- Class II Rapids
- 14+
- 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, Full Day
Whether your goal is to use Class II as a stepping stone to kayaking more difficult whitewater or as a destination in itself, the skills taught in this Intermediate clinic will serve you well.
Quick Details
Learn Advanced Freestyle Kayaking
In this intensive one-day clinic, learn advanced freestyle kayaking techniques that will help enable you to do multiple cartwheels, loops, and other more complex moves. We have the hottest playboats on the market for you to test out and some really fun natural river features.
After reviewing basic freestyle technique and filling any gaps in students’ knowledge, we take the moves several steps further to work on multiple ends of a cartwheel, advanced flat spinning and looping. We practice stringing moves together in a dynamic sequence that will help you shred with style.
In this clinic, we systematically work to help you break through to a higher level of whitewater play. Moves such as getting the third end of a cartwheel can be a challenge without clear instruction and helpful feedback.
More Information
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This clinic is for advanced intermediate and advanced kayakers, as we paddle the Class III-IV Dryway section of the Deerfield River. Participants in these clinics should be able to initiate both bow and stern move, cartwheel on flatwater, and have a solid Class III roll.
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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:
- 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)
Other items to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Retaining strap for glasses
- Nose plugs
- Towel
- Required medications
- Extra money for snacks or T-shirts
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Zoar Outdoor will provide:
- boat
- wetsuit
- paddle jacket
- booties
- life jacket
- helmet
- paddle
- sprayskirt
If you own your own equipment, we suggest you use it in the clinic to get used to its quirks.
We provide a catered picnic-style lunch on all our full day clinics.
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 at 413-339-4010 or [email protected] if you intend to do this.
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You will spend somewhere between four to five hours in your boat. To prepare, it’s helpful to 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.