- May 6-7, 2023
- Class III-IV Rapids
- 12+
- Full Day
The Upper West River Run is a great way to go kayaking or canoeing on this quintessential Class III run in southern Vermont.
Quick Details
Bring your paddling into Class IV!
The goal of this Dryway River Run is to help Class III paddlers move to the next level of kayaking or canoeing by running the Deerfield River Dryway with a Zoar Outdoor instructor.
We start with a warm-up and skill check on flatwater and then hop on the Dryway, taking it one rapid at a time and scouting from boat or shore as we go. Our advanced skills clinics on the Dryway teach advanced intermediate kayakers and canoeists how to paddle confidently in this Class III-IV playground. We work on developing effective river-running strategies, like surfing, running slots, and other advanced moves. We also offer the option to walk around any rapid. Come improve your paddling skills with us!
More Information
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Participants in Dryway River Runs should be able to:
- effectively perform eddy turns, peel outs, ferries, and self-rescues on Class III+
- roll reliably and consistently in Class III rapids
This run is appropriate for those interested in beginning to paddle Class IV.
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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, especially the Dryway, 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
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You will spend somewhere between four to five hours in your boat. You will either kneel (canoeists) or sit (kayakers) for much of this time. In order to effectively prepare, please stretch and strengthen 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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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.