- BOOK NOW
- Class II-III Rapids
- 14+
- 1 day, 2 days
Learn the skills that will take your kayaking to an intermediate/advanced level in our Advanced Strokes and Technical Skills 1 or 2 Day Clinic on the Deerfield River in Massachusetts.
Quick Details
Take a One, Two or Three Day Intermediate Kayak Skills Clinic
The goal of this clinic is to build on the basic skills of whitewater kayaking with an emphasis on creating strong foundational techniques in the sport. Whether your goal is to use class II as a stepping stone to kayaking more difficult whitewater runs or as a destination itself, the skills taught in this class will serve you well. We work on refining your maneuvering skills, including eddy turns, peel outs, ferries, self rescue, and basic surfing. We also start introducing the kayak roll in this course.
Our 1-day course After a review of the basic strokes, including sweep strokes, forward strokes, and edging, we introduce or improve upon your strokes and maneuvers with the gliding draw and bracing. This is a technique heavy paddling day.
Our 2-day course Builds on the foundation set in the first day. Additional time on a second day will help the skills be deeply incorporated into brain and body for the future. As paddling skills start to become more refined, it helps to have an expert eye providing feedback on your paddling.
Our 3-day course This may just be the perfect way to spend a summer week. While we are very much skill focused, our three day course also allows paddlers to experience more time practicing the skills with longer sections of whitewater. More time to practice the roll and more time to have fun!
Don’t see a date that works for you? Want to do this course as a private, semi-private, or with your own group? Check out our information on custom clinics and when you’re ready we will help set up a great course on your dates.
“Thank you so much to the team at Zoar for an awesome weekend. Scott is an amazing instructor – so kind, detailed, affirming and knowledgeable and fun! I feel really lucky to have gotten to learn with him this weekend. He taught me So much. Everyone I met from Zoar was super welcoming and positive, and the overnight stay was great. Thank you so much for everything!” – Lauren
More Information
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To take this course you should be in reasonable physical condition, be comfortable in the water, and have an interest in paddling. In this kayaking clinic for advanced beginners, we teach and refine the techniques needed to paddle a kayak confidently on Class II rivers. Before taking this kayaking clinic, you should have at least five to ten days of previous whitewater kayaking experience.
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You spend somewhere between four to five hours in your boat. You sit 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.
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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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- Boat
- Wetsuit
- Paddle jacket
- Booties
- Life jacket
- Helmet
- Paddle
- Sprayskirt
We provide a catered picnic-style lunch on all 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 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.)