Elements of Coastal Kayaking II @WoodenBoat School
Sea kayaking course covers strokes, braces, maneuvering, safety, navigation, and more. Students can bring their own kayaks or try Nick’s high-performance designs.
Aug 30, 2026
Technique
Technique
Articles, blog posts, videos and information about the skills used to go out on the water in a small boat.
Elements of Coastal Kayaking II @WoodenBoat School
Sea kayaking course covers strokes, braces, maneuvering, safety, navigation, and more. Students can bring their own kayaks or try Nick’s high-performance designs.Jun 15, 2025Why Wear a Life Jacket?
The debate over wearing life jackets in kayaking communities often sparks arguments about responsible behavior. Nick emphasizes the personal choice of wearing safety gear. Safety is about preparing for the unexpected, as accidents and mistakes are unforeseen. The narrative encourages judgment calls, acknowledging human fallibility, and underscores that safety, while not always convenient, is a necessary aspect of water activities.Elements of Coastal Kayaking II @WoodenBoat School
Take the next steps to improve and expand your skillsJun 16, 2024Learn to Kayak @WoodenBoat School
Join Nick in Brooklin, Maine for “Family Week” at the WoodenBoat School to learn sea kayaking basics while exploring the islands and coves.Jul 16, 2023On-The-Water Kayaking Classes
Nick Schade is a Registered Maine Guide and with over 40 years of kayaking experience he knows how to use a kayak and can teach you to do the same.
The Nick & Gerry Show
This event highlights the crazy good waters local to where Nick Schade (of Guillemot Kayak) and Gerry Polinsky (of Sea Sherpa Kayak infamy) live and play. The CT/RI border area features great rocks, surf and is widely renowned for it’s tide races. This event will highlight Nick’s impressive self-taught skill. He’s all about the exploration and playtime. Gerry will brandish his normal barrage of instruction geared towards all things active water.
Sep 19, 2020Are Longer Kayaks Really Faster?
I often get questions to the effect of: "I have trouble keeping up with my friends, what kayak should I get?" Everyone knows that longer kayaks are faster, so obviously I should be recommending the longest kayaks I have to these folks.
The Risk of Sea Kayaking
Reflections on the risks involved in kayaking, particularly in challenging conditions. I draw parallels between kayaking and avalanche safety, highlighting the importance of understanding and mitigating heuristic traps that can lead to poor decision-making. The emphasis is on awareness and preparation to avoid complacency and ensure safety while pursuing our passion for kayaking.Kayaking Class Gear List and Dressing for Cold Water
Kayaking Class Gear List:
Paddlng safely in ocean water requires you pay attention to water temperature and conditions. You generally want to dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
