COURSES
Wilderness First Aid
The Emergency Care and Safety Institute is a national provider of First Aid and CPR certification programs. In collaboration with Wilderness First Aid New York, Embrace Outdoors offers many of the available programs in combinations appropriate for various requirements including Scout Leaders, Camp Counselors, and New York State Guides.
This course can be offered as a two-day, 16-hour class or a hybrid with one day self-study and one day in person practical. A single day 8-hour refresher is also available with no certification awarded. Can be combined with BLS.
Wilderness First Aid with CPR/AED is $200 per person with discounts for larger class size.
Please contact me if you are interested in setting up a class.
New York Safe Boater
A New York Safe Boating certification will be required for all power boat operators regardless of age beginning in 2025. This 8-hour classroom course meets all National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and New York State requirements for this certification.
You must also register on the parks website at
WHO
Ages 10 and up
Up to 20 participants
WHEN
3rd Sunday of every month
WHERE
Saunders Finger Lakes Museum
COST
$50 per person - go to Store page if you've registered on the NY Parks website and need to pay
Basic Kayak Skills
This 1.5-hour introductory course will give you the skills and confidence to get the most out of your time on the water. We'll cover basic kayak safety and paddle strokes. After getting comfortable we'll spend the remainder of the time touring the area and practicing our new found skills. All necessary equipment is provided (kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bag).
WHO
Ages 8 and up (under 14 with parent or guardian)
Up to 5 participants
WHEN
May through October
WHERE
Canandaigua, Keuka, and Seneca Lakes, the Erie Canal, and Irondequoit Bay. Keep an eye out for a summer calendar or contact me to set up a class. I can come to you!
COST
$35 per person
Intermediate Kayak Skills
This 4-hour course takes a deeper dive into kayak skills. Learn and develop more advanced paddle strokes and rescues, the importance of a float plan and understanding the weather, how to dress for success, and cover important nautical "rules of the road". We will have plenty of time on the water to explore and develop your skills. All necessary equipment is provided (kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bag).
WHO
Ages 14 and up
Up to 5 participants
WHEN
May through October
WHERE
Canandaigua, Keuka, and Seneca Lakes, the Erie Canal, and Irondequoit Bay. Keep an eye out for a summer calendar or contact me to set up a class. I can come to you!
COST
$75 per person
Kayak Safety and Rescue
Capsizing in a recreational kayak is a very rare occurrence, but do you know what to do when it happens? In this 2-hour course we'll head to the pool to discuss basic kayak safety, learn bracing techniques that can help you prevent capsizing, and then learn and practice two self-rescues and two team-rescues in a controlled environment. All necessary equipment is provided (kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bag).
WHO
Ages 14 and up
Up to 4 participants
WHEN
Check YMCA event calendar
WHERE
Geneva YMCA Pool
COST
$ 60 per person
Sunset, Full Moon, Fall Foliage Tour
Enjoy the best of what our region has to offer! Gorgeous sunsets, a bright full moon reflecting off of the water, or the deep reds and oranges of fall in the Finger Lakes. This 3-hour tour is appropriate for all skill levels and will cover basic paddling skills before we head out on a leisurely tour of the area. Snacks and all necessary equipment will be provided (kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bag).
WHO
Ages 8 and up (under 14 with parent or guardian)
Up to 5 participants
WHEN
May through October
WHERE
Canandaigua, Keuka, and Seneca Lakes and the Erie Canal. Keep an eye out for a summer calendar or contact me to set up a tour. I can come to you!
COST
$70 per person