Classes
With the proper safety and paddling techniques, you can go further, faster and of course, have more fun.
Our small class sizes allow ample time for practice and personal attention. Whether you are a novice, or just want to improve a particular skill, these classes are definitely worth the time.
All of our instructors are trained by the American Canoe Association (ACA). Classes are at our Monterey location unless otherwise noted.
Beginning Level
- Intro to Sea Kayaking
- Pool Kayak Sessions
- Basic Skills for Touring Kayaks
- Basic Skills for Sit on Top Kayaks
- Stand up Paddleboard Classes
- Surfing in Kayaks
- Kayak Fishing Rig/Surf/Rescue Class - New! -
- Frequent Paddler Packages
The Next Level
- Re-entry and Rescues
- Surf Zone
- Surfing in Kayaks
- Eskimo Rolling
- Pool Kayak Sessions
- Frequent Paddler Packages
Intro to Sea Kayaking
Beginning Level - open or closed deck kayaks
Learn the ABC's of sea kayaking in the calm harbor while seals and sea otters look on. This half-day class covers proper fit, balance and basic strokes to enhance your stability in a single kayak. Then learn how to control your kayak, prevent a capsize and other safety issues that will increase your confidence on the water. Your choice of open deck or closed deck kayaks.
| When: | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, every Saturday and Sunday |
| Price: | $50.00. Includes wetsuit, life jacket, paddling jacket, safety gear, paddle and kayak. |
| Bring: | Bathing suit, long sleeve quick drying top (to wear under wetsuit), water shoes. Have towels and warm clothes for afterwards. |
| Reservations: |
Reservations required. |
Pool Kayak Sessions
Any Level - closed deck kayaks
Get a head start on your rolling technique by practicing in a warm pool. Using both river and sea kayaks, our instructors will guide you through leaning and bracing skills to make this ultimate self-recovery skill easy and foolproof. This class is also great for beginners (adults and kids) who want to give kayaking a try before heading out on the ocean.
| Dates: |
Sat, Feb 27, 2010 Sat, Apr 24, 2010 Sat, Jun 26, 2010 |
| Times: | 9:00 AM - 11:45 AM |
| Location: | Salinas Municipal Pool, 920 North Main St. Salinas, CA. Click for map. |
| Prices: |
Option 1: Bring own boat and practice on your own - $30 per person Option 2: Instruction and your own boat - $40 per person Option 3: Instruction and boats provided - $60 per person |
| More Info: |
Reservations required. |
Basic Skills for Touring Kayaks
Beginning Level - closed deck kayaks
This all day class covers all the basic skills you must know about paddling a touring single kayak safely. Combining the Intro to Sea Kayaking and Re-entry and Rescues classes into one day provides an intensive and cohesive instructional day.
| When: | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, every Saturday |
| Price: | $110.00. Includes wetsuit, life jacket, paddling jacket, safety gear, paddle and kayak. |
| Bring: | Bathing suit, long sleeve quick drying top (to wear under wetsuit), booties, lunch, and drinks. Have towels and warm clothes for afterwards. |
| Reservations: |
Reservations required. |
Basic Skills for Sit on Top Kayaks
Beginning Level - open-deck kayaks
If you are new to paddling and want a Sit on Top kayak for fishing, diving or coastal trips, this class is worth the investment and will save you lots of time and hassle down the road (or the beach). Proper handling, strokes, rescues and surf zone skills will ensure your outings are fun and safe.
| When: | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, every Sunday |
| Price: | $110.00. Includes wetsuit, life jacket, paddling jacket, safety gear, paddle and kayak. |
| Bring: | Bathing suit, long sleeve quick drying top (to wear under wetsuit), water shoes, lunch, and drinks. Have towels and warm clothes for afterwards. |
| Reservations: |
Reservations required. |
Stand up Paddleboard Classes
Any Level
Stand up paddleboards are designed for exploring flat water or for riding smaller waves. It's also a great workout and another fun way to get out on the bay.
This class will introduce you to proper balance and form, paddling strokes for going forwards, turning, and bracing to prevent falling. Then a quick paddle into the harbor will get you revved up for going out by yourself.
| When: | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, every Saturday and Sunday |
| Price: | $40. Includes boards, paddles, wetsuits. |
| Bring: | Bathing suit, long sleeve quick drying top (to wear under wetsuit), booties. Have towels and warm clothes for afterwards. |
| Reservations: |
Reservations required. |
Surfing in Kayaks
Any Level — open or closed deck kayaks
Pure fun for kayakers! Using sit on top kayaks designed for surfing, anyone can start surf kayaking for fun and to increase skills for paddling in rough water conditions.
