Quick Details
Diversify Whitewater Beginner Kayak Clinic:
Saturday, July 8, 2023
Application closed on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 12:00pm ET. Thanks for your interest!
Join us for a Diversify Whitewater Beginner Kayak Clinic on the Deerfield River in Charlemont, MA on Saturday, July 8 from 9:00am – 4:30pm ET. Participants will learn the basics of water safety and whitewater kayak paddling techniques then enjoy a day paddling down the Deerfield River.
No experience or equipment is necessary to participate.
We will meet at Zoar Outdoor in Charlemont, MA at 9am. After introducing you to the sport of kayaking and to your equipment, we get our first taste of paddling on flatwater in a pond or reservoir. We start by teaching you to efficiently and effectively exit the kayak when upside down. Then we move on to learning basic strokes, including sweep strokes, forward strokes, and stability while paddling on edge. Once everyone is comfortable in their boats, we head to moving water where we introduce river maneuvers such as the eddy turn, peel out, and ferry. The day progresses into your first taste of whitewater rapids, often paddling in class I-II whitewater. A picnic lunch will be provided for participants during the clinic.
The mission of Diversify Whitewater (DW) is to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in paddlesports by removing the barriers that exist for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and Allies in kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and stand up paddling by holding free community paddling events. All eligible participants will receive a full scholarship for the course of the clinic (a $215.00 value)! Participants age 16 and up are welcome.
You must complete an application to be eligible for one of the 12 fully funded participant spots for the Diversify Whitewater Beginner Kayak Clinic kayaking clinic. Applications open on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 12:00pm ET and close Monday, June 19, 2023 at 12:00pm ET. We will announce the 12 selected participants no later than Thursday, June 22. If you are a scholarship recipient registered for this event and cannot make your commitment, please call Zoar Outdoor (413-339-4010) as soon as possible so that we may open your spot to folks on the waitlist.
We can’t wait to paddle with you!
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All folks who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color as well as allies are invited and welcome! Folks should have basic swimming skills and be ready and confident to get wet in the water and swim in moderate current on the river. No experience kayaking or equipment is necessary to participate.
Participants age 16 and up are welcome.
The mission of Diversify Whitewater (DW) is to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in paddlesports by removing the barriers that exist for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and Allies in kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and stand up paddling by holding free community paddling events.
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Paddlers:
The Deerfield River is always cool, regardless of the time of year or air temperature. When packing your river clothes, please plan accordingly. Our event will run rain or shine. You will be getting wet! Everyone will be fitted with a personal floatation device (PFD), helmet, spray skirt, kayak, and paddle. If the weather is colder or you run cold, we also have wetsuits, booties, and splash tops available.
Wear items such as:
- Synthetic long underwear, garments made of polypropylene, Capilene, or some polyester/spandex blend
- Fleece or wool socks
- Bathing suit
- Fleece or wool jacket/sweater (early/late season or if you tend to chill easily)
- Closed toed shoes that are ok to get wet
Other items to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Retaining strap for glasses
- Nose plugs
- Towel
- Required medications
- Extra money for snacks, T-shirts, or coin-operated showers
Spring & Summer Wear
Close-toed shoes. For your safety, no sandals or flip flops will be permitted.
Light jacket, fleece top, or sweater
Rain Jacket with hood
Light pants
You should remove any dangling jewelry and tie long hair back. Please leave valuables in the car while you’re taking the clinic. We have a key box where we would be happy to keep your car keys until you are off the tour.Can I bring my camera?
We don’t recommend bringing any electronics on the water because the river has no guarantees of keeping it safe and dry. However, if you have a waterproof container to put your phone in with a clip or lanyard that you can attach your phone to you, you are welcome to do so. We will also have folks taking photos of the event on the water, and we will be sure to share them with you electronically after the event!