME TBA. CLICK HERE to e-mail us or call 972-412-7691 for more information & request a spot in this class. FRIDAY NIGHT FLIPS (FNF): 7:30-9:30pm February 12, 19, 26 March 5, 12, 19, 26 April 2, 9, 16 (last of the series) 2009/2010 is our fifth season to offer a Friday night paddle practice for new and experienced paddlers. FNF fees will be $5.00 pool use & $5.00 for kayak rental or you can bring your own. PFDs are mandatory during the session. The FNF will again be held at the Colony Aquatic Park, 5580 N. Colony Blvd., The Colony, 75056. FNF NOTE: FREE EQUIPMENT use for those paddlers age 12 & under. There must be a parent or adult present during FNF for students under 12. Call for more information: 972-412-7691 FNF FLYER to post & share with friends – CLICK HERE GUARANTEED KAYAK ROLL - Steve Walls offers private kayak roll classes during the FNFs from 7:30 to 9:30. Steve will teach no more than two students an evening in a private roll lesson. The cost is $75.00 the first class and $10.00 each subsequent lesson until you have mastered a reliable roll. CLICK HERE to e-mail us or call 972-412-7691 for more information & request a spot in this class. KAYAK COLLEGE: Kayak College is a comprehensive program that takes a beginner paddler from the first days of kayaking to advanced rough water and rolling competency. Experienced kayakers will begin at appropriate level after assessment with a certified instructor. Through a course of 5 classes and 20 available coaching sessions, a student will receive certified instruction and feedback to achieve specific goals. For those wanting to become a confident and competent kayaker, this program will take you there. Visit our course descriptions for more information or CLICK HERE SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY: Come out and see the new PLANO OAK POINT PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE during our QuickStart Kayak Class on 5/15/2010. You are not allowed to kayak on the City of Plano lakes but we have partnered with Plano Parks and Recreation for this program and have the permits which allow us to teach on Oakpoint Park and Nature Center Lake. This is your chance to see another natural area hidden in the DFW Metroplex. PRIVATE POOL SESSIONS: You can have a private two-hour event for six paddlers or more in a heated indoor pool. The plan includes equipment rental & instructor. Plan a party, girls-night-out, church event or group lesson. Prices start at just $100.00. Contact for more information: E-MAIL or call 972-412-7691 PRIVATE POOL SESSIONS FLYER CLICK HERE KAYAK POLO OPENINGS ~ There are still spots available on the TEXAS TORNADOS; practice is at the Colony Aquatic Park every Saturday night 7:30pm. If you are under 21, this is an excellent opportunity for fun, to develop leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, self-esteem and responsibility. This is a national championship team who welcomes paddlers of all skill levels to join the fun. To see photos of the team in action CLICK HERE. EVERYONE IS WELCOME to come and watch the team practice; we always need cheerleaders! WE WERE EXCITED TO BE FEATURED on Fox DFW Lone Star Adventures! To view the story CLICK HERE. ANY TIME YOU ARE ON THE WATER please collect a little “trash” to bring in for proper disposal. It helps everyone when the waterways are kept a little bit cleaner.

KAYAK RENTALS

KAYAK RENTALS: We have kayak rentals for students and non-students. This is a great way to try different kayaks and enjoy picking your own paddling location without owning a kayak (yet). RENTAL RATES INCLUDE PFD, HELMET, PADDLE & SKIRT as well as use of the kayak. Information is now posted on the KAYAK RENTAL PAGE. CLICK HERE for details or call for more information and rental reservations. WE ARE STILL RUNNING OUR FAMOUS “RENT TO PURCHASE” PROGRAM… rent a boat and you can apply that rental fee to any boat in stock, new or used, that you purchase within 30 days of the rental. Give me a call! BOAT RENTAL FLYER: CLICK HERE

JACKSON KAYAK:

