We teach from our experience so yours will be more memorable.

Whether improving your skills and comfort on the water or pursuing an instructor certification, our ACA-certified staff can help!

Summer lessons

at Evergreen Outfitters
Reservations Required

quick start: kayaking or sup

Cost: $65.00 per person (group class)
          $85.00 private lesson
Duration:  3 hours
Location:  Evergreen Outfitters
Material:  Basic safety knowledge, basic strokes

Class Size: Maximum of 5 students to 1 instructor
Dates and times:  Saturdays at 10:00am
Click for a detailed course description: Kayak/SUP

intro: kayaking/sup (level 1)

Cost: $85.00 per person (group class)
          $100.00 private lesson
Duration:  6 hours
Location:  Evergreen Outfitters
​Material:  Basic safety knowledge, basic strokes, basic rescue techniques & equipment
​Class Size:  Maximum of 5 students to 1 instructor
Dates and times: Saturdays at 10:00am
Click for a detailed course description: Kayak/SUP
Level 2 (Essentials of Kayak/SUP) & Level 3 (Coastal Kayaking) available upon request.  (716) 763-2266

quick start & Intro offered every saturday, Memorial Day - labor day

multi-day kayaking workshops

Take a trip.  Learn a skill.  Surf the waves.

level 1

Calm water, protected from wind, waves, & boat traffic.

level 2

Protected water near shore. Winds up to 10 knots, waves up to 1ft, current up to 1 knot.

level 3

Two of the following: 10-15 knot winds, 1-2 ft seas, 1-2 ft breaking waves (surf) 1-2 knot current.

Level 4

Three of the following: 10-20 knot winds, 2-4 ft seas, 2-4 ft surf, and 2-4 knot current.

When you attend one of our multi-day workshops, you have the opportunity to participate at various levels.

Skills student: 
Working to build comfort in various conditions or seeking an ACA Skills Assessment (a pre-requisite for instructor certification)

​Trip Leader candidate:
A focus on group management and preparedness and for those seeking an ACA Trip Leader Assessment

Instructor candidate:
  • ​IDW (Instructor Development Workshop): This includes the development training course only for aspiring instructors.  No exam days included.
  • ICE (Instructor Certification Exam or Update): Exam for Instructor Candidates who have completed an IDW, or update for existing Instructors renewing their certification at the same or lower level.
  • ICW (Instructor Certification Workshop): A full course (IDW & ICE) designed to promote effective teaching strategies and ample practice with actual student learners. Includes development training and exam required for instructor certification.​

available courses

level 3-4
coastal kayaking workshops

surf clinic
​st augustine, FL

Feb 24-26, 2024
FEB 24-26, 2024: ST AUGUSTINE, FL       SURF CLINIC
This 3 day skills workshop is for the intermediate paddler looking to learn to surf, have a chance to practice their surfing skills alongside advanced paddlers and instructors, or simply take a long weekend to play in the waves.

Level 2-3
​coastal kayaking workshops

Jan 29-Feb 2, 2024

St pete, Fl
Mar 31-Apr 4, 2024

Amelia island, fl
Sept 30-Oct 4, 2024

​MURRELS INLET, SC
read more about the l2-3 workshop
The 5-day event is structured as an ACA Level 2-3 Coastal Kayaking Instructor Certification Workshop (L2-3 ICW).  Trip Leader candidates and skills students are also encouraged to join.  Instructor Candidates will learn effective teaching techniques and be challenged to provide valuable feedback to create a powerful learning environment. Trip Leader candidates will focus on group management and preparedness.  Skills students will be surrounded with coaches and receive ample one-on-one instruction.

We've chosen excellent venues for intermediate paddlers to learn and practice strokes and rescues.  As those skills develop, you’ll learn to handle coastal challenges such as mild waves, surf, and current.  With multiple Level 3-4 Instructors around for safety and coaching, you will be able to focus on pushing the envelope and learning in a "challenge by choice" environment.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.  

COST: $150/day (50% due at booking). Group discounts available. A limited number of kayaks and equipment are available for rental upon request.

INSTRUCTOR TRAINER:
Mike Kingsley 
Owner/Manager, Evergreen Outfitters 
ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor Trainer
ACA Level 4 Open Water Kayak Instructor
ACA Level 2 Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor
ACA Paddlesport Angler Endorsement
mike@evergreen-outfitters.com

For more information or questions call: 716-763-2266
JAN 29-FEB 2, 2024: ST PETERSBURG, FL
Our primary classroom will be the Tampa Bay Watch nature center, located at the edge of Shell Key Preserve.  Based on conditions, we may paddle in any or all of the following areas:

1. Shell Key Preserve inland waters & Bunce’s Pass
2. Fort De Soto State Park
3. Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge
4. Egmont Key
5. War Veterans Memorial Park & Dog Leg Key
MAR 31-APR 4, 2024: AMELIA ISLAND, FL
Based on conditions, we may paddle in any or all of the following areas:

1. Fort George Inlet
2. Nassau Sound
3. Intracoastal Waterway off of Fort Clinch State Park
4. Cumberland Island, GA
SEPT 30-OCT 4, 2024: MURRELLS INLET, SC
Based on conditions, paddling venues may include any or all of the following areas: 
  1. Murrells Inlet
  2. Midway Inlet
  3. Pawley's Island