FIRST DESCENTS COMMUNITY: INTRO AND BEYOND BEGINNER WHITEWATER KAYAKING

August 3rd and 4th, 2024

We will hold a special section of this clinic for participants from the First Descents community. First Descents provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults (ages  18 - 39) impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions.

Come out for two-days of whitewater fun and instruction with ACA L4 certified instructor trainer Sandra Newbury and our fabulously friendly team.   

We’ll start with the basics and build from there!    

This INTRO AND BEYOND BEGINNER clinic is perfect for anyone brand new to whitewater or kayaking, and also for those who have some experience in a boat but want to hone their foundational skills.  We will work with you and offer challenges matched to your skill level. 

We emphasize fun and safety while covering all the fundamentals to get you out on rivers to experience all the joy of running rapids.  

We'll start out on calm, flat water to review basic strokes, boat control, and safety maneuvers. Then we'll move on to the rivers to read whitewater, play in some rapids, in a supportive group. 

BOATS AND GEAR: 

Bring your own whitewater boat and gear (paddle, helmet, and pfd) OR we will get you perfectly outfitted with a whitewater boat and all the necessary gear. 

IS THIS CLINIC FOR YOU? 

This clinic is intended for those from the First Descents community who are curious about or just getting started with whitewater paddling OR for anyone who wants to go work on their foundational skills. The weekend will be full of beautiful rivers, challenges, friendship, and fun.   

Here's what you can expect: 

• High instructor to student ratio • Calm and patient instructors, unless you're doing something amazing - that gets us really excited! • Lots of play on whitewater! • Simple concepts that help you connect to your boat and the water • Focus on moving with the river  • Exceptional instruction and practical progressions to build confidence and independence • Effective support to help you move through fears and challenges that come up for you • Introduction to Class II / III whitewater  • Focus on fundamental river running skills including effective eddy turns, peel-outs, and ferries • Awareness of whitewater safety in Class II / III whitewater  • Technical tools and skills drills that you can take with you  • Effective stroke techniques • Wet exits • Come as you are atmosphere - no judgment or pressure!  • Bringing out your inner badass boater!   

Join us for a fun weekend of adventure and confidence-building! Don't miss it!  

Rivers:  

We always watch water levels and wait to pick particular rivers until a few days before the clinic. Typically, we choose between the Pike or Wolf Rivers for this event.  

Where to stay:  

We recommend camping or renting cabins at Bear Paw Outdoor Adventure Center on the Wolf River in Langlade, WI. We recommend arriving Friday evening but early Saturday morning can also work. Participants can book cabins, rooms, or campsites through Bear Paw. Bear Paw is offering discounts for camping in group sites or regular campsites as well as for cabins. We will give you details when you register. We will plan to meet at Bear Paw at 8:00am on Saturday morning to get students outfitted.  

Food:  

Participants should bring a river lunch for each day. Bring your own water bottle. We will plan to have a group dinner and a campfire on Saturday night.    

Paddling Clothing:  

Dress for getting wet, and wear shoes that aren’t open and will stay secure on your feet. The water can be chilly so neoprene or wicking fibers are recommended. Please do not wear cotton clothing. We have wetsuits and splash jackets to lend.  

Classes run rain or shine but we don't paddle if there's lightning. Bring dry clothes and shoes for after boating each day. Bathrooms and showers are available at Bear Paw.  

Registration & fees:  

Register by emailing NorthwoodsOutdoorCenter@gmail.com, messaging us on Facebook or calling Sandra at 608 335-2122. Clinic cost is $300 for the 2-day weekend which includes your boat and all gear for the weekend. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We are more than happy to help! 

Scholarships may be available. Please ask.

Because we are a small business and need to plan around registrations, our clinic fees and deposits aren't refundable.  We can often offer a credit, less a $50 rescheduling fee per participant, for another similar clinic in the same season if space is available.