Smart Start Kayaking Course

Summary: Astrid is a great teacher! Very knowledgeable and patient. I highly recommend her!! She truly seems to enjoy it when her students learn.

Summary: This was a wonderful experience. Took my 10-year daughter old along for a 3 hour lesson and while I learned some things the attention and care that was given to my 10-year-old was amazing. She had a great time, Astrid helped her overcome any nervousness and she learned a lot. I had been nervous about teaching her myself but now we can't wait to plan father/daughter kayaking outings. We are already talking about taking more advanced lessons together.

Summary: I have completed two paddling courses with Astrid Jackson, I highly recommend her, and Venture Outdoors LLC for basic and advanced paddling instruction and/or expertly guided paddling tours. Astrid’s classes are well planned and organized. She is an experienced, skilled, professional ACA certified instructor. Every maneuver is expertly demonstrated; step-by-step. She keenly observes every student during practice and patiently offers suggestions for improvement. I brought my own recreational kayak for the first course. For the second training course, a few weeks later, we used a couple of her company’s modern sea kayaks. Astrid’s helpful introduction to these wonderful boats opened doors to new learning opportunities and adventures for me. I’m grateful for Astrid’s skilled, clear instruction and advice. Paddling classes are staged at Lake Mills Park - an ideal learning environment offering an excellent kayak loading and launch area on a protected shoreline. The water there is clean, calm and the Park’s area has a sandy bottom, very good for stability while standing. Venture Outdoors LLC’s paddling courses helped me reach a higher level of paddling skill and added self-confidence. I paddle often, enjoy it more, and manage my boats more safely when on the water. Thank you Astrid and Venture Outdoors LLC.