Flatwater Rolling Skills 1/2 Day Clinic
DURATION
AGE
LEVEL
INCLUSIONS
Overview
We often warm up with a review of some paddling skills in flat water, concentrating on ensuring proper fit in the boat, maximum use of the hips, and minimum reliance on the paddle. Most people will learn either the modified sweep roll and/or the c-to-c (and any other variations students want to try). Depending on your level, we may move to the river for work on rolling in real river situations.
Don’t let an inability to roll hold you back! Rolling is one of the essential kayaking techniques that can make paddling a joy by lessening the fear and hassle of swimming in whitewater. Our instructors are American Canoe Association (ACA) certified and have many years of experience teaching rolling to a variety of students. Their kayaking tips can help you move from practicing hip snaps to learning the paddle motions to rolling in a logical progression.
Our low student-to-instructor ratio assures that you will receive the personalized attention our instruction program is known for. Our flexible instruction method is accommodating to people with different body types and makes learning fast and enjoyable.
Who Should Take the Clinic
Wet-exits with a sprayskirt from a whitewater kayak and basic understanding and execution of the river running maneuvers (eddy turn, peel out and ferry). This should not be your first whitewater kayak lesson.
You spend somewhere between three to four hours in your boat. 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.
What Should I wear?
While some of the flatwater areas we use are quite warm in June, July, and August, 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 or T-shirts
What we 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