This two-day event will involve a day of learning open water skills and then applying those skills to a major crossing of the Delaware Bay. The skill development day is designed to enhance your ability to deal with the myriad issues presented by paddling on open water. We’ll focus on boat control including learning new strokes, how to blend strokes and how to use wind, waves and current to your advantage. There also will be an emphasis on bracing, getting more comfortable with edging in bigger conditions, advanced rescues, and group management scenarios in open water. In addition to paddling skills development, topics include tide & chart interpretation and use, radio use, marine and shipping hazards, and more.

The second day will be devoted to applying newly-learned skills to the challenge of crossing the Delaware Bay from Cape Henlopen/Lewes to Cape May, NJ. This is a 12 NM crossing with an additional 3 miles of paddling to get to the take out point. The nature of the crossing can vary considerably depending on the wind and waves. But there is almost always a strong current (and the possibility of standing waves) that must be dealt with. Unless conditions are extremely calm, your open water skills will be tested. We take the ferry back to Lewes (additional cost).

This course is not for beginners or novice paddlers. Participants should have a solid foundation in basic strokes, braces and self and assisted rescues. A roll is helpful, but not required. A helmet is required.

Note, the crossing is weather dependent and exclusively at the discretion of the instructors. In the event the weather is not appropriate for the crossing, a second day of open water skills will be provided.

Register through Cross Currents Sea Kayaking by contacting Rick Wiebush via email (rwiebush@gmail.com).