About the course:
Whether you are relatively new to paddling or been kayaking for a few years, creek boating is a niche discipline all its own. Everything from equipment to technique to how you proceed downstream can change and evolve as you begin to encounter gradient, rocks, and narrower river beds- the characteristics of a creek.
The Fundamentals of Creeking aims not only to introduce you to creeking skills essential for success such as group management, boofing, and water reading, but also to change your perspective from an avoidance mentality when meeting obstacles. Learn to use both rocks and water to your advantage as you pick your way down more intricate whitewater, and expect your comfort and orientation maneuvering downstream to heighten.
Find yourself more present than ever on the water as your perception of the river changes with every edge drop and boof stroke… creeking is Zen. Students can expect to be comfortably pushed to explore a new realm of paddling while the highest safety considerations are maintained.
“I have a new awareness on the water now and confidence to read the waters. I learned more about kayaking and river characteristics in these two days than in the entire past year of paddling back home. Definitely coming back for more instruction and paddling on the some beautiful rivers and creeks here in NC.”
– Craig W.
Prerequisite skill:
- Ages 14 and up
- Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian
- A commitment to trying to roll in class II-III whitewater with some success
- Be in good health and overall fitness
- Comfort in open water and swimming required
- Common Sense Rescue or equivalency highly recommended
Trip price: $425.00
Location(s): Saluda, NC and surrounding creeks
Trip duration: 2.5 days (Friday session @ 5:30p + ~ 6 hours each day)
Guest to instructor ratio: 4 guests to 1 instructor, class caps at 8
Included:
- Shuttle transportation
- Supplemental class materials
- Instruction/guiding
Not included:
- Transportation to river location
- Meals
- Equipment essentials
- Lodging
Rick McCabe –
This was a top notch experience with effective, conscientious instructors. It was light hearted but packed with information and points of view you won’t get elsewhere. The real testimony in my mind was the high percentage of returning students in the course I took.
Morris Caddell –
My second time taking this class….it was again a great experience. As someone still new to kayaking, the fact that I was so much better prepared for FBR IX and Wilson Creek this time is proof of how much I got out of the course last October. I’m sure I learned even more this time. Chris and Daniel are excellent in conveying their message…can’t wait to do more with H2oDreams.
Ryan Billings-Reber –
Excellent Course! I had a great time with some of the best instructors I have ever worked with. H2O Dreams keeps it fun while loading the course with information. I’m much more confident in my ability to navigate creeks and comfortable around rocks. Take this course, you won’t regret it!
Todd McGinnis –
This is a great course that gets the paddler thinking about how to break down a rapid to manageable pieces. Read the water to effectively move with it and use rocks and other features to have an awesome river experience.
Brett Cappello –
This is such a great class at a great price! I highly recommend this clinic for the intermediate paddler looking to learn about areas of creeking: boofing, river and rock reading, group safety dynamics and communication, etc. The student to instructor ratio was also perfect. Chris and H20 Dreams went above and beyond to make sure we all were stoked on the class and we all were.
Craig Wermann –
Fantastic ! This course was extremely informative but our instructor Lydia had made it as much fun as it was educational. So much information was made available and 2 days of awesome paddling. I have a new awareness on the water now and confidence to read the waters. I learned more about kayaking and river characteristics in these two days than in the entire past year of paddling back home. Definitely coming back for more instruction and paddling on the some beautiful rivers and creeks here in NC. Thanks Lydia and Chris.