You will learn surfing etiquette as well as how to read waves, how to position, take off and ride the face of the wave. No formal kayak class required, but you should know basic strokes and be very comfortable in the water. Students bringing their own white water or surf kayak should have a strong roll and proper flotation.
| When: | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, First and Third Sunday of each Month |
| Where: | Meet at shop in Moss Landing - we will drive to the best conditions |
| Price: | $95.00 per person |
| We include: | Open deck surf kayak w/thigh straps, paddle, wetsuits, paddling jacket, helmet, lifejacket |
| Bring: | Bring bathing suit, long sleeve quick drying top (to wear under wetsuit), booties. Have towels and warm clothes for afterwards. |
| Reservations: |
Reservations required. |
Kayak Fishing Rig/Surf/Rescue Class - New! -
Beginner Level - open deck kayaks
Ready to take your kayak fishing to the next level? This class is for both experienced and beginner paddlers who are looking to gain more experience for fishing in open water conditions.
We will cover rigging a fishing kayak for saltwater fishing, paddling, and bracing techniques. In addition we will practice self-recovery methods as well as launching and landing in surf with a focus on side surfing and bracing.
Monterey Bay Kayaks location on Monterey Beach is the perfect place to practice skills and test your self in the surf.
This is NOT an actual fishing class, so leave rods and tackle at home unless you plan to fish before or after the class.
This class will be taught by veteran kayak fisherman and ACA trained MBK instructor Aaron Hull.

| Dates: | Every Second Saturday of each month |
| Times: | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Price: | $110.00. Includes wetsuit, life jacket, paddling jacket, safety gear, paddle and kayak. |
| Bring: | Bathing suit, long sleeve quick drying top (to wear under wetsuit), water shoes, lunch, and drinks. Have towels and warm clothes for afterwards. |
| Reservations: |
Reservations required. |
Re-entry and Rescues
Next Level - open or closed deck kayaks
Learn how to get back in your boat or help someone else get back in with the paddle float recovery and other rescues. This class focuses on skills for closed deck boats, but open deck kayakers are welcome. Great for refreshing your skills if you haven't paddled in a while or if you are a river kayaker new to ocean kayaks.
Prerequisite: Intro to Sea Kayaking, or equivalent training
| When: | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, every Saturday |
| Price: | $65.00. Includes wetsuit, life jacket, paddling jacket, safety gear, paddle and kayak. |
| Bring: | Bathing suit, long sleeve quick drying top (to wear under wetsuit), water shoes. Have towels and warm clothes for afterwards. |
| Reservations: |
Reservations required. |
Surf Zone
Next Level - open or closed deck kayaks
Learn how to launch and land from beaches with surf with style and grace. Bracing and other skills learned are also essential for controlling your boat in rougher, open water conditions. This class will also review various capsize recovery techniques.
Prerequisites:
EITHER
Intro to Sea Kayaking AND Re-Entry and Rescues
OR
Basic Skills for Touring Kayaks
OR
Basic Skills for Sit on Top Kayaks
OR
equivalent instruction
| When: | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, every Sunday and every second Saturday of the month |
| Price: | $75.00. Includes wetsuit, life jacket, paddling jacket, helmet, safety gear, paddle and kayak. |
| Bring: | Bathing suit, long sleeve quick drying top (to wear under wetsuit), water shoes. Have towels and warm clothes for afterwards. |
| Reservations: |
Reservations required. |
Eskimo Rolling
Next Level - closed deck kayaks

The eskimo roll is the classic and ultimate self-rescue for closed deck kayaks and a challenging skill to learn and have fun with. This class is also invaluable for improving bracing skills which can help prevent capsizes in rough water conditions. This class is in the ocean using sea kayaks for the best approximation of real paddling scenarios.
| Price: | $80.00 for 2 hours of private instruction. Includes wetsuit, hood, life jacket, paddling jacket, safety gear, paddle and kayak. |
| Bring: | Bathing suit, long sleeve thermal top (to wear under wetsuit), booties, ear plugs and snorkeling mask optional. Have towels and warm clothes for afterwards. |
| Reservations: |
Reservations required. |
Frequent Paddler Packages
All rates are per person:
Package #1
$100 for 2 months of unlimited rentals/demos of our kayaks at both locations, and Stand Up Paddleboards in Monterey. A great way to try out all the different models that we have available. The $100 can then be applied to any new boat purchase within 60 days.
Package #2
$250 for 2 months of unlimited rentals, and select classes and tours at both locations. Classes include Intro to Sea Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Re-entry and Rescue Techniques, Surf Zone, Surfing in Kayaks, and any pool session (does not include rolling or private classes). Guided tours include any 2- or 3-hour Natural History, Sunset, Full Moon, and Bird Watching tour. Your $250 can then be applied to any touring kayak purchase within 60 days.