Quick Details
Cancelled for 2022 due to likely Dam maintenance projects
The Upper West River Run is a great way to go kayaking or canoeing on this quintessential Class III run in southern Vermont under the guidance of an able instructor.
With just a few releases per year, this gem is worth catching every time you can. The Upper West is a fairly continuous pushy Class III with a few resting stops and lots of great surfing, high-speed eddies, and opportunities to whoop it up in your kayak or canoe.
The instructor will lead a warm-up session before setting out down the river, and will set up a river order. While the day is set up to be experiential, not instructional, students may ask for help on specific skills while paddling the river.
Participants in Upper West River Runs should be strong intermediate kayakers or canoeists with solid river maneuvering, rolling, and self-rescue skills on Class III whitewater. This run is for those who want a chance to gain experience or paddle a new river under the expert leadership of qualified instructors.
You spend somewhere between four to five hours in your boat. You kneel (canoeists) or sit (kayakers) for much of this time. To prepare, 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.
The West River releases in the spring and fall so paddlers should expect a cool run, regardless of the air temperature. When packing your paddling clothes, please plan accordingly. Our clinics run rain or shine.
Wear items such as:
Other items to bring:
If you own your own equipment, we suggest you use it in the clinic to get used to its quirks.
We also 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.”