Quick Details
This clinic is designed for people who paddle together and want to have the skills in order to look out for each other. We take a hands-on, in-the-water approach to teaching river rescue best practices and safety skills. Our emphasis is on judgment and managing river rescue situations, as well as rescue techniques that can be performed with minimal equipment. This course takes place at our base on land and on the river next to our base.
This course is ideal for rafters, canoeists, or kayakers who are just starting paddling or who want to jump-start their river safety skills. Participants should have some Class II paddling background.
You spend somewhere between four to five hours in your boat. You kneel (canoeists) or sit (kayakers) for much of this time. To prepare, you should stretch your thighs, hamstrings, and torso (back, stomach, shoulders, and neck). If you increase your flexibility, you will have more efficient strokes and be more comfortable in your boat.
What should I wear?
While some of the flatwater areas we use are quite warm in June, July, and August, the Deerfield River is always cool, regardless of the time of year or air temperature. When packing your paddling clothes, please plan accordingly, especially if you are coming early or late in the season (April, May, September, and October). Our clinics will run rain or shine.
Wear items such as:
Other items to bring:
Zoar Outdoor will provide:
The following statement is required by state law: “Before placing your order, please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy.”
We do not use nuts in our food, but can not guarantee that the ingredients in our meals do not contain nuts or other food allergens. If you have food allergies or other special dietary needs, we strongly suggest you bring your own bag lunch in non-glass containers and we will pack it with the other lunches on your trip. Please inform our office if you intend to do this.
If you own your own equipment, we suggest you use it in the clinic to get used to its quirks.