Whitewater Kayak: Beginner - 2 Days

Lower Nolichucky River, Lower Watauga River or similar

FROM:$275.00

Months of Operation:

April-October

Duration:

2 days

Begins:

9 am

Age Requirements:

Age 10+
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Overview & Highlights

This is for you if: You want a comprehensive introduction to whitewater kayaking and the best opportunity to develop proficiency.

Our core class for first-timers and those new to whitewater, the two-day Beginner Whitewater Kayak Course allows participants to experience the thrill of whitewater kayaking while providing more detail and greater opportunity for skill development than our one-day intro class.

Under the guidance of one of our exceptional instructors you will spend the morning of the first day learning about boats, equipment and safety considerations and will be properly outfitted to one of our top-of-the-line whitewater kayaks, life jackets (PFD), helmets, paddles and sprayskirts.

We will then take it to the water and over the next two days you will have ample time to practice the fundamentals, strokes and river maneuvers that will help you safely enjoy and gain proficiency on the class 1-2 section of the beautiful Nolichucky River, located right out our backdoor.

No experience required and all equipment provided. All instructors carry professional certification through the ACA.

This class pairs well with our Kayak Roll Class, offered several times throughout the year.
Highlights:
  • Professional, fun kayak instruction by certified instructors
  • Comprehensive introduction to whitewater kayaking over two days
  • Fundamentals and skills development 
  • Paddle trip on the beautiful, beginner friendly lower Nolichucky River (class 1-2)
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Lower Nolichucky River, Lower Watauga River or similar

2 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650, USA

Additional Information

  • What to Expect

    • Accident prevention and safety
    • Boat and equipment overview
    • How to carry, launch and load your kayak
    • Paddling fundamentals
    • Paddling strokes
    • River maneuvers incuding eddy turns, peel outs and ferries
    • Basic river reading
    • Whitewater kayak trip on class 1-2 river
    • FUN!

  • Prerequisites

    • Good overall health and fitness
    • Comfortable on moving water
    • Be able to enter, exit and paddle a kayak without assistance 
    • Be able to swim to shore in the event of a capsize
    • Participants must be willing to wear a PFD (personal flotation device) and helmet while on the water

  • Includes

    • Whitewater kayak instruction
    • Whitewater kayak
    • Helmet
    • Paddle
    • Lifejacket 
    • Sprayskirt
    • Drybag

  • What to Bring

    Swim shorts, towel, sunscreen, closed-toe water shoes (open-toe footwear, sandals not permitted), wicking-type shirt for wear on the water (no cotton), drinking water or sports drink, bagged lunch.

  • Meeting Location

    Meeting location and directions will be sent out separately.

  • Additional Information

    Food and  lodging are the responsibility of participants. Riverside lodging and camping is available onsite and can be reserved directly with USA Raft.

  • Testimonials

    "My daughters (16 & 11) and I took the 2-day beginner whitewater course this weekend. This has honestly been one of the best weekends I have ever spent! Our instructor was awesome! He is a true professional. He knew what he was talking about and how to communicate it. He was patient, supportive and encouraging. We are rank beginners, but he made us feel like champions! We got a ton of information and instruction that we can take home and practice, and he put it in ways we could remember and use. Absolutely excellent experience, and we will definitely be back to build on what we've learned!"
    - Daniel R.

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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