This is the equivalent of a sampler trip. We will cover the basics of equipment: boats, clothing and safety. In the pool, we will practice getting in and out of your boat safely, and introduce rescue techniques. On the lake trip we will practice paddling strokes and maneuvers. We will paddle a quiet section of a local lake such as Allatoona or Oconee.

This school consists of one class / pool session and one trip. You must be able to attend both. The class is a pre-requisite for the intermediate school. To do this trip, you must be a competent swimmer; You will be asked to demonstrate swimming skills in the pool.

In this school, students will learn how to outfit themselves and pack for a self-sufficient overnight trip. We will travel to one of the beautiful mountain lakes north of Atlanta. We will paddle to our site on the lakeshore and make camp under the stars, using only the gear we brought in our boats.

In class and on the water, we will discuss hazards of paddling on large bodies of water, including lightning, power boats, wind and waves.

This school consists of one class / pool session and one trip. You must be able to attend both. To do this trip, you must be a competent swimmer, and have taken the Beginner Trip (above) or equivalent. This school is a pre-requisite for the any coastal break trip offered by ORGT. Upon successful completion of the school, students can use our gear for trips to inland bodies of water.

For those who are enamored with the seashore, this instructional program is worth the wait! Offered only during school breaks, this school features two days of intensive instruction in a coastal environment. Because of the travel time needed to get to the coast, the school / trip necessitates several days away from Atlanta. Participants will "car camp" in the coastal environment, and take day trips into the marsh. Depending on the weather, students may be able to paddle on the ocean. Instruction, which is geared to beginners, includes the following topics on an introductory level:

• Equipment
• Paddling strokes
• Rescues for capsized boats
• Marine environment (wind, waves, tides)
• Safety considerations (float plans, signaling devices, towing)
• Basics of chart reading and navigation

Prerequisite for this school is the ORGT Beginner Lake trip or equivalent. Students will receive American Canoe Association Basic Coastal Kayaking certification upon completion of this school.

This school is for participants who are proficient paddlers, know the rescue techniques, and have some outdoor living experience. The focus of instruction is on the special considerations of coastal paddling. Topics covered include chart reading, trip planning and the effects of wind, waves and tides. The pool session will be tailored to the individual students, but may cover advanced self-rescue skills such as bracing, Eskimo roll, and re-entry-and-roll.

This school consists of one class / pool session and one trip. You must be able to attend both. This school may be followed by a coastal break trip. Depending on the difficulty level of the break trip, this school may be a pre-requisite.

Occasionally ORGT offers a multi-day break trip to the Georgia or Carolina coast. These trips vary in difficulty level; travel may be on open ocean or on protected marsh waters. Wind, weather and camping in harsh coastal environments are the main challenges. Participants generally need solid paddling skills and familiarity with rescue techniques, as well as outdoor living experience. Since our schools can provide these skills and experiences, it is possible for anyone to go on a coastal break trip with some advanced planning. Instructors make focused efforts to prepare individuals for the upcoming trips which interest them. Trip Leaders may be able to tailor the trip to participants’ skill level.

The Georgia Coast has several beautiful, undeveloped islands. Interesting habitats include the dune environment, the wetlands, maritime forests and bone-yard beaches where the ocean has encroached on the forests. We invariably see dolphin, pelicans, cormorants and egrets. While hiking on the islands, we occasionally see alligators and feral hogs. These coastal islands also hold a rich cultural history. We have visited ruins of civil war forts, mansions from the robber baron days, plantations houses and cemeteries. The residents of Salepo Island have welcomed us and shared a bit of their living heritage with us as well.

These multi-day coastal trips are time-consuming and logistically complex. They can only be offered at certain times of the year (usually October through March during our school breaks). We believe they are well worth the effort. After battling mosquitoes and thunderstorms together, participants gain a sense of camaraderie and new friendships develop.

If you are interested in this sort of experience, please keep in mind that you may need to plan in advance to gain the skills needed to be safe and comfortable in the marine environment. You will be rewarded for the time you invest in our Sea Kayaking Schools as you share this unique experience with us.