We teach our classes in multiple locations, when selecting an available date please pay close attention to the class location.
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Class Option #1:
Start Location: CRNRA Settles Bridge
Take Out Location: McGinns Ferry Boat Ramp
Scheduled Dates: Most Saturdays in March thru September - Check Calendar
Class Option #2
Start Location: CRNRA boat ramp @ Johnson Ferry Road and Columns Drive
Take Out Location: Paces Mill Boat Ramp
Scheduled Dates: Most Sundays in March thru September - Check Calendar
Discover the basics of river kayaking with Kayak Trips and Training’s Essentials of River Kayaking class. This beginner-friendly course is designed to improve your confidence and help you learn new kayaking skills. Our ACA-approved curriculum ensures you will learn the fundamentals of river kayaking in a safe and fun environment. Start your journey today!
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If you have never paddled before, this class is for you.
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If you have been paddling a while but want to improve, this class is for you.
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If you think you are ready for some white water action, this class if for you.
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The class we teach is the "Essentials of River Kayak" as approved by the American Canoe Association (ACA). Classes will be taught by an experienced ACA certified instructor.
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We always have at least two instructor so we can help each of you with what you need.
We need a minimum of 5 students or the class will be rescheduled.
You will have to ride in a shuttle vehicle with others. If this is a concern you can arrange for someone to drop you off then pick you up. I will be glad to discuss this with you.
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We watch the weather and the Dam release schedules very closely. Sometimes we do have to reschedule. The decision is usually made the night before the class around 6 pm. It is imperative that you check your email late the night before or first thing in the morning of the class for any last minute changes.
DEPENDING ON DAM RELEASE SCHEDULES WE MAY OCCASSIONALY MOVE THE JOHNSON FERRY CLASS TO THE CRNRA SETTLES BRIDGE LOCATION IN SUWANEE. THE DECISION WILL BE MADE AROUND 6PM THE DAY BEFORE THE CLASS.
We provide a boat, life jacket (PFD) and paddle unless you indicate that you have your own boat. (This is not a 'roll' class) The cost of the course is $145.00. There is a $45 discount if you bring your own boat.
Class ending time varies, however, we typically are done between 4:00-5:00 pm.
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BRING: lunch (no coolers except small soft shell ones), plenty of water, a snack/protein bar, and sunscreen.
What to WEAR: water shoes (no flip flops), quick-dry clothing (not cotton or denim), hat (optional).
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What do we do: equipment and safety overview, stoke/paddling technique/boat control practice, learn to 'read the river' and use its currents to your advantage, get WET...most importantly, we have FUN!
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More details will provided in an email once you have registered. There are also additional details below the booking calendar on this page.
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Select desired date from calendar below to sign up.
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Additional Information
Course Description: THIS IS AN ALL DAY CLASS. WE NORMALLY GET BACK TO THE CARS BETWEEN 4:00 AND 5:00. We spend a day on the Hooch teaching basic kayaking skills. When the class begins, we will discuss river safety and paddling principles. We cover basic paddle strokes and boat control before moving down the river.
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This is an introductory class in which you will learn the skills needed to become a competent recreational paddler on lakes and easy rivers. This is for brand new paddlers or paddlers with a little experience that want to take their skills to the next level. After mastering these skills, transitioning to white water paddling becomes much easier if you decide to follow that route.
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We stop for lunch by the river so eat a good breakfast and maybe bring a granola bar to keep you going.
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After lunch it is back to the water where we continue to practice our skills. You will be learning boat control in class I and I+ rapids.
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At the end of the course, you should feel comfortable paddling rivers with Class I rapids. Expect to spend approximately 1.5 hours in a riverside class, then approximately 4-5 hours on the river.
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Dress to get wet. Cotton and denim are the two worst things you can wear. If you have a light weight rain jacket, it is always a good idea to have it with you. Good water shoes are recommended. FLIP FLOPS ARE NOT ALLOWED! Shoes without laces are best. Sunglasses should be on a safety cord. Assume that everything you bring to the river will get wet. ZIPLOC bags are not water proof. Your instructor will have water proof bags for any items that might get damaged by water. Be sure to bring water and a lunch.
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We do not teach the kayak roll in this class.