KID’S KAYAKS SPECIAL PRICING UNTIL MAY 1, 2010! Jackson Kayak is offering the Side Kick & Shooting Star for a low $499.00! This is a $300.00 discount from 2009 prices. This is part of the Jackson “Get Your Kids Paddling” promotion. Jackson Kayak started business in 2004 with a kids kayak designed for 30-80 pound kids. The result over the past 6 years has been lowering the average entry age of new paddlers to about ½ of what it was before. This special price offer will help children get paddling for less money in a high quality kayak! Contact us TODAY for more information. 972-412-7691 WE ARE AUTHORIZED DEALERS FOR TEXAS, NEW MEXICO & OKLAHOMA!… visit our Jackson Kayak page for the latest information on this great line of boats ….CLICK HERE. KAYAK INSTRUCTION is now working with professional outfitters, schools, churches and other institutional programs to supply affordable high quality kayaking equipment. We offer FLEET SALES & LEASES ~ CLICK HERE for more information! THE 2010 JACKSON STAR SERIES HAS ARRIVED and is available for test paddles, rental & classes. These kayaks will also be available for Friday Night Flips ~ come test these boats today! JACKSON FUN SERIES KAYAKS have been re-designed and new models will hit the market in September. We are on the top of the list to receive demo boats for this new model. You can be the first to try them out. Keep checking back! The new JACKSON ALL-WATER HYBRID has arrived! Many folks have been looking forward to this new kayak. Come test this boat and let us know what you think.…. The new JACKSON RIVERA SIT-ON-TOP also has arrived and folks are impressed. New paddlers often want to start with a sit-on-top….this boat will fit the bill. DYNAMIC DUOS have arrived… these great kayaks are now available for use in our instructional fleet. Just like a bicycle built for two you can now paddle with a buddy in these fun boats. We of course have them available for sale with FREE shipping to Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. JACKSON KAYAK has allowed KAYAK INSTRUCTION to set up an OKLAHOMA dealership without an official store front so that we can provide Oklahoma paddlers with the entire line of boats that Jackson Kayak offers. We are excited about reaching into Oklahoma and are expanding our presence there as we move into the 2010 season. Please check back for the latest news and details. Oklahoma paddlers can contact Randy direct at 918-812-2596 with any product questions. ORDER from us and you receive FREE SHIPPING on NEW JACKSON KAYAKS to TEXAS, NEW MEXICO & OKLAHOMA! .

EQUIPMENT NEWS…

KAYAK INSTRUCTION is now working with professional outfitters, schools, churches and other institutional programs to supply affordable high quality kayaking equipment. We offer FLEET SALES & LEASES ~ CLICK HERE for more information! AS OF JANUARY 2010 ~ WE ARE AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR KOKATAT, Kokatat drysuits have a wonderful reputation for offering protection when paddling in extreme conditions. Look for additional information to be post on the web site soon. DEALERSHIP RELATIONSHIPS: We are an authorized dealer for the following companies: JACKSON KAYAKS ~ Dealer for TEXAS, NEW MEXICO & OKLAHOMA w/FREE SHIPPING* JACKSON REC KAYAKS ~ Dealer for TEXAS NEW MEXICO & OKLAHOMA w/FREE SHIPPING* ADVENTURE WEAR & MTI PFDs ~ AQUA BOUND PADDLES ~ BRACA-SPORT ~ IMMERSION RESEARCH ~ KOKATAT ~ MTI PFDs & ADVENTURE WEAR ~ RIOT KAYAKS ~ SKIRT WORKS ~ STOHLQUEST ~ WERNER PADDLES ~ YAKIMA ~ DON’T BE LEFT WITHOUT THE PROPER EQUIPMENT for getting you and your kayak on the water. Give me call: 972-412-7691 with your equipment questions. CHECK THIS SECTION OFTEN, we plan on adding more companies to serve you better! We now have available for demonstration & use during FNF & rental Immersion Research Lucky Charm & Shockwave skirts! We have twenty new RIOT RECREATIONAL kayaks that have been added to the fleet … They are available for rental, classes as well as to purchase. RIOT KAYAKS: Kayak Instruction is now an authorized dealer for RIOT KAYAKS. we are very excited to represent this fine line of boats. Of course Riot Kayaks are available for purchase new and are available in our instructional & rental fleet.

QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:

