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Changing Tides PaddleCraft offers kayak, canoe and SUP (standup paddle board) instruction and training in Connecticut and New York. We are proud that our Instructors are trained and Certified by the American Canoe Association - the benchmark for paddling Instruction in North America. Together our staff span a broad range of paddling disciplines from flat to moving water in coastal and river environments. We bring depth of experience and love of the outdoors to the art of building your paddling skills. We are proud to share the latest news about our activities.
Urgent! CoVid-19 Announcement: As a result of the pandemic all regular group classes have been placed on hold beginning with the 2020 season. As of May 2021 case numbers are still high and we are still unable to offer regular group classes, but we are beginning to schedule private (solo) and small-group lessons on a case-by-case basis for students that are fully vaccinated and are properly equipped. Call us at 860-799-5459 for further details. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Advice to Spring Paddlers: Spring paddling requires the most care and planning. Paddlers are eager to get on the water, but air temperatures increase faster than water temperatures so the water is colder than we expect. Winter protective clothing is necessary and appropriate until quite late in the spring. Bring a thermometer to measure water temperature at least 3 feet below the surface. Dress for immersion and follow the 60/120 rule: if the water is below 60F or if the water + air temperature is below 120 then protective clothing is indicated.
What to wear? Pay attention to the 1:10:1 concept: in 45F water you have 1 minute to get breathing under control (to avoid cold water drowning due to the gasp reflex, wear neck & chest protection), 10 minutes before swim failure occurs (without support of a PFD), and 1 hour before succumbing to the effects of hypothermia (without a wetsuit or drysuit). Of course these average times are shorter in colder waters and for those who are less fit. Don't forget the current chill effect! Similar to wind chill, moving water will chill the body much faster than placid water so take extra precautions with rivers or tidal flows.
NOTE: from 10/1 to 5/31 in CT and 11/1 to 5/1 in NY, PFDs are required by law to be worn by all paddlers. We ALWAYS wear our PFDs.
Consult our Trip Planning page for more tools to plan a safe trip. Paddle safe to have fun!
ACT SOON! Camp Counselors Check out our extensive offering on Camps programs. After 15 years of working with camps all over the Northeast we have a comprehensive progam of paddler training aimed at the needs of Camps, Scout Troups and Clubs. Consult our Camps page for more details. The start of the camps season coincides with our busy season, so begin scheduling as early as possible. Call us at 860-799-5459 with questions. NOTE: Camps training is currently on hold due to CoViD-19 concerns.
NY Classes - Summer Classes at Empire Kayaks: Our 2019 program at Empire is complete. We hope to see you again next year. Meanwhile, we continue to offer custom training here in CT through the fall while the water is warm. Call 860-799-5459 to put together a class to fit your needs. NOTE: skills classes at Empire Kayaks are currently on hold due to CoViD-19 concerns.
Just for you! Custom Classes: Construct a special class to fit your exact needs and schedule! Register for a private or semi-private lesson at the level of your choice. For details check out our Class Description or call us at 860-799-5459 to discuss your needs and plan a class. NOTE: private and semi-private lessons are being scheduled with restrictions due to CoViD-19 concerns. Check with us directly for detailed guidance.
NOTE! SKSA has a new URL: as of October 2017 our sister company on Long Island has received a new website name. If you are looking for SKSA you can now find it at SKSAltd.com. Thank you for your patience and support.