Date: Sat Aug 29, 9:00 AM EST - Sun Aug 30, 5:00 PM EST
Category:
- Outdoor
Level:
- Volunteers
Please read this entire column for additional information BEFORE selecting your number of girl and/or adult participants in the right-hand column on the registration page.
Members Only
Event Description:
Swim Test - All Watercraft Training class participants are required to pass a basic swim test upon arrival. The swim test demonstrates your comfort in the water and consists of:
* Swim approximately 20 yards without a life jacket.
* Tread water for 1 minute without a life jacket.
* Put on life jacket while treading water.
* Swim approximately 20 yards with a life jacket.
Blended Learning: All Watercraft Training classes use a blended learning format. Participants MUST complete online coursework prior to the in-person skill session.
Accommodations and Meals: All Saturday and Sunday meals and sleeping accommodations (platform tents) will be provided for the overnight class option. Please identify any special dietary (food allergies/sensitivities) or facility needs (medical equipment, c-pap) during registration so that we can do our best to accommodate them.
Physical Activity: All waterfront training programs are active and physically strenuous programs. In addition to the paddling skills, participants will be required
* to re-enter an upright canoe or kayak from the water following a capsize,
* to empty a capsized boat and rescue the boater, and
* to carry and clean the boats.
The Express Day is a one-day class, and no meals will be provided. Participants must bring their own bag lunch. Sleeping accommodations can be arranged for Friday night for those who are traveling longer distances.
The Kayak-All-In-One is an overnight class, and the following meals will be provided: Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast, Sunday lunch.
Both of these courses include online and in-person training that must be completed to be considered certified. Certification is valid for five years from the completion date.
Class Options:
Express Day Watercraft Leader: Council Properties -Canoe/Kayak/Paddleboard
Description:
- This one day "express" training event is designed for experienced paddlers who are already proficient in canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards (e.g., you can name and use specific steering strokes to go where you intend to go).
- This is an intermediate-level class; no basic paddling skills will be taught.
- Class participants must demonstrate proficiency upon arrival by navigating a figure-8 course in both a solo canoe (padding on only one side of the boat) and a kayak.
- Successful demonstration of both paddling and rescue skills, and completing all portions of this class, meets the Safety Activity Checkpoints for leading paddling activities at GS-NCCP council properties.
Note: If you are not an experienced paddler, the weekend "Basic Skills plus Watercraft Leader: Council Properties" class (offered in June, July and September) is a better option.
Fees: $20.00
Kayak-All-In-One Watercraft Leader: Basic Skills, Council Properties, and NC Waterways
Description:
- This class is for registered adult volunteers
- This compressed training weekend focuses on all things kayaking and paddleboarding. This class does NOT include any canoeing or sailing training.
- This class is designed for participants who want to go from beginner to "take girls out" at sites other than council properties in a single weekend, who are primarily interested in kayaking, and who are willing to forego canoeing certification.
- Learn all of the basic boat handling and rescue skills for kayaking and paddleboarding covered in both the Basic Skills class, the Watercraft Leader: Council Properties, and the Watercraft Leader: NC Waterways classes (see above).
- Successful demonstration of both paddling and rescue skills, and completing all portions of this class, meets the Safety Activity Checkpoints for leading Kayaking and Paddleboarding activities both at GS-NCCP council properties and on any flat water in NC for adult volunteers, and meets the criteria for Qualified Assistants
Fee: $50.00
Location: Camp Hardee, Blounts Creek, 27814
Registration: February 17, 2026 - August 18, 2026
Event Confirmation Packet/Details: All the details that you need to attend this event can be found in the event confirmation packet. Once it is finalized, you will see it when you go to the My Events page of your My GS account and select the event from the list. All registered participants will also receive a copy via email closer to the event date and after registration closes for the event. Please review the packet at least several days prior to the event so you will have time to adequately prepare for the event and to ask questions, if needed.
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations received by August 14, 2026, we will refund to original method of payment.
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For cancellations received between August 15, 2026 and August 28, 2026, we will refund to original method of payment minus $20 cancellation fee.
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In case of illness or family emergency, cancellations received by September 8, 2026 will be refunded to original method of payment minus cancellation fees and costs as applicable.
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Please send all cancellation requests to helpdesk@nccoastalpines.org. Requests will be processed based on the date received.
