Adventure Kayaking

AK currently available in Sarasota Fl. To launch this program in your community visit the “Join The Movement” page & apply to become a certified AFA coach to learn more.

Adventure Kayaking is a multi-phase training program that builds independence on the water. From body control & paddle mechanics to critical decision-making & real-world kayaking, athletes will gain the skills needed to navigate the water confidently. With two progressive tiers, they will transition from controlled environments to fully independent paddling, developing both technical ability & a love for adventure.

Before learning to control a kayak, athletes must first learn to connect & control their own body. In this phase they will begin by identifying the equipment needed to kayak independently. Your athlete will build on core awareness, balance, & the ability to connect what their mind is telling their body to do. This ensures that athletes can connect their movement to the equipment & thereafter the water, before layering & applying multi-processing techniques.

Once intentional body awareness & control are established, athletes, while in a controlled environment, will begin learning & refining their paddle stroke technique on land in their kayak. Once they master applying the coaching cues to the proper paddle stroke we then help them understand force output & how to apply controlled & effective strokes. This develops efficiency in propulsion, turning, & stopping techniques. We then know they are ready to navigate the water.

Through a controlled simulated process (kinesthetic training) your athlete will learn how the kayak will react to specific paddle strokes & intentional force output. This teaches them the importance of technique & reacting quickly to their environment. This phase strengthens skill development, critical-thinking, & real-time reaction, ensuring they can navigate their kayak effectively through ever changing currents.

Now it’s time to apply everything they’ve learned on land & apply it in open-water environments. This phase introduces real-world problem solving challenges—paddling through different water currents & giving them the experience of removing themselves from difficult situations so they understand why we want to avoid these pitfalls. All of these skills are gained while still receiving close guidance from their coach &/or parent.

This is the breakthrough moment—the phase where athletes prove to themselves that they are fully capable of kayaking independently. With minimal coaching support, they will apply everything they’ve learned—paddle control, body position, stability, & situational awareness—to confidently navigate their own course. This develops the confidence to explore & challenge themselves beyond the program.