Want to Learn to Canoe or Kayak? Metroparks has Classes

Enjoy water recreational activities that are both, recreational and educational through Cleveland Metroparks Institute of the Great Outdoors (IGO). 

American Canoe Association Level I: Introduction to Canoe & Kayak Instructor Certification Workshop

Thursday through Saturday, June 14 - 16,  8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Hinckley Lake * Hinckley Reservation

This workshop follows standards established by the ACA. Designed for individuals and programmers interested in offering certified canoe and kayak classes. Upon successful completion of the workshop, participants can receive instructor certification through the ACA.

Pre-requisite: Previous paddling experience is required. Completion of ACA Intro To Canoe/Kayak course preferred. For certification, all participants must be members of the ACA & SEIC prior to the program. To become a member, visit www.americancaone.org.. There is a $225 fee per person (includes equipment, books and lunch the first two days).

Kayaking I: Introduction to Kayaking

Saturday, March 10,  9 a.m. - noon

Baldwin-Wallace College

- or -

Sunday, March 18, 9 a.m. - noon

Lakewood High School

Learn to kayak in the comfort of a pool. A combination of classroom and on-the-water practice is used to introduce participants to equipment, basic paddling strokes and more. Participants should be prepared to get wet during the pool session. Ages 14 and over. There is a $35 fee (equipment included).

Kayak Rescue

Saturday, March 24,  9 a.m. - noon

Baldwin-Wallace College

It's a great time of year to hone kayak rescue and re-entry skills. Join trained kayak instructors for an in-depth pool session of kayak safety, including solo and tandem rescue techniques. Practice previously learned strokes while improving advanced skills. Ages 16 and over. There is a $30 fee (equipment included).

On Land Kayaking Basics

Thursday, May 3, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m

Rocky River Nature Center  * Rocky River Reservation

Interested in kayaking, but nervous about getting in the water for the first time? Learn the basics to have a safe and enjoyable kayak experience without investing in expensive gear. During this classroom session instructors discuss types of kayaks, gear, safety, and trip planning. And, participants can test their balance and have fun in the kayak "on-the-water" simulator. Ages 14 and over. There is a $10 fee.

Ohio Boaters Education Class

Thursdays, April 5, 12 & 19, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Garfield Park Nature Center * Garfield Park Reservation

Before boating season starts, learn tools to becoming a safe boater. This 3-part class teaches topics including: fundamentals of safe boating, state boating laws and more. The last session includes a test for certification of completion and the course meets the mandatory education requirement for those persons born on or after January 1, 1982 who plan to operate a watercraft of ten horsepower or greater. The certification may also save money on boat insurance. Ages 16 and over. There is a $15 fee.

Explore Ohio Kayak Tours: Chagrin River

Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, April 10, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Garfield Park Nature Center

Join staff to paddle a section of the Chagrin River. After a short introduction to kayak basics, participants will be ready to explore the waterway, including sections designated as a State Scenic River. Varying river levels and conditions will determine the sections paddled. Previous kayak paddling experience is required as well as appropriate cold water paddling clothing. This trip is dependent on sufficient rainfall during the spring months. Adults only. There is a $35 fee (equipment included).

Kayak the Upper Cuyahoga

Sunday, May 6, 1 - 4 p.m.

Eldon Russell Park  * Upper Cuyahoga River

This tour takes participants along a State Scenic River, the Upper Cuyahoga. Enjoy a relaxing 3 miles looking for beaver, river otters and listening to the sounds of spring. No previous paddling experience required, but warm weather gear may be needed. Ages 16 and over. There is a $30 fee.

Explore Ohio Kayak Tours: Grand River

Sunday, May 13,  9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, May 2, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Garfield Park Nature Center

Carry away the weekday world on the Grand River. After short instruction in kayak basics, participants paddle their way from the scenic covered bridge in Harpersfield to Hidden Valley Park. Travel along this National Wild and Scenic River known for its corridor of high shale cliffs, tiny waterfalls and rich flora and fauna. Adults only. There is a $35 fee (equipment included).

IGO provides a wide range of outdoor experience to people of all abilities. Participants will enjoy the knowledge and expertise of seasoned instructors with all IGO courses and trips and have fun at the same time. 

IGO offers equipment adaptation and assessment to make outdoor recreation opportunities available to all individuals, regardless of ability.

For more information, a complete list of IGO courses and trips, detailed trip fact sheets, and to register, call 216-341-1704 or online at clevelandmetroparks.com.