Course Overview: The Whitewater Canoeing course is for canoeists interested in learning the skills required to efficiently paddle on rivers with Class II to III rapids by catching smaller eddies, making sharp peel outs, and effective ferries. Participants at this level aspire to attain a higher level of canoeing skills, improve the quality of their strokes and maneuvers, and increase their river rescue knowledge. This course is appropriate for properly outfitted whitewater tandem and/or solo canoes. It can be taught tandem, solo, or both. (From ACA Description for Level 4: Whitewater Canoeing Skills Course)
This course will be taught on 4 successive Saturday mornings, with the venue difficulty progressing from flatwater through class II-III rapids. This will allow participants the opportunity to refine their paddling skills on easier water before being challenged with more difficult conditions. Between sessions, participants are encouraged to study and practice what they have learned.
Tentative Agenda and Schedule
Saturday April 6th (9:00 AM to 1:00 PM) Strokes, flatwater maneuvers, safety & rescue, equipment
Venue: Swift Creek Reservoir (Session cancelled due to weather conditions)
Saturday April 13th (9:00 AM to 1:00 PM) Moving water safety, strokes, ferries, eddy turns, dealing with hazards
Venue: James River or Appomattox River (level dependent)
Saturday April 20th (9:00 AM to 1:00 PM) Complex attainments, river maneuvers, rescues, swimming in current
Venue: James River or Appomattox River (level dependent)
Saturday April 27th (9:00 AM to 1:00 PM) River running, safety & rescue practice, stroke & maneuver refinement
Venue: Class II-III section of James River or Appomattox River (level dependent)
How to sign up:
To reserve a spot in a class, email the instructor at paul.clemmer@verizon.net
Class fee is $225 for all 4 sessions or $65 per individual session + $10 ACA Event Fee (waived for ACA members)
Because this course progresses in difficulty in skills and venue, later sessions require previous participation in a Level 3 or higher ACA course, or equivalent skills to participate.
Canoes, lifejackets, and paddles provided, or you may bring your own equipment.
Signed standard ACA waiver is required of all participants.