Whitewater Canoe: Fundamentals of Creeking (Class 3/4)

Nolichucky River or French Broad Section 9

FROM:$175.00

Months of Operation:

March-November

Duration:

8 Hrs

Begins:

9:00 AM

Age Requirements:

Age 14+
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Overview & Highlights

The Southeast is known for some of the finest and most abundant creeks in the country. If you're interested in expanding to these tighter and more technical rivers but would like to learn and apply creeking techniques on a regular river first before committing to an actual creek, our Fundamentals of Creeking class is the solution. This class is by design held on a class 3 river such as the Nolichucky or French Broad but we approach it like we're running a creek, focusing on fine boat control, tight lines, catching micro eddies, using river features and, of course, launching the occasional boof!

This class is also a great option for any open boater looking to step up their game and fine tune their boat control to a razor's edge.

For experienced whitewater canoeists with class 3 or greater skills and a reliable roll. All instructors carry professional certification through the ACA.
Highlights:
  • Professional, fun canoe instruction by certified instructors
  • Full introduction to creeking
  • Application of fundamentals, strokes and river moves in a creek-focused setting
  • Paddle trip on one of the region's beautiful class 3 rivers, including the Nolichucky and French Broad Section 9
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Nolichucky River or French Broad River Section 9

2 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650, USA

Additional Information

  • What to Expect

    • Creeking overview 
    • Accident prevention and safety
    • Group management and communication
    • Scouting and route selection
    • Body mechanics and stroke technique
    • Creek running techniques and considerations
    • Catching and exiting eddies with precision and intent
    • Managing drops
    • Managing holes
    • The joy of boofing

  • Prerequisites

    • Class 3 or greater whitewater canoe skills
    • Very good overall health and fitness
    • Reliable roll
    • Be able to wet exit and swim to shore in current in current in the event of a capsize
    • Participants must be willing to wear a PFD (personal flotation device) and helmet while on the water

  • Includes

    • Instruction/guiding
    • Shuttle transportation

  • What to Bring

    Whitewater canoe with float bags, paddle, PFD, helmet, drinking water, closed-toe water shoes (open-toed footwear, sandals not permitted), throw rope, suitable clothing for wear on the water (wicking, non-cotton base layers, paddle tops or drysuits as appropriate), lunch in drybag, towel, sunscreen.

  • Meeting Location

    ​​​​Specific river and meeting directions will be communicated to students prior to class.

  • Additional Information

    Food and lodging are the responsibility of participants. Riverside lodging and camping is available onsite at our NOLI outpost and can be reserved directly with either USA Raft or Nolichucky Gorge Campground.  If the class is held on the French Broad there are lodging options in Hot Springs, NC as well.

  • Testimonials

    "Viki is a great instructor. Explains strokes and effects very clearly and simply, is able to observe and give recommendations to correct technique and is very encouraging. She is also fun to talk with. I had a great experience and greatly improved, now I need to practice!"

     ~ Tom G.

Policies & Agreements

  • Terms and conditions

    I certify that all registrants meet course prerequisites as defined in the course description, meet the minimum age requirements and do not have any medical conditions or limitations that would prevent their ability to safely participate in the activity.

  • Cancellation policy

    NOLI activities go rain or shine. If you cancel or decrease the number of participants in your party the following applies:

    Cancellations 30 or more days prior to your activity will receive a full refund.
    Cancellations 14-29 days prior to the activity date will receive a full reservation booking voucher.
    Cancellations 0-13 days prior to the activity date are not extended a refund or voucher.
    No Shows are not extended a refund or voucher.

Upcoming Dates & Availability

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Grab your spot today!

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