Pilar loves all paddle craft and all types of water. And she is always excited to share her stoke.
Why should I take a lesson?
While there's no such thing as paddling wrong, having an instructor to teach an efficient stroke, good fundamentals, and injury prevention will help you progress much quicker and easier, plus you'll have way more fun than trying to figure it out on your own.
Also, we will always look out for your safety and well-being on the water. There are times when the weather and water conditions make paddling unsafe, especially for beginners. It's important to know when it's good to go and when you should wait.
Why do I need to provide more than one day and times when I book a lesson?
Please pick a few days and times for your lesson. The weather and water conditions must be taken into account prior to the lesson. We have found that calling, texting, or emailing and having more than one possible window to meet is best since there are so many safety and weather related factors that we take into account when we book our lessons. This helps us ensure a great experience for you…set you up for the wins!
What to wear?
We recommend wearing quick dry clothing, for example what you'd wear to the gym or to the beach: swim suit, board shorts, rash guard, leggings, &/or a jersey. We would advise to not wear anything made of cotton because when cotton gets wet it can cause chaffing.
What to bring?
- A signed waiver printed and filled out or emailed to info@paddlewithpilar.com prior to your appointment.
- a bottle of water, if you have a reusable bottle that's even better plus I'll give ya a sticker!
- a leash for your glasses if you need to wear them.
- Sun screen - you'll want to apply sunscreen before paddling - please use ocean safe sunscreen to help keep our oceans healthy. Choose a non-nano, mineral-based formula. Mineral-based sunscreens that use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium oxide are not associated with coral bleaching and are less impactful. Some choices that you can pick up at a local store are Sun Bum, Banana Boat, Alba, and Hawaiian Tropic.
- A towel and change of clothes to leave in your car, just in case you do go for a swim.
What not to bring?
- anything you can't get wet or you don't want to lose. Leave all valuables (especially jewelry) at home.
Learn a lesson from my early experiences: When I was new to paddling I lost hats, sunglasses, shirts, and even a phone in a dry bag that sank to the briny deep before I could grab it. If you don't have a float or a leash attached, maybe it's best to leave it in the car.
Will I get wet?
Yes, it's a water sport. For SUP you’ll be on a board designed for stability and will likely not fall off, but you will need to walk into water mid calf depth before getting on the board.
For Outrigger canoe, you will also need to walk into mid to upper calf depth water before entering the canoe. For surf ski and kayaking, again you’ll need to get into the water.
To quote a premiere paddler: “If you're not getting wet, you're not trying” - Danny Ching.
As you progress, reach further, walk on the board, fly the ama, you’ll learn more by getting wet.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, you should be able to swim and /or tread water. If you're not comfortable swimming in the bay or marina areas we do have life-vests you may wear while on the water. See next question.
Is a life vest or personal floatation device (PFD) necessary?
Yes, it's the law. All vessels must have a PFD per person. SUPs, outriggers, and kayaks are considered vessels by the US Coast Guard. Anyone under 13 years old must wear a life vest while on the water. We also have inflatable belt PFDs for adults or life vests if you prefer.
Is one lesson enough?
The first lesson is basic skills for a great entry to paddling. Since people learn at different rates and paddling is very individualized, we will work with you to achieve your goals at your pace. This may include additional lessons to continue building your skills and comfort on the water. Should you want additional lessons, great! We go at your pace each day. Reviewing important progress and lessons learned, and then moving on to the next steps.
What ages are good for paddle lessons?
Ages 8 and up. We just ask that students bring a great attitude, be open to coaching and can follow instructions. This is a great thing about paddling. Age is rarely something that limits the fun!
For group lessons, we require that each enrolled child under 13 must have one adult.
Contact Pilar
Ask anything and we will do our best to answer. We love to talk about paddling!
FAQ & Things to know before you go!
Pilar loves all paddle craft and all types of water. And she is always excited to share her stoke.Why should I take a lesson?
While there's no such thing as paddling wrong, having an instructor to teach an efficient stroke, good fundamentals, and injury prevention will help you progress much quicker and easier, plus you'll have way more fun than trying to figure it out on your own.
Also, we will always look out for your safety and well-being on the water. There are times when the weather and water conditions make paddling unsafe, especially for beginners. It's important to know when it's good to go and when you should wait.
Why do I need to provide more than one day and times when I book a lesson?
Please pick a few days and times for your lesson. The weather and water conditions must be taken into account prior to the lesson. We have found that calling, texting, or emailing and having more than one possible window to meet is best since there are so many safety and weather related factors that we take into account when we book our lessons. This helps us ensure a great experience for you…set you up for the wins!
What to wear?
We recommend wearing quick dry clothing, for example what you'd wear to the gym or to the beach: swim suit, board shorts, rash guard, leggings, &/or a jersey. We would advise to not wear anything made of cotton because when cotton gets wet it can cause chaffing.
What to bring?
What not to bring?
Learn a lesson from my early experiences: When I was new to paddling I lost hats, sunglasses, shirts, and even a phone in a dry bag that sank to the briny deep before I could grab it. If you don't have a float or a leash attached, maybe it's best to leave it in the car.
Will I get wet?
Yes, it's a water sport. For SUP you’ll be on a board designed for stability and will likely not fall off, but you will need to walk into water mid calf depth before getting on the board.
For Outrigger canoe, you will also need to walk into mid to upper calf depth water before entering the canoe. For surf ski and kayaking, again you’ll need to get into the water.
To quote a premiere paddler: “If you're not getting wet, you're not trying” - Danny Ching.
As you progress, reach further, walk on the board, fly the ama, you’ll learn more by getting wet.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, you should be able to swim and /or tread water. If you're not comfortable swimming in the bay or marina areas we do have life-vests you may wear while on the water. See next question.
Is a life vest or personal floatation device (PFD) necessary?
Yes, it's the law. All vessels must have a PFD per person. SUPs, outriggers, and kayaks are considered vessels by the US Coast Guard. Anyone under 13 years old must wear a life vest while on the water. We also have inflatable belt PFDs for adults or life vests if you prefer.
Is one lesson enough?
The first lesson is basic skills for a great entry to paddling. Since people learn at different rates and paddling is very individualized, we will work with you to achieve your goals at your pace. This may include additional lessons to continue building your skills and comfort on the water. Should you want additional lessons, great! We go at your pace each day. Reviewing important progress and lessons learned, and then moving on to the next steps.
What ages are good for paddle lessons?
Ages 8 and up. We just ask that students bring a great attitude, be open to coaching and can follow instructions. This is a great thing about paddling. Age is rarely something that limits the fun!
For group lessons, we require that each enrolled child under 13 must have one adult.