- Adv. Beginner to Intermediate Level Adv. Beginner to Intermediate
- 14+ Ages 14+
- 1/2 Day Duration 1/2 Day
Learn basic whitewater kayak rolling skills under the guidance of ACA-certified instructors!
Quick Details
Preregister by calling Zoar Outdoor at 413-339-4010 or book online.
Boat Demos – All boat demos are first-come-first-served @ the Zoar Gap Picnic Area. We regret that we are not able to take reservations for specific boats. You can demo a boat for up to 2 hours of personal use or for one mini-clinic per day. We have a limited number of boats available for demo so please be considerate. All boat demos are due back to the Zoar Gap Picnic area no later than 4:00 PM each day. Sign-up online and complete the agreement/waivers in advance.
Equipment Rental – If you need to borrow helmets, PFD’s, or sprayskirts these will be available at the DemoFest site. If you need to borrow wetsuits, paddling jackets, or water shoes, please stop by The Outfitters Shop prior to going to the DemoFest site.
Mini-Clinics – Choose one mini-clinics for the morning and afternoon of each day. Please pre-register as space is limited. Mini-clinics are booked on a first come-first serve basis. All mini-clinics are subject to change. Please check in 15 minutes early at the Zoar Gap Picnic Area event site each day to to receive information. For each mini-clinic you register for, you will be entered to win (one entry per clinic) an Orion Core 45 Cooler by Jackson Kayaks ($280 value).
Food – Please pre-pay for food up to 10 days in advance of the trip. Riverside lunch available each day and a hearty Saturday evening BBQ will be sure to bring the paddlers back together.
Scavenger Hunt – Scavenger Hunt teams will gather at 12:45 PM at the DemoFest site. Registered teams will get a “Hunt Packet” and have from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM to find all of their clues. Teams are required to check in at the final site at Zoar Outdoor (7 Main Street) no later than 3:30 PM to have their progress scored. The teams with the most clues found and highest point score will win prizes!
Win a Cooler! – For each mini-clinic you register for, you will be entered to win (one entry per clinic) an Orion Core 45 Cooler by Jackson Kayaks ($280 value).
Locations
DemoFest site is located across from the Zoar Gap picnic area. Once there, complete the check-in paperwork for boat demos and clinics.
The Outfitters Shop is located at Zoar Outdoor 7 Main Street, Charlemont, MA 01339
Prerequisites – The DemoFest mini-clinics are designed for experienced paddlers looking to paddle the newest whitewater kayaks. If you have never been in a whitewater kayak before, you should try one of our 1-, 2-, 3- or 5-day beginner clinics.
Come to Zoar Outdoor and learn to paddle prior to Demofest
At Zoar, our staff makes the difference when it comes to your whitewater kayaking experience. Our friendly, accommodating team is here to answer any questions you might have, so don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Descriptions of clinics are below the calendar.
Friday | ||
8:00 AM | The Outfitters Shop -opens
Wetsuits, Splash Jackets, Booties available only at Zoar Outdoor’s The Outfitters Shop |
Stop at Zoar Outdoor
Then head to: |
8:30AM – 8:55AM | Morning Yoga and Stretching | Free- no pre registration required
Zoar Gap Picnic Area |
9:00 AM | Boat demos begin | Zoar Gap Picnic Area |
9:30 AM | Mini-clinic meeting announcement | Sign Up in advance required |
departs at 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Improve Your Roll and Build Underwater Composure | Flatwater |
departs at 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Paddling Jedi Tricks: Left, Right, and Back Paddling | Flatwater |
departs at 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Back to the Basics with Foundational Skills | Flatwater |
10:45 AM | Dryway – Mini-clinic meeting announcement | Sign Up in advance required |
departs at 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM | Dryway River Run | Dryway |
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch | Lunch included in AM clinic price; no onsite purchase |
12:45 PM | Afternoon River Run Meeting Announcement | Sign Up in advance required |
departs at 1:00 PM – 3:30PM | River Runners and Creekers | Class I-II (III, option of running Gap) |
departs at 1:00 PM – 3:30PM | Half Slice | Class I-II (III, option of running Gap) |
departs at 1:00 PM – 3:30PM | Full Slice & Play | Class I-II (III, option of running Gap) |
4:00 PM | Please return all demo equipment | Thank You! |
Improve Your Roll and Build Underwater Composure
Location: flatwater site Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, clinic ends at 12:00 PM This is a great course to build the underwater composure and confidence that is necessary to have a reliable and strong roll. Practicing kayaking techniques such as rolling makes paddling a joy by lessening the fear and hassle of swimming in whitewater. Class Prerequisites: Wet-exits with a sprayskirt from a whitewater kayak and basic understanding and execution of the river running maneuvers (eddy turn, peel out and ferry). This should not be your first whitewater kayak lesson. Visit our rolling courses.
