All lessons and guided tours require the completion of our LIABILITY RELEASE FORM. You can download a copy (PDF) here.

For basic information, reservation info, and other FAQ's, please click here.

About us and our instructors:
For years, The Trading Post and Gary Markowski have led safe, fun, affordable educational programs in the U.S. and abroad.  Our adventures encourage personal growth through responsible risk taking in a secure, supportive yet exhilarating learning environment.  Our reputation for excellence arises from our long history of collaboration with recreation agencies, youth programs, public and private schools, universities and corporations.
Our programs offer a wide range of adventures for every age and skill level. Choose one of our group, family, private or team building programs or call us to provide a custom program. We pride ourselves on our technical know-how, friendly spirit and exceptional customer service.

We are thrilled to be able to offer you some of the finest program leaders in the region.  Each of our instructors is a professional outdoor educator who brings years of training and experience to our adventures.  While most of us are in our 30-40’s, we can still laugh with ten year-olds or share a joke with teens!  

Let’s work together to create an adventure that’s perfect for you , your family or team!

Our offerings….

Beginner’s Kayak Class:
This class will prepare you to safely enjoy paddling your kayak on ponds, lakes and slow moving waterways. We will cover the essential safety techniques as well as cover proper paddling techniques to help you progress as a paddler. Our instructors will guide you through all the skills and safety concerns for helping you become proficient at recreational kayaking. You have the option to use our recreational or light touring kayaks. This trip has a strong emphasis on safety, basic paddling skills, fun and enjoyment
Class Duration: 3-4 hours Group size to tour guide: 4 to 1 Maximum class size: 8
Class Fee : $ 55.00, Equipment (kayak, paddle, PFD) if needed $ 45.

Beginner’s Canoe Class:
After introducing the sport and the equipment, we will get our first taste of the canoes in the security of our own private pond where we can practice exiting and leaning the canoe and learn the basic strokes, including sweep strokes, forward strokes, draws, and braces.
Class Duration: 3-4 hours Group size to tour guide: 4 to 1 Maximum class size: 8
Class Fee : $ 60.00, Equipment (canoe, paddle, PFD) if needed $ 45.

Intermediate Kayak Class:
Our intermediate class offers paddlers a thorough review of all the basic strokes, as well as an introduction to more advanced techniques, including bracing and edging for more control and maneuverability.
Class Duration: 3-4 hours Group size to tour guide: 4 to 1 Maximum class size: 8
Class Fee : $ 55.00, Equipment (kayak, paddle, PFD) if needed $ 45.

Half Day Guided Tours:
This trip has a strong emphasis on fun and enjoyment. We don't just show you the best spots to travel to, you discover how to have a great time with a group of people in a beautiful area. We have a large selection of ponds and lakes in our area, so be prepared to be surprised. Like all of our short trips we paddle at a relaxed pace and pause often to enjoy views, stories and conversation.
Class Duration: 3-4 hours Group size to tour guide: 4 to 1 Maximum tour size: 8
Class Fee : $ 75.00, Equipment (canoe/kayak, paddle, PFD) if needed $ 45.

Sunset Paddle:
A fully guided trip that takes in the atmosphere of the long summer evenings in the best possible way. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and the and calm waters that prevail during these hours. Relax and enjoy a refreshing beverage at a quiet inlet or beach. We then paddle home with the setting sun. Life feels good as we drift along at this magic hour.
Class Duration: 2-3 hours Group size to tour guide: 4 to 1 Maximum tour size: 8
Class Fee : $ 55.00, Equipment (canoe/kayak, paddle, PFD) if needed $ 45.

Private Instruction:
For the steepest learning curve or to fit more fun into your paddling adventure, we recommend treating yourself or team to a private instruction. From first-day basics to advanced play techniques, we focus on exactly what you want to learn. If you, your family or friends of have equal skill levels, we offer group and private instructions with a low ratio of paddlers to instructors.
Your instructor will call you prior to the date you reserve to obtain as much information as necessary to get the most out of your day of learning and fun on the water.
Class Duration: Variable Group size to instructor: 4 to 1 Minimum/maximum class size: 2/4
Private Class Fee : $ 140.00 per person half day $ 199.00 per person full day
Equipment (canoe/kayak, paddle, PFD) if needed $ 45 per person.