Overview
This is for you if: You want a full introduction to creek boating but want to learn on a regular river before committing to an actual creek.
The Southeast is known for some of the finest and most abundant creeks in the country. If you're interested in expanding to these tighter and more technical rivers but would like to learn and apply creeking techniques on a regular river first before committing to an actual creek, our Fundamentals of Creeking class is the solution. This class is by design held on a class 3 river such as the Nolichucky Gorge but we approach it like we're running a creek, focusing on fine boat control, tight lines, catching micro eddies, using river features and, of course, launching the occasional boof! NOTE: Until further notice, primary venue is French Broad 9.
This class is also a great option for any paddler looking to step up their game and fine tune their boat control to a razor's edge.
For experienced whitewater kayakers with class 3 or greater skills and a reliable roll. All instructors carry professional certification through the ACA.
Highlights
Highlights:
- Professional, fun kayak instruction by certified instructors
- Full introduction to creeking
- Application of fundamentals, strokes and river moves in a creek-focused setting
- Paddle trip on one of the region's beautiful class 3 rivers, including the Nolichucky and French Broad Section 9
Location
Nolichucky River or French Broad Section 9
What to Expect
- Creeking overview
- Accident prevention and safety
- Group management and communication
- Scouting and route selection
- Body mechanics and stroke technique
- Creek running techniques and considerations
- Catching and exiting eddies with precision and intent
- Managing drops
- Managing holes
- The joy of boofing
Prerequisites
- Class 3 or greater whitewater kayak skills
- A combat roll - you will be asked to demonstrate your roll at the put-in and in current
- Very good overall health and fitness
- Be able to wet exit and swim to shore in current in the event of a capsize
- Participants must be willing to wear a PFD (personal flotation device) and helmet while on the water
Includes
- Instruction/guiding
- Shuttle transportation
What to Bring
Whitewater kayak, paddle, PFD, helmet, sprayskirt, drinking water, closed-toe water shoes (open-toed footwear, sandals not permitted), throw rope, suitable clothing for wear on the water (wicking, non-cotton base layers, paddle tops or drysuits as appropriate), breakdown paddle (recommended, stored in boat), lunch in drybag, towel, sunscreen.
Meeting Location
Specific river and meeting directions will be communicated to students prior to class.
Additional Information
Food and lodging are the responsibility of participants. Riverside lodging and camping is available onsite at our NOLI outpost and can be reserved directly with USA Raft. If class is held on FB9, there are lodging options in Hot Springs as well.
Testimonials
"Thank you for a great teaching paddle. As did each of us in the class, I learned a great deal about my paddling strokes and how to improve my skills. What a workout! ... just what I was looking for to get me motivated and build my confidence to start the summer. I hope to take many more classes with you in the future and encourage others to do so, as well."
~ Steve W.