Intro to White Water Kayaking – Learning the Basics on a Lake

OVERVIEW

Have you ever wanted to try white water kayaking? Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for another extreme sport to quench your thirst, or like leisurely cruising down rivers with the sun on your shoulders, white water kayaking is the next outdoor recreational activity you should try! This class is designed to teach you the basics of white water kayaking: information about white water (ww) kayaks, how to paddle and maneuver a ww kayak, wet exiting, T-rescues, and recovery techniques. You will also have the opportunity to learn the Eskimo roll. This trip goes out rain or shine (but may be canceled by a thunder storm).

If you wish to put your new skills to the test on a river, there will be several opportunities through the club during the school year. In order to be qualified to go on a ww river trip you must first take this intro class (or similar). Please contact me with any questions – dave.clark@virginiakayakschool.com or 434-962-9737.

I will need drivers to make this trip work, as such your name will get added to the waitlist upon joining. I will give priority to the first 2 drivers and then to the sign-up order.

The plan is to meet at Echols dorm (please see the link posted with the adventure if you are not familiar with its location) at 8am on 9/15. I will have all of the kayaks and gear loaded up, so once we get everyone into vehicles we’ll take the ~25 minute drive out to Walnut Creek Park. After we get our kayaking gear on, we will be on the lake from ~9am-12:00pm. There is plenty more that can be done at that wonderful Albemarle County park, if you have the time and transportation. I encourage you to return to it someday! For more info about the venue, check out: http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?department=parks&relpage=2744

Adventure fee: The $5 fee covers my instructor insurance. Along those same lines, I will need for you to fill out a waiver that goes, along with your $5, to the American Canoe Association. More on that as the trip draws near.

The Club Provides: white water kayaks, spray skirts, paddles, pfds (personal flotation devices), helmets, noseplugs, boat/gear transport

You should bring: bathing suit, towel, change of clothes, water, snacks, sunscreen