Steep Creek Kayak 1 Day Clinic
This one-day clinic, for advanced kayak paddlers only, teaches the specific techniques of creeking, including boofing, catching micro-eddies, and more.
DURATION
AGE
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Overview
Come join us on April 15th on the Wells River in Wells River, Vermont for the 2023 Intro to Steep Creeking clinic! Experienced instructors will focus on applying basic and advanced kayaking skills to the creeking environment. Instructors will also go over the appropriate risk mitigation strategies and considerations for kayaking in varied environments.
The Wells River is a Vermont classic, and it is an excellent resource for intermediate to advanced kayakers. The 1.1 mile long section consists of five primary drops that are class III or IV, one portage, and plenty of fun boogie water in between. The rapids offer everything from a high quality single drop to longer more complex routes. Paddlers will enjoy many fantastic eddylines, splat rocks, and surf waves. It is truly a one stop shop for high quality class III/IV paddling.
We will be meeting at the P&H Truck Stop in Wells River VT to gear up and talk through the plan for the day. After gearing up, we will hit the water and start tuning into our foundational skills. The short and pool drop nature of the river allows for many full laps of the river, along with hiking laps of individual rapids. During lunch, instructors will provide video review, and the group will return to the river for more steep creeking practice and instruction.
Who Should Take the Clinic
Prerequisite skills include class IV paddling ability including catching small eddies in power whitewater, ferrying and confidence. *A solid class III-IV combat roll is required.* This course is often held on narrow, shallow, high speed, low volume rivers. We recommend that you have prior experience running the Dryway or rivers of similar characteristics and class. Must be confidently capable of walking on slippery rocks with gear and a 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 (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)
- Drytop
- Wetsuit or Drysuit
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
What we provide
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
(If you own your own equipment, we suggest you use it in the clinic to get used to its quirks. It is always great practice to bring your throw rope!)