DemoFest Clinic Offerings and Registration

Clinic Descriptions

Morning Yoga And Stretching
Free to all, meet at the Zoar Gap Picnic Area, no registration needed.
Duration: Starts at 8:30 AM, ends at 8:55 AM
Get loosened up and ready to paddle. A nice way to begin the day with some calm relaxing morning activity.

Component Skills Of Freestyle – Group: B-C
Location: flatwater site
Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, clinic ends at 12:00 PM
Start freestyle paddling by learning the proper timing and core components needed to execute the hottest new paddling maneuvers. We will be focusing on pivot turns, bow and stern initiations, rotation and timing, and will demonstrate how these basics link into more advanced maneuvers. If you have been at freestyle for a while use this time block to freshen up your skills and warm up for the day.

The Other Directions Of Paddling – Left, right (abeams) and back paddling – Group: A-B
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.

Introduction To Rolling – Group: A
Location: flatwater site
Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, clinic ends at 12:00 PM
Participation in a kayak rolling clinic is an integral part of learning to kayak. Practicing kayaking techniques such as rolling makes paddling a joy by lessening the fear and hassle of swimming in whitewater.

Roll Coaching – Improve your roll – Group: B
Location: flatwater site
Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, clinic ends at 12:00 PM
If you’re just about there, this is a great course to help you learn some tricks that might just get your roll the rest of the way. If you are their we’ll help clean up any weakness with your roll so it’ll be ready for the river. If you have a solid roll on only one side we’ll help you practice on the other side or challenge you to learn handrolls or back deck rolls so you can be ready for any situation in the river.

Improve Your Foundation Skills – Body mechanics and active blade use – Group: A-B
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.

Lunch
Duration: 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Location: Zoar Gap Picnic Area
Lunch can be paid for in advance, no onsite payments available.  We’ll provide a catered picnic-style lunch. Typical lunches include rolls/wraps, sliced turkey, ham or other meats, sliced cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, chips, salsa, hummus, pasta or other salad, cookies or other desserts and water.

Dryway Clinic – Group: C
Location: Dryway class III-IV
Duration: Departs at 12:30 PM, clinic ends at 4:00 PM
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.
Advanced paddlers, do you just want to get out there and paddle with the best in the business? Here’s your opportunity to get to know pro paddlers and get feedback on your own paddling. 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. Advanced teens this is a great chance to meet your role models. 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.

Boat-based Rescue Practice – Group: B-C
Location: flatwater site
Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, clinic ends at 12:00 PM
If you’re just about there, this is a great course to help you learn some tricks that might just get your roll the rest of the way. If you are there we’ll help clean up any weakness with your roll so it’ll be ready for the river. If you have a solid roll on only one side we’ll help you practice on the other side or challenge you to learn handrolls or back deck rolls so you can be ready for any situation in the river.

Learn The Skills To Reach Class III (option to run the gap) – Group: B
Location: Class II-III water
Duration: Departs at 1:00 PM, clinic ends at 4:00 PM
Learn some of the skills to take your kayaking to an intermediate level during this Class III clinic on the Deerfield River. Find out how to break Class III whitewater down into smaller, less intimidating sections and practice planning and executing moves more consistently as you paddle the 2.5 miles upstream of Zoar Gap. Students will practices various draw strokes and work on better timing of strokes and edging to improve paddling skills during this short river run. When we reach the Gap, those with more experience may have a chance at this class III test piece.

Rolling in Rapids – Group: B
Location: Class II water
Duration: Departs at 1:00 PM, clinic ends at 4:00 PM
So you are looking to improve your roll in rapids? Join us as we lead a tour down the Deerfield River, ending above Zoar Gap, to work on your rolling skills when they count. As we paddle down river we will make stops and run exercises for both beginner and intermediate rollers. Challenging you, while keeping you under our watch, will allow you to push your limits.  Participants should have a somewhat consistent flat-water roll.

Building River Running Skills – Group: A
Location: Class I-II water
Duration: Departs at 1:00 PM, clinic ends at 4:00 PM
Join us on a class I – II river run to improve your river awareness and boat control. We’ll be paddling approximately five miles from the Zoar Gap picnic area down to Zoar Outdoor along rt 2. Great for paddling families and kids! We will cover basic maneuvers such as eddy turns and peel-outs. You will gain comfort in crossing gentle currents while learning about river features such as eddies, eddy lines and downstream V’s. All paddlers need to have basic comfort with wet-exits and have a basic set of strokes to turn and edge the boat.

BBQ Hamburger and Hotdog Dinner – 5:00 PM
Evening Hamburger and Hot Dog BBQ Includes:
Burgers and Dogs, salads, rolls, water, chips, salsa, and dessert

Clinic Descriptions

Morning Yoga And Stretching
Group: Open Location: Zoar Gap Picnic Area
Duration: Starts at 8:30 AM, ends at 8:55 AM
Get loosened up and ready to paddle. A nice way to begin the day with some calm relaxing morning activity.

