Group Instruction
Individualized Coaching for Your Instruction Time
Our instruction program is founded on individualized coaching – but that does not mean you are limited to one-on-one instruction.
We appreciate that sometimes it is nice to learn in a group.
Your group can consist of 1:1 to up to 12 participants. If you have a group who shares common goals on the river, we can work with you to have even more fun. The rivers we use include the Tuckasegee, the Nantahala, the Chattooga and the Ocoee River. We also offer kayak instruction and summer camps for kids and teens!
Whether an individual paddler or a group looking for instruction, we are here to help you improve your paddling skills.
Following are topics can help you make the most out of your time with us:
INSTRUCTION TOPICS – FOR INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS
KAYAK RIVER ROLLING CHALLENGE
Coaching for those whose checklist goes something like this: Pool roll? CHECK! 100% River Roll… not there. Or you are asking any of the following questions: Why is the roll working so well in flat water, but not on the river? What happened to my bomb-proof roll? Where did my roll go? This is the time to work through and gain (or regain) your combat roll. Having a flat water roll and/or a previous whitewater roll is needed to get the most out of this session. And a great attitude for being upside down and enjoying it!
NANTAHALA FALLS KAYAK CHALLENGE
Needing some encouragement at the Falls? Looking to start running new lines through the Falls? We will start the day off with a talk about what makes Nantahala Falls more challenging, then head out for a day of tweaking technique and working the Falls. We do suggest that you are comfortable running the Nantahala and you have a roll that you at least feel confident trying – even if it does not always succeed at the Falls.
KAYAK THE OCOEE CHALLENGE
Ferrying at Entrance intimidating? Catching eddies through Broken Nose enough to make you sneak? Running Double Suck? Ferrying below Double Trouble? Or…playing at Hell Hole? Let’s do it! This coaching session will not only help your group stop going mental over something in particular, but help you improve over-all river skills that will inherently make each of you a more confident boater. The Ocoee runs weekends from mid-March through Memorial Day, Thursday – Monday from. Memorial Day to Labor Day Weekend, and then weekends again through the end of October. Check the Ocoee Calendar for dates.
OCOEE SECRET WEEK
Finish out the Ocoee season with our week long option. You can arrange for one, two…up to ten days of Ocoee fun! Focus will be on really learning the river, exploring alternative lines, boofing and a special focus on slicey boat work on the best playboating river in the southeast.
SLALOM WORKSHOP
Inspired by the skill of slalom boaters, we are committed to using slalom gates to improve paddling skills. A slalom boat is not needed – and in fact, we prefer you work in your go-to boat. We will start out with a review of slalom and how it applies to river running, stroke technique and then specific training at the slalom gates on the Nantahala River.
KAYAK – BASED RIVER RESCUE
The emphasis in this kayak-based river rescue is on boat-based rescue skills – everything from rope throwing to snags and tags to hand-of-gods will be taught over this one-day workshop. Following a format of simple to complex skills, the group will spend the day practicing the river rescue essentials that every boater should know. This training session does not replace Swift Water Rescue training, but instead focuses on boat-based rescue.
KIDS WORKSHOPS
We have workshops for children and teens! Check out the workshops on our kids page to find out more.
Besides professionally trained kayak instructors, we provide:
ALL GEAR and EQUIPMENT you will need for the day. In addition to the five essentials needed to kayak (boat, sprayskirt, PFD, paddle & helmet) we also offer wetsuits and paddle jackets to assure your comfort on the water. The only items you will need are a pair of nose clips and shoes (sandals, water socks, etc.), as well as water and lunch to keep your energy going for the day.
TRANSPORTATION of you, your instructor and all your equipment is included in the price of instruction. With private instruction, we offer a mileage discount to those who come equipped with a shuttle – ready vehicle. With private instruction, we can also meet you at a specific river if it saves travel time (this does not apply to beginning instruction).
Check our Plan Your Trip page for a link to waivers, directions to the river, and a trip prep checklist.
Questions?
Call us at 828-488-6199
We offer kayak instruction year round, seven days a week. Full day and half-day options are available. Call us at 828-488-6199 to reserve your trip specifics today. Please call with any questions you may have regarding instruction, as well as to reserve the dates that are best for you.
Special Group rates and custom day itineraries are available. If you are the planner for special group, please call us for assistance with the logistics of your trip planning.
Payment Policy: We ask that all reservations be paid in advance. Full payment is due 14 days before the trip. Payment may be made by check or credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
Cancellations: Our instruction courses go rain or shine! Cancellations more than 14 days in advance receive a 100% refund. Any reservation cancelled less than 14 days before the trip is ineligible for a refund.
