Whitewater Kayak Immersive: Class 2+/3 - 3 Days

Nolichucky River & French Broad River

FROM:$475.00

Months of Operation:

March-November

Duration:

3 days

Begins:

9 am

Age Requirements:

Age 10+
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Overview & Highlights

This class for you if: You are a class 2+ or greater kayaker who wants to dive deep into the fundamentals, strokes and river moves over several consecutive days in order to maximize your skill and confidence on class 2+/3 whitewater.

Spend 3 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 rivers.  Real progress comes with time in the saddle and this course provides participants with several consecutive days on one of the area’s class 2/3 rivers working on improving fundamentals, strokes, boat control and river running technique. Your instructor will start where you are in your paddling progression and build from there so that you can achieve your goals in a supportive, fun environment. Day 1 takes place on the lower Nolichucky River. Rivers options on days 2 and 3 include the lower Nolichucky, French Broad 9 and the Toe, and will be decided the day pior. French Broad Section 9. These are all excellent venues for whitewater kayakers who want to improve, fine-tune and take their paddling to the next level.

For experienced whitewater kayakers with class 2+ or greater skills. All instructors carry professional certification through the ACA.  
Highlights:
  • 3 days of professional, fun kayak instruction by certified instructors
  • Full review of fundamentals, strokes and river moves
  • Further development of fundamentals and skills in a supportive and appropriately challenging environment
  • 3 guided paddle trips on one or more of the region's beautiful class 2/3 rivers, including the Nolichucky and French Broad Section 9
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Chestoa Recreation Area

4 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650, USA

Additional Information

  • What to Expect

    • Paddling fundamentals review
    • Paddling strokes review including turning, power and bracing strokes
    • River maneuvers deep dive including peel outs, eddy turns and ferries - expect to spend most of the day really digging into these techniques and practicing them in a variety of situations
    • River reading and hydrology and then applying your understanding of these to your paddling
    • Accident prevention and safety
    • Exposure to multiple rivers to paddle and apply skills
    • Fun!

  • Prerequisites

    • Class 2+ or greater whitewater kayak skills
    • A roll (suggested) - doesn't have to be 100% but to maximize your enjoyment and safety you should have some proficiency in rolling (if you need help with your roll we offer that class too)
    • Good overall health and fitness
    • Be able to wet exit and 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

    • Instruction/guiding over 3 days
    • Shuttle transportation

  • What to Bring

    Whitewater kayak with float bags, paddle, PFD, helmet, sprayskirt, drinking water, closed-toe water shoes (open-toed footwear, sandals not permitted), throw rope (if you have one), 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

    We will meet at Chestoa Rec Area. Directions can be found here. Day 2-3 rivers will be decided at the conclusion of the previous day's class depending on water-levels and participant interest.

  • Additional Information

    Food and lodging are the responsibility of participants. Lodging is available at Uncle Johnny's in Erwin, Woodsmoke Campground in Unicoi, Rock Creek Campground in Erwin (open May-Oct), Grand View Ranch Campground in Unicoi, Blackberry Blossom Campground in Unicoi and Nature's Inn Hostel and Cabins in Flag Pond, TN. The closest hotel is a Super 8 in Erwin and there are hotels in Johnson City as well (20-30 minutes away).

  • Testimonials

    "The 3-day Whitewater Kayak Immersive 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. The location is incredibly beautiful, it's the perfect spot for an intermediate course. Plenty of challenging rapids, but also (and at times more important) plenty of options when a student was not feeling up to the toughest option at that particular moment. 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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