Freestyle Kayaking @ Hurricane Hole – Group B-C
Location: flatwater site- Class II
Duration: Departs at 8:45 AM from Zoar Gap Picnic area, clinic ends at 11:15 PM and then departs to Zoar Gap Picnic area
We will be leaving from the Zoar Gap Picnic area early and catching the start of the release at the first rapid of Fifebrook “”Hangover Helper – Hurricane Hole””. Our goal is to have a short flatwater warm-up session and then play on the waves as they form with the start of the release. Start freestyle paddling by learning the proper timing and core components needed to execute the hottest new paddling maneuvers. We will be focusing on pivot turns, bow and stern initiations, rotation and timing, and will demonstrate how these basics link into more advanced maneuvers. If you have been at freestyle for a while use this time block to freshen up your skills and warm up for the day.

Focus On Ferries – Group B
Location: flatwater site – Class I
Duration: Departs at 8:45 AM from Zoar Gap Picnic area, clinic ends at 11:15 PM and then departs to Zoar Gap Picnic area
We will be leaving from the Zoar Gap Picnic area early and catching the start of the release at the second rapid of Fifebrook “”Fishermans Bend””. Our goal is to have a short flatwater warm-up session and then play on the downstream V’s as they form at Fisherman’s Bend. We’ll be working on ferries and this involves speed and momentum control, angle management, stroke timing, weight shifts and so much more. Mastery of this basic river maneuver will set you up for future paddling success.

Sweeps & Forward Strokes – Group A
Location: flatwater site – some current
Duration: Departs at 9:45AM, clinic ends at 11:15 AM
Develop the first two strokes paddlers often learn to your best form possible. Paddlers spend years refining their form on these two strokes because they are the most used strokes in all of kayaking. Performing these strokes well will absolutely make you a better paddler. We are here to shave the struggle of learning these strokes over time with our thoughtful use of biomechanics and paddle dexterity. You’ll be paddling more efficiently and look better on the water!

Stand Up Paddling – Group A-C
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!

Z-Drag Club Boater Challenge – Group B-C
Location: dryland/possible wading or swimming
Duration: Departs at 9:45AM, clinic ends at 11:15 AM
We’re hoping to get some folks that know how to set-up a basic Z-drag and some folks that don’t know how into this clinic. For paddlers that may be unfamiliar, a z-drag is a basic pulley system used to create mechanical advantage which in paddling may be helpful when a boat gets really stuck. We emphase using equipment which is commonly found with paddlers, a basic un-pin kit. The plan is to have a competition around setting up Z-drags and to also review important safety information regarding their use. We’ll also cover safety aspects like applying dampners and change of directions to your Z-drags and why these steps are critical to protecting the pullers. Lets have some fun learning and/or reviewing mechanical advantage!

Lunch
Duration: 11:30 – 12:30 PM
Location: Zoar Gap Picnic Area
Lunch can be paid for in advance, no onsite payments available.  We’ll provide a catered picnic-style lunch. Typical lunches include rolls/wraps, sliced turkey, ham or other meats, sliced cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, chips, salsa, hummus, pasta or other salad, cookies or other desserts and water.

Zoar Gap With A Plan – Group B
Location: Zoar Gap Rapid – Class III
Duration: Departs at 12:15 PM, Clinic ends at 3:15 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.

The Draw Stroke – Uses and perfection – Group B
Location: 2.5 mile section above Zoar Gap Picnic area – Class I-II
Duration: Departs at 12:15 PM, Clinic ends at 3:15 PM
This section of the Fifebrook river has endless opportunities for practicing the use of the draw stroke while maneuvering downstream. Their are great eddies for wide or narrow turns which allow paddlers to change their technique based on the maneuver at hand. We’ll review the whole family of draw strokes! We’ll 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.

Polishing Basic River Maneuvers – Group A
Location: Below Zoar Gap – Class I (not a river run)
Duration: Departs at 12:15 PM, Clinic ends at 3:15 PM
A great opportunity for relatively new paddlers to try out the new boats and get some guidance of basic river maneuvers. We are going to be working on skills directly below the DemoFest site so it’s a great time to try out a boat! Further we’ll be covering the three river maneuvers every paddler needs to get started in the sport of whitewater- Peelouts, Eddyturns, and Ferries. We’ll link foundation paddling skills like the forward stroke, sweep strokes and edging into these maneuvers. As paddlers progress we’ll work on balance on edge while still be able to take quality paddling strokes.

Ten Tips From Tip Top Instructors – Group B
Location: 2.5 mile section above Zoar Gap Picnic area – Class I-II (III, option to run Zoar Gap)
Duration: Departs at 12:15 PM, Clinic ends at 3:15 PM
A fun clinic name for a fun loving group of instructors and hopefully paddlers too. What are the tips? We won’t know until we meet you. This clinic is going to make it’s way downstream from the x-tree area along the Fifebrook section of the Deerfield River. This is a great playful section of river with small waves, holes and rocks to practice the skills you want to work on. We’ll be giving each paddler individual feedback on some takeaways to help you paddle even better into the future.

Clinic Descriptions

Novice Clinic –  Brand New Paddlers
1 Day Clinic |  $149 $99 | Ages 14+ | includes lunch
Book online now!

