Looking for advice on lessons

[Sam_L]

Hey Everyone,

Sorry if this is a repeat post, but after searching the internet and a few forums I thought it might be easier to just start a new post.

I am interested in taking white water kayaking lessons in the future (I realize it won't be until spring), and was thinking about asking for lessons for x-mas to help out with the cost, and also save money for gear. While I will most likely kayak locally (James and maybe the Potomac) after I get started, I am willing to take lesson anywhere within a reasonable distance from Williamsburg, VA (aka a half day drive or less). I have looked at a few places in WV (Class VI and NARR seem to be the better ones), NC/TN (NOC and Endless River seem to be the self-proclaimed best) and then more locally at Chesterfield County, which has got a lot of good local reviews.

I am looking for a 2-3 day camp (maybe more) that has a good atmosphere, does a good job teaching rolling, river reading, a little safety, and actually runs class 2-3 rapids by the end of lessons. Ohh by the way I have been rafting a half dozen times and have spent a good amount of time kayaking and paddling in flat water, but wanted to get a good broad intro before jumping into rapids.

So I am interested in hearing your opinions, previous experiences, recommendations and any other information that you think I should know.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Sam

[M Driscoll]

Hi Sam, I am pretty new to whitewater kayaking as well. I took the Chesterfield County intro to whitewater class this summer and had a lot of fun. One day is spent on flat water going over paddling technique, T-rescues and proper wet exits. The next day is a river trip paddling down the Upper James. As you may already know, Chesterfield also has rolling clinics as well. I just attended their most recent clinic and that was a good time too. There are swift water rescue classes held on the Upper James also. I am going to be looking to get in on one of these when they become available again.. maybe early spring? Combining these classes seems to be the cheapest route to go. I will say that you want to sign up early, because the classes fill up pretty fast.

I was also looking into some of the camp style paddling schools in NC/TN/WV areas. This route is pricey, but they seem to be good "boot camp" style courses which cover a broad range of subjects in one visit. From what I have found through trolling the web, it seems that both the NOC and ACE paddling schools would be a good choice. I liked the look of the ACE school in WV partially because they have a lake that has a lot of fun stuff for the non-kayaking part of the family to enjoy while you are off at class. This could be semi-easily be disguised as a family camping vacation.. Best of luck.

-Mike

[Robbie McGinnis]

Sam:
My son and I took lessons from Virginia Outdoor Center in Fredricksburg. We live in West Point and it only took us a little over an hour to get there. They are reasonbly priced and ore very friendly there as well. Give me a call to paddle as well since we are so near each other. I have a couple of friends that I work with that paddle also.
Robbie

[Dave K]

U.Va. Outdoor Recreation also offers Beginning Kayak, Roll, Advanced Beginner Kayak, and Swift Water Rescue classes.

If interested, contact Mark Voorhees at (434) nine two four 62O2 (and tell him I need a raise ).

[paddlemor]

I learned how to roll from the Virginia Outdoor Center and the class was great. Their website is www.playva.com

[Sam_L]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the advice! Its nice to hear that there are a lot of good programs around. Right now, it looks like VOC would work out great since I have in-laws in that area, good excuse to drive up there with the wife to see them for the weekend. Dave, if I end up going towards U Va. I see what I can do about that raise. Robbie, I will definitely look you up when it gets warmer this spring.

Thanks again for the help!

Sam