Paddling Jedi Tricks: Left, Right, and Back Paddling
Location: flatwater site Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, clinic ends at 12:00 PM A great way to start your morning and meet paddling friends. This course will give you a great paddling warm-up routine that you can continue to use on your own. We’ll focus on improving your technique and boat control while paddling your boat in different directions. For some of our full day courses check out this link, Beginner & Intermediate Clinics.
Back to the Basics with Foundational Skills
Location: flatwater site Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, clinic ends at 12:00 PM Great paddling starts at the foundation. Learn about the connection between your upper and lower core mechanics and practice skills that show how these influence your boat control. Gain more precision with your paddle blades as we exam the correct blade angles for different strokes. Finally as your core skills improve so will your vision and you’ll be keeping your eyes high.
Dryway River Run
Location: Dryway class III-IV Duration: Departs at 11:00 AM, clinic ends at 2:30 PM Prerequisites: The Dryway is a hard section of river and this course is inappropriate for those without proper experience in hard class III-IV water, a solid roll is required. We offer full day dryway clinics for folks looking to transition into running the Dryway while stepping up with their Class III/IV skills. Advanced paddlers, do you just want to get out there and paddle with instructors to get feedback and learn more efficient technique? Here’s your opportunity to get feedback on your own paddling and have a blast. This is also a great chance to paddle and get expert advice on a variety of boats. Plus, have some time to meet and socialize with other area paddlers. Maybe you’re new to our area, if so this is also a great opportunity for a guided run down. If you are unsure if you are ready or have not paddled class III-IV yet, this is not the best course for stepping up to the Dryway. If you are looking to step up to the Dryway please check out our full day River Runs where you would have more time for scouting and guidance.
PM Clinic Descriptions
Choose one: 1. River Runners and Creekers, 2. Half Slice, or 3. Play Boat or Full Slice
Location: 2.5 mile section above Zoar Gap Picnic area – Class I-II (III, option to run Zoar Gap) Duration: Departs at 1:00 PM, clinic ends at 3:30 PM This section of the Fife Brook on the Deerfield River has endless opportunities for practicing our basic and complex maneuvers while heading downstream. Their are great eddies for wide or narrow turns which allow paddlers to change their technique based on the maneuver at hand. Instructors will structure their clinic based on the specific boat design of the group. The River Runners and Creekers group will focus on downriver maneuvers. The Half Slice group will focus on river play, stern squits, and edge transitions. The Full Slice and Play Boat group will focus on river playboating and freestyle techniques (cartwheels, enders, surfing, etc).
Saturday | ||
8:00 AM | The Outfitters Shop -opens
Wetsuits, Splash Jackets, Booties available only at Zoar Outdoor’s The Outfitters Shop |
Stop at Zoar Outdoor
Then head to: |
8:30AM – 8:55AM | Morning Yoga and Stretching | Free- no pre registration required
Zoar Gap Picnic Area |
8:30 AM | Boat demos begin | Zoar Gap Picnic Area |
9:30 AM | Mini-clinic meeting announcement | Sign Up in advance |
departs at 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Rolling Refresh | Flatwater |
departs at 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Cartwheel Clinic | Flatwater |
departs at 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Buddy Boat Rescue | Flatwater |
departs at 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM | SUP Clinic | Flatwater |
10:45 AM | Dryway – Mini-clinic meeting announcement | Sign Up in advance required |
departs at 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM | Dryway River Run | Dryway |
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch | Pre-pay – no money onsite |
12:45 PM | Mini-clinic meeting announcement | Sign Up in advance required |
departs at 1:00 PM – 3:30PM | Zoar Gap with A Plan | Class II-III |
departs at 1:00 PM – 3:30PM | Half Slice, Twice as Nice: Infini-tailees | Class I-II (III, option of running Gap) |
departs at 1:00 PM – 3:30PM | Whitewater Rescue Swimming & Wading | Class I-II+ |
departs at 1:00 PM – 3:30PM | Downriver SUP | Class I-II |
4:00 PM | Please return all demo equipment | Thank You! |
5:30 PM | Chicken BBQ Dinner | Evening at Zoar Outdoor |
Rolling Refresh
Location: flatwater site Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, clinic ends at 12:00 PM This is a great course to build the underwater composure and confidence that is necessary to have a reliable and strong roll. Practicing kayaking techniques such as rolling makes paddling a joy by lessening the fear and hassle of swimming in whitewater. Class Prerequisites: Wet-exits with a sprayskirt from a whitewater kayak and basic understanding and execution of the river running maneuvers (eddy turn, peel out and ferry). This should not be your first whitewater kayak lesson. Visit our rolling courses.
