Intermediate for River Kayak

About the course:

Looking to break through the beginner plateau? Intermediate for River Kayak is a 2.5 day course to help advanced beginners and intermediate paddlers who need some guidance get up and over the intermediate hump. We’ll explore more complex concepts like hull physics, fine-tune your strokes, and give you to the tools to grow your confidence no matter what the river throws at you. Build your skills right-side up and upside down with special focus on combat rolling confidence, and discover new frontiers with comfort and prowess in more dynamic river environments. 

The first day and a half of class will work to cultivate deeper understanding of technique and mechanics, including an evening chalk talk on Friday, culminating with practical application and group-lead exercises during the final river trip of the course. The intermediate environment is slowly introduced so that students have time to process new information, practice applying skills, and set themselves up for success. Students will also unpack soft skills like scouting, downriver strategy, and even group management in the intermediate environment. If you’re tired of pointing your boat downstream and crossing your fingers that it will work out, Intermediate for River Kayak will equip you with the tools, knowledge, and drills for new confidence and new possibilities in your paddling.

Prerequisite skill:

• Ages 14 and up
• Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian
• Be in good health and overall fitness
• Experience with the kayak roll and some success rolling in flatwater
• Fundamentals for River Running 101, Intro to Rolling for Kayak, and/or equivalent experience
• Common Sense Rescue or equivalency highly recommended

Trip price: $425.00

Location(s): Saluda, NC and surrounding rivers

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