Location: Meets at Zoar Outdoor- Base along Route 2
Duration: 1-day Starts at 9:30AM Clinic ends at 4:00 PM
For those that would like to be a part of DemoFest but have yet to get into whitewater paddling. Maybe you heard about DemoFest through a friend that paddles or have just always been curious to give the sport a try? This is a short teaser to get you started. The clinic begins at our main base where folks will become familiar with our location and learn about the equipment needed for paddling. We’ll begin outfitting folks into some basic paddling gear like wetsuits, water shoes and splash jackets depending on the days weather. Then we’ll join the DemoFest site for boats, paddles, PFDs and helmets. All geared up the course will begin in flatwater where basic paddling skills will be presented. We’ll learn to capsize and self rescue the boats, basic strokes like sweeps and forward paddling and how to paddle the boats on edge for turning with stability. We’ll be back at the DemoFest site for lunch and then off again in the afternoon for our first introduction to paddling in current and rapids! This sport is a blast and we are always happy to help folks learn the right way.

Learn The Lines On The Dryway – Group C
Location: Dryway – Class III-IV
Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, Clinic ends at 1:00 PM
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.
Advanced paddlers, do you just want to get out there and paddle with the best in the business? Here’s your opportunity to get to know pro paddlers and get feedback on your own paddling. 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. Advanced teens this is a great chance to meet your role models. 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.

Paddling With Finesse – Group B
Location: Flatwater site, some current
Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, Clinic ends at 12:00 PM
You’ve been paddling before and you know what smooth paddling looks like, but maybe you feel like you’re pulling a bit too hard or you’re not as smooth as you would like to be. This clinic focuses on quality biomechanics and paddling strokes. Strokework is an important aspect of smooth paddling. We’ll be planting deep strokes and working on the application of adding force to our planted blades. We’ll work on stroke placement and timing too. After this clinic you’ll feel a wholesome connection to your boat, your body and using your paddle blades.

The Draw Stroke – Uses and perfection – Group B
Location: Flatwater site, some current
Duration: Departs at 9:45 AM, Clinic ends at 12:00 PM
We’ll review the whole family of draw strokes! We’ll start with basic draws to abeam sideways, which are great for positioning 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.

Canoeing For Whitewater Kayakers – Group A-C
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!

Lunch
Duration: 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Location: Zoar Gap Picnic Area
Lunch can be paid for in advance, no onsite payments available.  We’ll provide a catered picnic-style lunch. Typical lunches include rolls/wraps, sliced turkey, ham or other meats, sliced cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, chips, salsa, hummus, pasta or other salad, cookies or other desserts and water.

Boatercross @ Dragon’s Tooth
No sign-up necessary, but participants will need to have an event wristband and have completed a Zoar Outdoor participation agreement waiver.  Meet in the river left eddy at the top of Dragon’s Tooth rapid on the Dryway section of the Deerfield River.  We will run heats of paddlers in mass start format through the class IV Dragon’s Tooth rapid.  Top paddlers from each heat will compete in final heats.

Racers are responsible for their own safety while paddling downriver.  At the event site we will have Zoar Outdoor staff on hand to assist racers as needed, but paddlers should be comfortable with self rescue skills in a class IV environment and able to confidently paddle in class IV rapids under heavy exertion among other racers.

Pre-heat rules and safety information will be announced to each racer before the heat.  In general -paddlers must keep both hands on their own paddle, intentional flipping is not allowed, incidental contact may occur, boat to boat contact is allowed and paddlers are advised to wear adequate personal protective equipment at their own discretion.

The DemoFest mini-clinics are designed for experienced paddlers looking to paddle the hottest new whitewater kayaks. 

• Great for experienced kayakers and open to those who have mastered the wet-exit, can self rescue in current and who are comfortable in at least class one whitewater with a sprayskirt and a whitewater style kayak.
• Advanced paddlers who want an energizing and thrilling experience in Class IV water can also demo boats on the Dryway section.

If you’ve never paddled before or have never been in a true whitewater kayak you can sign up for our 2-day novice kayak courses to try out the sport.  Novice courses typically start on Wednesday’s and Saturday’s throughout the summer.

We will also have a 1-day Novice Kayak experience clinic on Sunday.  The Novice clinic will run separately, starting at our base at Zoar Outdoor.  Invite your friends to learn to paddle!

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!

While some of the flatwater areas we use are quite warm in June, 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, T-shirts, or coin-operated showers

Zoar Outdoor will provide:

• wetsuit – Zoar Outdoor base only
• paddle jacket – Zoar Outdoor base only
• booties – Zoar Outdoor base only
• Boat -DemoFest site – Try out a bunch of them!
• life jacket -DemoFest site
• helmet -DemoFest site
• paddle -DemoFest site
• sprayskirt -DemoFest site

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. Typical lunches include homemade rolls, sliced turkey, ham or other meats, sliced cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, chips, salsa, hummus, pasta or other salad, cookies or other dessert and hot and cold drinks.

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 800 532-7483 or [email protected] if you intend to do this.