Upper Yough Training

This program answers the question, “how can I get really confident on class IV rivers?” In this program, we combine, strength training, stroke work, and comfort in heavy whitewater.   All of these are needed to paddle the solid class IV+ Upper Yough.

Starting in May and ending in late June, the program consists of:

1. Slalom workouts on weekday evenings, every Wed. 6-8 PM, to build strength and precise stroking. (Total of 8 – 2 hr. workouts)

2. Workouts at Dickerson, on Sunday afternoons, for boat control and quick recovery in powerful water. (You will need a membership card from BCE). (Total of eight Dickerson workouts).

3. One day trips to the Upper Yough on first Saturdays of each month or on Mondays, to master the lines and build your confidence. (total of 4 trips to the Upper Yough).

The Blue Card test works well to help you evaluate your skills, and show you where you need work.  It is not an automatic prohibition to running the UY,  if you can’t pass the Blue Card Test, but the test will point out your weaknesses.   We can use it to judge when you are ready.

  If you can’t make the days on the Upper Yough, you can sign up for only the local workouts.

There is a limit of 15 paddlers. The cost is $380 for the 2 month program.

There is a race is in late July. For past years race info click here. Please consult the calendar for dates and times.

All plans are weather and river level dependent, so you have to stay in touch. We stay in touch with Google Groups. When you sign up we will add your email address to the Google Groups list-serv.

Tom McEwan, co-founder of Liquid Adventures, has spent over 40 years paddling and racing in the DC area.