Intro to White Water Kayaking – Learning the Basics

OVERVIEW

In order to learn how to maneuver your kayak in white water, you must first learn how to paddle. We’ll spend Sunday at Beaver Creek learning the basics of kayaking – the forward stroke, wet exiting, rescue and recovery techniques, and some maneuvers that you use on the river. After this lesson, you will be qualified to test your skills in white water (where I can take you throughout the summer and fall; trips will occur each week, water level/weather permitting). If a lot of people (>8) sign up, I will break people up into groups of 5 or 6 and assign each group a 2 hour block of time. You can then show up at Beaver Creek (about 10 miles west of town; see directions below) at your time and leave when you are finished. The first group will start at noon. I’ll send you an email to let you know your time block. Let me know If you need transportation (email me or call my cell at 760-2739).

Outdoors at UVa provides:

Kayak, paddle, skirt, helmet, pfd (personal flotation device), wet suit, nose plugs.

You must bring:

swim wear, towel, water, sunscreen