Cartwheel Clinic
Location: flatwater site Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, clinic ends at 12:00 PM First, we will lay the basic foundations of freestyle boating: edge and weight transfer and initiation strokes. Then we will dive into the world of the double pump, flatwater cartwheels, and getting vertical. All levels of boaters will benefit from this clinic because they will learn the skills and fundamentals that are needed for a solid foundation of playboating skills.
Buddy Boat Rescue
Location: flatwater site Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, clinic ends at 12:00 PM 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 boat based rescue best practices and safety skills. Class Prerequisites: Wet-exits with a sprayskirt from a whitewater kayak and basic understanding and execution of the river running maneuvers (eddy turn, peel out and ferry). This should not be your first whitewater kayak lesson.
Stand Up Paddleboarding Basics
Location: flatwater site – some current Duration: Departs at 9:45AM, clinic ends at 11:15 AM Whitewater paddlers have a chance to test out your balance and your paddle skills while standing up! We’ll cover a quick progression that will introduce the equipment and relate what you know from paddling to the Stand-Up world of paddling. It’s a hoot! Give it a try!
Dryway River Run
Location: Dryway class III-IV Duration: Departs at 11:00 AM, clinic ends at 2:30 PM Prerequisites: The Dryway is a hard section of river and this course is inappropriate for those without proper experience in hard class III-IV water, a solid roll is required. We offer full day dryway clinics for folks looking to transition into running the Dryway while stepping up with their Class III/IV skills. Advanced paddlers, do you just want to get out there and paddle with instructors to get feedback and learn more efficient technique? Here’s your opportunity to get feedback on your own paddling and have a blast. This is also a great chance to paddle and get expert advice on a variety of boats. Plus, have some time to meet and socialize with other area paddlers. Maybe you’re new to our area, if so this is also a great opportunity for a guided run down. If you are unsure if you are ready or have not paddled class III-IV yet, this is not the best course for stepping up to the Dryway. If you are looking to step up to the Dryway please check out our full day River Runs where you would have more time for scouting and guidance.
PM Clinics
Zoar Gap with a Plan
Location: Zoar Gap Rapid – Class III Duration: Departs at 1:00 PM, Clinic ends at 3:30 PM Run multiple laps on Zoar Gap with a vehicle shuttle! We’ll spend some time scouting Zoar Gap from both the road and the river and see how many laps we can also get in. Paddlers will have a chance to plan out their lines and also try multiple different lines. Our expert instructors will be giving out plenty of advice of course too.
Half Slice, Twice as Nice: Infini-Tailees
Take advantage of the best selling boats on the market, half slice kayaks. Half Slice boats are business up front and party in the back. This allows for stable river running, great front surfing with actual carving and easy stern squirts ie “tailees”. This clinic will focus in on the technique to achieve the ultimate tailee. If you’ve gotten used to the ultra short rodeo spud boats the technique is a little different going back to a longer kayak. We’ll help you with the timing and precision needed to take advantage of these awesome kayaks and river features.
Whitewater Rescue Swimming & Wading
Location: Below Zoar Gap (“baby Gap”)- Class II (not a river run) – be prepared to swim! Duration: Departs at 1:00 PM, Clinic ends at 3:30 PM We take this clinic beyond the defensive float position and make a swiftwater entry into active whitewater swimming skills. The group will review and practice swimming in Baby Gap (class II+ whitewater) and wading skills in class II water. This is a must take course for someone who wants to increase their confidence with swimming in whitewater with solid technique and understanding of the environment.
Downriver SUP
Location: 2.5 mile section of Fife Brook on the Deerfield River – Class I-II Duration: Departs at 1:00 PM, Clinic ends at 3:30 PM Whitewater paddlers have a chance to test out your balance and your paddle skills while standing up AND paddling down river! We’ll cover a quick progression that will introduce the equipment and relate what you know from paddling to the Stand-Up world of paddling. It’s a hoot! Give it a try!