Q & A with Kayak Instruction. Q: I need to stay on a budget – what are my options for kayak gear with limited funds? A: KAYAKING ON A BUDGET is a lot easier and more affordable than you might think. The major purchase will be the kayak itself. Pick the type of kayak you need for the paddling you plan on doing. White water, flat water, ocean paddling? Does your budget allow for a new or used kayak? Test the type of kayak you are considering. Does the kayak fit your body type and size? Does if feel comfortable? If purchasing new do your homework and shop for a reliable dealer that will give you service and assistance in finding the right kayak for you & your budget. If purchasing used be aware of the overall condition of the kayak. Has the kayak been stored in direct sunlight or out in the weather for an extended period? Does it have any “major” damage? If the kayak is in good shape, the price is right & it is what you want/need you are good to go. If you are not sure what type or size of kayak you need try renting a kayak for a paddle or go for a test paddle. A rental is affordable and lets you try before you buy. Our rental program allows you to apply your rental fee to the purchase of a new or used kayak within 30-days of the rental. ACCESSORIES: PADDLE ~ Your paddle is the next most important equipment next to the kayak. Many kayakers feel it is more important than the boat. Choose your paddle carefully, is the length and weight what you need? Again the thought of new or used comes to mind. Look at the condition of the shaft and edges if purchasing used. That paddle will be in your hands for extended periods of time, be sure this is the paddle for you. HELMET ~ Paddlers need to be prepared. The helmet should fit comfortably and the strap should not bind or have rough spots. New helmets are a good investment; you will know the condition & history of the helmet. A helmet that has been impacted may not offer the protection you need. Replace your helmet every 3-4 years or after a major impact. SKIRT ~ A skirt does more than just help keep you dry. It can help keep your gear in, protect from “sunburn” on your legs, and will help keep you warm or cool depending on the weather. The skirt should be sized for your kayak and for you. If used, is it in good condition? Is the “grab loop” for a wet exit in good condition and reachable? Choices are generally black, black or black but other colors and accent colors are available. GLOVES ~ Paddlers preference and weather/water temperatures are to be considered. Gloves can make a difference by the end of the day. Try them on for size, do they fit, are they comfortable? Many kayakers use poggies, mittens that fit around the paddle, for cold weather use. Summer & winter gloves are recommended but you can buy one pair at a time to help the budget. CLOTHING ~ Depending on your style of paddling special clothing might not me needed. If you only do day trips in the summer a swim suit and wicking shirt might be all you need. Shoes can be surf mocks, affordable at the local discount store, to more expensive boots for kayaking or snorkeling. Make sure the shoes do not rub or chafe your skin. It is not recommended to paddle barefoot for various reasons. If you plan on paddling early and late into the season warmer paddle specific clothes are needed. A dry suit is a very important investment in colder weather. You have several options, shopping local suppliers so you can get the fit you require, checking internet auction pages for gently used gear, using clothing that is dual purpose. Put an amount aside and getting the best “bang” for your paddle buck is a good idea. OTHER SUPPLIES ~ Generic high protection sunscreen is available at most discount stores along with sun protection lip balms. Stock up and watch the expiration dates. Bring your own water containers instead of purchasing bottled water. TRANSPORTING YOUR KAYAK ~ Car carriers or racks are affordable new or used. Pick the one that fits your vehicle. Look for a small trailer specific to kayak/canoe transportation or a trailer that can be modified to transport kayaks & gear. Many paddlers invest in a quality Yakama system for transporting their gear. Good tie downs are worth their weight in gold, replace at the first sign of wear or weakness. TRIPS ~ Paddle trips do not have to be far from home. We have lots of paddle spots in Texas and surrounding states. Buddy up with another paddler or a group to share gas and other expenses. Tent camp or do day trips. Picnic vs eating out on the road/river. Quick day or evening paddles can be found within a few miles of most cities, out in the country you have even more options. For my personal gear and the gear for my daughters I have always invested in the best new gear available. This has provided the best value when amortized over the life of the equipment. Once you have your core gear your expenses drop. Kayaking is a very affordable and enjoyable sport. In the paddle community you will find many folks willing to share their lessons learned and help you paddle more for less.

SPECIAL DEALS AND DISCOUNTS:

WE ARE HAPPY to offer discounts, deals, and rewards in different forms by partnering with different companies. Please check this space often for updates and changes. IF YOUR COMPANY OR GROUP would like to offer a special value in this space please contact me with details. DISCOUNT ON WEB SITE DEVELOPMENT: Wilson Enterprises & Solutions CLICK HERE . We offer a discount of 10% off our normal web site development fee if you mention Kayak Instruction during your FREE consultation. For more information please contact: Solutions@WilsonEnterprises.biz or call 501-247-5935. FREE AMERICAN WHITEWATER MEMBERSHIP ~ SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER ~ free American Whitewater Membership (AW) with the purchase of a new Jackson Kayak! What a deal……this is a “limited time offer” so take advantage of it as quickly as possible. Contact me for more details…. NOTE: We DO NOT share any information with other companies or groups about our students or the groups we work with. Even our “special partners” do not receive any identifier information.