Classes
Youth Programs | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | Professional | Private/Group/Corporate
Instruction and adventure
Our river lessons begin by introducing you to the information and skills that you need to paddle safely and confidently. Then, with expert guidance, we let you put them to use in exploring a part of the river. You won’t be sitting and listening to lengthy lectures. We are with you step by step as you expand your skills and increase your experience. Once you are out on the water, you have a great feeling of calm.
Skill level guidelines – how to know where to begin.
As a Beginner, you have little to no experience in a kayak. If the term “wet exit” is unfamiliar to you, you are a beginner. You will follow your friendly, experienced instructor through carefully considered steps – out onto flat and easy moving water.
You are considered an Advanced Beginner if you have already tried paddlesports (river kayaking or sea kayaking) and are comfortable with wet exits. You have been introduced to the basic strokes and Bow-Rescue.
An Advanced Beginner will be working on a moving water roll and mastering eddy turns, peel outs, ferrying, maneuvering around and leaning into rocks. These classes offer a good starting point if you have already had some instruction.
An Intermediate has a fairly consistent roll on flatwater and is working to improve the roll in more turbulent water. An strong Intermediate is practicing maneuvering in big and powerful class III whitewater — for instance the rapids between O-Deck and Rocky Island on the Potomac at around 3′ — and is comfortable on the Shenandoah at medium levels.
An Advanced boater has a decent combat roll, can paddle class III rapids in control, and is comfortable running the Lower Yough. An Advanced boater is ready to paddle Dickerson, working on class IV skills such as those needed for the Cheat, Gauley, New Rivers, and eventually the Upper Yough.
Rivers of greater difficulty than the Upper Yough fall into the Expert (class V) range.
General Information
We maintain a student to instructor ratio of 5:1 for all of our classes, and 4:1 for pool rolling classes and trips. We also offer customized private and group lessons. Paddling is a great setting for parties or office outings.
Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to class start time – the sooner we get into our gear, the more time we can spend on the water!
Classes run rain-or-shine, but we may need to postpone outdoor classes in the event of electrical storms. We will notify you if this is the case. If you have to cancel, we require 48 hours notice in order to reschedule your class or refund your payment. Please see our cancellation policy or call us if you have any questions.
We provide all equipment for all of our river classes, clinics and workouts on the Beginner level. Please see our equipment and rental policy for exceptions and details. Please consult our list of what to bring to class to ensure you’re prepared for all classes.
To sign up for a class, please use the online registration system.
