Whitewater Kayak: Creek Skills Development - 2 Day Clinic (Class 3/4)

Nolichucky, French Broad 9 or similar river

FROM:$350.00

Months of Operation:

March-November

Duration:

2 days

Begins:

9 am

Age Requirements:

Age 14+
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Overview & Highlights

This is for you if: You are a class 3+ or greater paddler and want to develop or improve strong creeking fundamentals on a regular class 3/4 river over back-to-back days.

Are you a class 3+ kayaker looking to expand into the world of creeking? Or maybe you're already hitting the steeps and want to take your creek boating to the next level. Spend back-to-back days immersing yourself in the joy of whitewater kayaking as you work with one of our exceptional instructors to take your paddling to the next level on one or more of the region’s outstanding 3/4 rivers. This class is by design held on a class 3 /4 river 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! Real progress comes with time in the saddle and this course provides participants with consecutive days working on improving fundamentals, strokes, boat control and river running technique. This class is also a great option for any kayaker looking to step up their game and fine tune their boat control to a razor's edge. NOTE: Until further notice, primary venue is French Broad 9.

Primary instructors are elite paddlers Adam Herzog, 20+ year veteran of the Green Race, and Mike Morrow, a Southeast creeking veteran of 30 years.

For experienced whitewater kayakers with solid class 3 or greater skills and a combat roll. Participants will be asked to demonstrate a roll prior to moving downriver. All instructors carry professional certification through the ACA.


Highlights:
  • 2 days of professional, fun kayak instruction by certified instructors
  • Full introduction to creeking
  • Application of fundamentals, strokes and river moves in a creek-focused setting
  • 2 guided paddle trips on one or more of the region's beautiful class 3 rivers, including the Nolichucky Gorge
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Nolichucky, French Broad 9 or similar river

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

    • Solid class 3 or greater whitewater kayak skills
    • A combat roll - you will be asked to demonstrate your roll at the put-in and in current
    • Very good overall health and fitness
    • Be able to wet exit and swim to shore 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 over 2 days
    • Shuttle transportation

  • What to Bring

    Whitewater kayak (creek boat or high-volume river runner) with float bags, paddle, PFD, helmet, sprayskirt, drinking water, closed-toe water shoes, throw rope, suitable clothing for wear on the water (wicking, non-cotton, paddle tops or drysuits as appropriate), breakdown paddle (recommended, stored in boat), lunch in drybag for each day, towel, sunscreen.

  • Meeting Location

    Primary venue until further notice is FB9. Meeting instructions 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 USA Raft. If class is held on FB9, there are lodging options in Hot Springs, NC.

  • Testimonials

    "The class is outstanding in many ways: content, location, instructor knowledge and value. I'm not sure I have ever had my expectations exceeded more than this class did. The instructor was highly knowledgeable and a great paddler. I learned a bunch of safety and rescue tips I was not expecting to cover.  He was able to challenge us more because his skill is off the charts and the class pushed us to our top limits. I feel like my padding ability took a monumental leap this week. If you are considering this class, look no further. You won't regret it."

    ~ David T.

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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