There will be no pool sessions or classes this winter due to Cover-19 restrictions!
Plans are in the works for classes and clinics on local lakes and streams in spring and early summer when water temperatures are higher. Dates, times. places and fees will be posted here, on our Facebook page and our Meetup group when plans have been finalized. Thanks for your patience.
Take a Class this Winter — Join the Fun in the Spring
Whether your goal is to explore the lakes and creeks, view water birds, explore local history, or play in whitewater, the LVKCC offers a paddling course to meet your desires. And after your lessons, you’re invited to join the many beginner and advanced club trips.
All sessions are held Sunday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Lafayette College, Kirby Sports Center Pool Easton PA.
See: Directions to Lafayette College, Kirby Sports Center,Easton, PA.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
Introduction to Recreational Kayaking
Lead Instructors: Dan Rempp- ACA L1 Introduction to Kayaking Instructor 30 years paddling experience and Linda A. Martin-ACA L2 Whitewater Kayaking Instructor
3 Pool Sessions – Jan. 5, 12, 19 + 3 lake sessions Dates– TBA
This class is for people who want to learn about safe recreational kayaking on lakes, and easy rivers. The goal is to increase the enjoyment of recreational kayak paddling by learning how to: choose a paddle, select the proper clothing, find the right boat, and learn effective paddle and rescue techniques. Using classroom demonstrations and pool practice sessions, participants will learn the best and safest way to enjoy the recreational paddling experience.
NEW! Intermediate Open Water Kayaking
Lead Instructor: Cie Stroud– ACA L3 Coastal Kayaking Instructor
2 Sessions – Jan. 26, Feb 2
This course is for paddlers want to be self-suffiient and/or help others paddling in open (large bodies of fresh or salt water with waves. Instruction includes trip planning, maneuvering skills, and self and assisted rescues. This course includes both classroom instruction and pool practice sessions and is geared to paddlers with two significant years of recreational paddling or one year of salt water paddling or who have taken the LVKCC recreational class or equivalent. Students will need to bring a 14 foot or longer recreational, touring or sea kayak, paddle, spray skirt. bilge pump, PFD, and helmet. The following would be nice to have but not required: GPS device, VHF radio, nautical chart, short and long tows.
Introduction to Moving Water Kayaking
Lead Instructor: Scott Douglas – 40 years paddling experience. 10 years whitewater, ACA L4 Whitewater Kayaking Instructor
8 Pool Sessions – Feb. 9,16,23/ March 1,8,15/April 5,19 + 8 white water river sessions in Spring and Summer- TBA
This course provides participants with the skills needed to safely paddle on a variety of rivers by learning how to: choose a boat and equipment, select the proper clothing, learn effective paddle and rescue techniques including the “Eskimo Roll”. This course includes both classroom instruction and pool practice sessions. Your registration in this class includes an additional Spring and Summer “Beginners Series” of moving water outdoor classes with 8 sessions on the Lehigh River, a primer class III white water river in Jim Thorpe PA.
Previous experience helpful, but not required.
Whitewater Kayak Roll Clinic Dates – Jan 12,19,26/ Feb 2
Select just one date. All clinics are the same. This is NOT a series!
The clinic is for paddlers that have a roll but wish to improve it. THIS IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS!
You must be a member of the Lehigh Valley Canoe club to take clinic. Join here.
Click here for Clinic Registration Form.
Long Kayak Roll Clinic
Dates – Apr 5, 19. Select just one date. All clinics offer the same coaching. This is NOT a series!
Seats – 6 students/date. 2 students/coach.
Prerequisites – Paddling: none. Equipment: 14’ or longer kayak, skirt, paddle, helmet. Membership: you must be a member of the Lehigh Valley Canoe Club. Join here.
Fee – $25. Includes pool fee.
Click here for Clinic Registration Form.
