Do you have to take a class to learn to kayak. The answer is no. So why should you take a class? Good instruction will provide a shortcut to becoming a competent and safe paddler; you'll have more fun! If you get some instruction, you will start out with good habits and avoid having to break bad habits later on. Kayaking is not hard, however, there are a lot of bad habits to pick up if you teach yourself or learn from someone who is not certified to teach. Many kayaking skills are "anti-intuitive"; they don't come naturally without any instruction. There are quite a few other reasons that taking a class will benefit you. To learn to paddle correctly will greatly improve your efficiency and allow you to paddle for a longer time and further distances. This has helped even some more experienced paddlers to hone there strokes. Our classes will jump start you to a skill level that would usually take some time to learn. If you are unsure as to what kayak or kind of kayak to purchase, most students decide to swap out kayaks with other students ( sometimes three or four times) through the course, then get advise on the use of the design while they are in them. Compared to renting different models, this is cheaper and more informative. With the added instruction of rescue techniques (purely voluntary, we don't make our students participate, just to observe) advanced paddle strokes, safety advice and personal attention the Kayak Klinic is a great value. And for those first timers in the kayak, we are a few paddle strokes away if you need a hand. So the class is a safer environment to get started into.