Learn from the pros! One- to
five-day
kayak and
canoe clinics.
DemoFest 2009 Clinic Offerings
Also Check Out:
The schedule of mini clinics is below. For descriptions click on the title of any clinic. Mini clinics are booked on a first come-first served basis. Space is limited. All mini clinics are subject to change. Please check in at morning registration.
Introduction to whitewater kayaking in whitewater kayaks
Prerequisite – none
Learn how to choose whitewater specific equipment. Examine the design elements that make a good introductory whitewater kayak and how to do basic cockpit outfitting. Start with basic self rescue skills including the wet-exit and swimming with equipment. Then begin to get a feel for some golden keys to how whitewater boats maneuver.
The balanced paddler and edge control
Prerequisite – class II experience
Are you jittery or unstable in your boat? Learn to use the three key attributes of a well-balanced paddler: good posture, body mechanics and edge control. This clinic will also address proper boat fit which is critical for fine edge control.
Stroke timing and efficiency - Fun Slalom
Prerequisite – class II experience
Do you feel like you’re fighting to get anywhere on the river? Better stroke timing will give you that extra finesse you need to improve all your river maneuvers as well as make your paddling look great! A fun slalom course will be set without gates, so that you may put your timing to the test. We ill be racing for style and time with a high fun factor.
Freestyling Journey
Prerequisite – class II experience
Start your freestyling paddling journey with some fun and basic maneuvers that go beyond just eddy turns, peelouts, and ferries. Focus on front surfing, side surfing, and spinning off rocks.
“Paddle like a girl with grace and finesse” - women’s clinic on Zoar Gap and the Dryway
Women, come join forces to paddle and discuss boat designs that fit particularly well, techniques that highlight our unique abilities and the state of the art of women’s paddling. Rock on, Girlfriend!
Open paddling with Team Z and other pro paddlers on the Dryway and Zoar Gap
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.
Open Canoeing with finesse
Get some paddling tips from the pros and try out the latest designs from Esquif Canoe.
Kid’s clinic – beginner
Prerequisite – min age of 10
This flatwater program will give kids 10 – 14 a chance to get in a whitewater boat and learn the basics of paddling and have fun too. This is a great opportunity to figure out which boats fit your favorite paddling kid.
Improve your Roll and Combat Rolling
If you have a roll that needs fine tuning, our skilled instructors can help troubleshoot the problem whether your paddling on flat water or moving water.
Parent/child river run
Prerequisite – both parents & kids should have class I – II experience
Meet other families that love to paddle together. We will paddle a short class I-II together. This is not a lesson but a time to network with other paddling families.
Introduction to kayaking in sit-on-top kayaks
Pre-requisite - none
Learn how to choose whitewater appropriate gear. Focus your attention on the initial strokes needed for graceful boat control. This is a great way to quick start your paddling adventures.
River Management 1 with Bryan Hartman of Werner Paddles
Pre-requisite -class II experience
Bryan, as an advanced creek boater, will help you work on river runnning strategies and how to get the most out of your paddling. This course will focus on how to find the best route, what happens if you need to switch to "plan B" and group communication.
River Management 2 with Bryan Hartman of Werner Paddles
Prerequisite - class II experience
This clinic is an extension of the River Management 1 clinic and will build on skills to work the Gap.
Fun Family of Draws
Prerequisite - Class II experience
The punk rock kid doesn't get his old grandpa, and his sister thinks their uncle is uncool, but when you put them all together they don't seem all the different anymore. Just like the family of draw stokes. Draw strokes are used in a variety of different situations. They all help to provide more defined boat control. Although they all seem very different there are many similarities to this dysfunctional family.
Entering the Vertical World
Prerequisite - Class II Experience and a roll
Balst off into the vertical dimension with enders and stern squirts. This is a great time to hop into a small sleek rodeo kayak design and explore new dimensions. Examine river features in a new way to gain maximum verticality in your kayak.
Freestyle and Beyond
Prerequisite-ClassIII experience and a roll
This is for paddlers that are working towards the utmost degree of boat control and have begun to explore the vertical world. We'll look at using buoyancy energy to control verticality in bow and stern stalls, cartwheels and splitwheels. The techniques used to reach these maneuvers will be covered too.
First Timers on the Dryway
Prerequisite - Class III experience and a roll
Come join some of our paddling elite for a comfortable trip down the Dryway. This is a great mini course for anyone qualified and unfamiliar with this Upper Deerfield River gem. Time will be made for explanations of rapids and scouting if necessary.
Freestyling the Dryway
Prerequisite - Class III - IV experience
Join top Team Z and other pro team paddlers on a freestylin' run of the Dryway. This is for paddlers who are proficient in the fundamentals of playboating and want to take it to the next level. Try out the latest in freestyle technology and teaching mythology.
If you would like to demo a new kayak or canoe and get some free instruction from some of the best paddlers in the country, mark your calendar for Demofest - June 19-21, 2009.