Fee schedule: |
Period |
Cost |
Introduction to Recreational Kayaking | 3 pool sessions+3 on water summer sessions | $ 55 per participant $ 20 per child under 18 accompanied by parent |
NEW! Intermediate Open Water Kayaking | 2 sessions | $ 40 per participant $ 15 per child under 18 accompanied by parent |
Introduction to Moving Water Kayaking | 8 pool sessions+
8 on river spring and summer sessions |
$180 per participant $ 75 per child under 18 accompanied by parent |
LVKCC Membership | 1 year | $ 20 per participant, $25 per family |
Pool Session Fee | 1 session | $15 adult/ $5 child under 18 w/adult |
Pool Practice Session – complete series | 13 sessions | $150– only available on the first session |
For all classes, participants must either provide or arrange to rent or loan the necessary equipment, which may include but not limited to: boat, paddle, approved personal flotation device, sprayskirt and helmet.
A limited number of boats will be available as loaners for the recreational class and moving water class. Contact Jim Schulte at Schultejim@yahoo.com for more information.
Registration Form and Contact Information:
Registration ends Dec. 31, 2019.
For questions, email Pat Beltz at patbeltz1@gmail.com
Or call 484-358-4167 after 5PM
Click here for registration form.
Send your registration and payment to:
Pat Beltz
3920 Interchange Road
Lehighton, PA 18235
Make checks payable to the LVKCC.
Pool Procedures
- Doors open at 4:30 PM.
- Bring in your cleaned boat (boats should be cleaned at home) and leave at the edge of the pool. Do not put your boat in the pool until it has been inspected.
- Check in with Pat Beltz who will be seated at the table in the pool area. You will need to verify that you are a member of the Lehigh Valley Kayak and Canoe Club via the roster of current members.
- If you are not a member, there will be application forms available. You must fill out the application form completely and sign the waiver in order to covered by our club insurance. Our membership dues are $20 per individual and $25 per family. Cash or a check made out to the Lehigh Valley Kayak and Canoe Club {LVKCC} will be accepted; we cannot process credit cards. If you are taking a class you should have already paid for your membership along with the class.
- If you are there to practice only, you will need to pay for the pool session: $15 per session (cash or check). You may be asked to wear an identification band to verify that you have paid.
- Proceed to the locker rooms and change; do not leave personal items in the pool area.
- You must shower before getting into the pool.
- If you are taking a class, instruction starts at 5:00 PM. Participants in the various kayak classes will be directed to their classroom by the instructors.
- If you are there to practice only, you can start after the lane lines have been removed and your boat inspected. You are expected to help move the lane lines and replace them at the end of the night.
- Both the diving well area and the main pool are open for practice beginning at 5:00 PM. When students from the classes begin their pool exercises you need to move over to the diving pool until pool closing at 8:30. You will have approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to practice in the main pool before you have to move to the diving well.
- Everyone in the pool needs to wear a PFD and helmet.
- Check the website for updates and weather cancellations.
- Please do not drag your boats on the pool deck or the catwalk between the diving pool and main pool!
- If you are practicing rescues please alert the life guards of your intentions!
- Please use a yoga mat when launching your kayak into the pool.
HAVE FUN AND ENJOY !!!!
What to bring:
- bathing suit
- towel
- lock for lockers in shower room
- paddling clothes (no cotton) for warmth and protection from plastic or fiberglass abrasion
- paddling shoes (old sneakers are fine)
- boat
- paddle
- spray skirt (moving water class, optional for recreational class)
- nose plugs (optional but a good idea)
- goggles (optional but also a good idea)
- float bags
- helmet
- life jacket also known as pfd
Pool Rules:
WASH BOATS INSIDE AND OUT BEFORE PUTTING THEM IN THE POOL!!!
Do this at home!
- Treat the pool with respect. No bashing the sides of the pool with boats or paddles. Avoid hitting the bottom of the pool with your paddle.
- Be careful of the walls and light fixtures when carrying boats and paddles up and down steps.
- Treat borrowed equipment with respect, especially paddles and spray skirts. If you have your own equipment bring it.
- If you borrow equipment remember: YOU BREAK IT; YOU BUY IT!
- Students MUST help move boats and clean up after class. The class is a team activity.
- Students MUST HELP replace lane lines after class.
- Rinse off spray skirts in the shower or with the hose to prolong life.
- Take care of yourself and help others.
- Remove float bags and wash out out your boat.
Stretch before paddling especially the shoulders. Be VERY careful walking on the pool deck and up and down steps. Carry boats with two people. Paddling is a very physical activity; inform us of any medical conditions that could impair your safety.