Sunday | ||
8:00 AM | The Outfitters Shop -opens
Wetsuits, Splash Jackets, Booties available only at Zoar Outdoor’s The Outfitters Shop |
Stop at Zoar Outdoor
Then head to: |
8:30AM – 8:55AM | Morning Yoga and Stretching | Free- no pre registration required
Zoar Gap Picnic Area |
8:30AM | Boat demos begin | Zoar Gap Picnic Area |
9:30 AM | Mini-clinic meeting announcement | Sign Up in advance |
departs at 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Family of Draws | Flatwater/Moving Current |
departs at 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Set Up Your Warm Up Paddling Routine | Flatwater/Moving Current |
departs at 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Canoeing For Whitewater Kayakers | Class II |
10:45 AM | Dryway – Mini-clinic meeting announcement | Sign Up in advance required |
departs at 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM | Dryway: River Play | Dryway |
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM |
Lunch | Pre-pay – no money onsite |
12:45 PM | Afternoon Scavenger Hunt Meeting Announcement | Sign Up in advance required |
departs at 1:00 PM | Scavenger Hunt Shuttle | Waiver required for shuttle |
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Teams on the Hunt! | A – D |
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Travel to Zoar Outdoor | |
3:30 PM | Scavenger Hunt FINISH: Check In | |
4:00 PM | Cooler & Scavenger Hunt Winners Announced & Prizes Given | |
4:00 PM | Please return all demo equipment |
AM Clinics
Family of Draws
Location: flatwater site Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, clinic ends at 12:00 PM This flatwater session has endless opportunities for practicing the use of the draw stroke. We’ll review the whole family of draw strokes! We will start with basic draws to abeam sideways, which are great for position in an eddy, and progress to the most complicated draws used to control spin momentum while crossing eddylines. Good stroke timing and choosing the right draw for the turn at hand will help keep you more stable and carrying your speed like never before. Class Prerequisites: Wet-exits with a sprayskirt from a whitewater kayak and basic understanding and execution of the river running maneuvers (eddy turn, peel out and ferry). This should not be your first whitewater kayak lesson.
Set Up Your Warm Up Paddling Routine
Location: flatwater Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, Clinic ends at 12:45 PM Warming your body up before you start paddling downriver is the best way to sustain a long and nourishing relationship with the sport. This clinic will bring us back to the fundamentals of biomechanics and finesse to improve your paddling warm up session.
Canoeing For Whitewater Kayakers
Location: Flatwater site, some current Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, Clinic ends at 12:00 PM Hey two bladers come learn what all the fuss is about, lol. You ever hear the saying “half the paddle, twice the paddler”? Well there’s some truth to it. Whitewater canoeing is now the tele-skiing equivalent in the paddling world, it’s old meets new and it’s a lot of fun. Learn to control a craft that loves to spin with just one blade! Our instructors will lead you through a basic progression of skills, straight from capsizes to gaining momentum and controlling your craft. Give it a try!
PM: Scavenger Hunt!
Scavenger Hunt teams will gather at 12:45 PM at the DemoFest site. Registered teams will get a “Hunt Packet” and have from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM to find all of their clues. Teams are required to check in at the final site at Zoar Outdoor (7 Main Street) no later than 3:30 PM to have their progress scored. The teams with the most clues found and highest point score will win prizes!
The DemoFest mini-clinics are designed for experienced paddlers looking to paddle the hottest new whitewater kayaks.
If you’ve never paddled before or have never been in a true whitewater kayak you can sign up for our 2-day beginner kayak courses to try out the sport. Beginner courses typically start on Wednesday’s and Saturday’s throughout the summer.
At Zoar, our staff makes the difference when it comes to your whitewater kayaking experience. Our friendly, accommodating team is here to answer any questions you might have, so don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Temperatures can change a lot during a September day and the Deerfield River is always cool, regardless of the time of year or air temperature. When packing your paddling clothes, please plan accordingly and bring clothing layers to accommodate the days fluctuations. Our clinics will run rain or shine.
Wear items such as:
Other items to bring:
Zoar Outdoor will provide:
DemoFest site
Zoar Outdoor base only
If you own your own equipment, we suggest you use it in the clinic to get used to its quirks.