KAYAK GROUP INSTRUCTION –
FOR INDIVIDUALS AND CUSTOM GROUPS

This progression series is ideal for female or female-identifying paddlers looking to gain confidence doing harder moves on Class II rivers with the intention of working towards paddling more challenging water with enjoyment.

Joining this group will expand your network of paddling buddies, opening up more opportunities to paddle with ladies who share similar goals with similar skill levels!

Skills Focus:
Breaking down reading water to gain confidence identifying eddies, features to avoid, and then turning our focus on a positive approach to planning your lines. We will work on improving more fundamental maneuvers including peel outs, catching eddies and ferrying, with the goal of using these skills to play and encourage creativity on the river.  And we will start to build on paddling smarter, not harder.

Rolling: A reliable roll is the single biggest confidence booster in kayaking. We will work on the mechanics (and psychology) of rolling and will spend time analyzing and diagnosing any issues you have been having learning how to roll. We may introduce your opposite side roll to get you a heads start on rolling on both sides.

Leadership.  An introduction to being an active participant in rescue situations and in backing up your fellow boaters. We will prioritize boat-based rescue, assisted rescues, and rope throwing in a fun and dynamic environment.

Price: $395 / 2 day weekend

There are times when paddling with your go-to group inhibits being able to step up your own skills because you find yourself helping others more than working on your skills.. This is your opportunity to focus on yourself with a group of supportive paddlers, working on harder moves on the rivers you are comfortable on and then stepping out of your comfort zone and tackling Class III.   We believe that true progression to Class III comes from improving your technical skills, more confidence in your roll, being an active participant in rescue situations and developing your mental fortitude while in a supportive and encouraging  environment. Put the focus on yourself and your skills in a group of like-minded paddlers, and instructors who have your back!

This progression series is ideal for paddlers looking to step up their skills to Class III this season, gaining greater river confidence and just feeling good about having more fun with an encouraging group of fellow boaters.

Skills Focus:
River Maneuvers. Breaking down reading water to gain confidence identifying eddies, features to avoid and then turning our focus on a positive approach to reading the water. We will work on improving maneuvers including peeling out, eddy turns and ferrying.  And we will start to build on paddling smarter, not harder.

Rolling. A reliable roll is the single biggest confidence booster in kayaking. We will work on the mechanics (and psychology) of rolling. We will spend time analyzing and diagnosing any issues you have been having learning how to roll.

Leadership.  An introduction to being an active participant in rescue situations and in backing up your fellow boaters.

Price: $395/ 2 day

This progression series is ideal for female or female-identifying paddlers looking to gain confidence doing harder moves on Class II rivers they are comfortable with and stepping up and paddling more challenging water with enjoyment.

Joining this group will expand your network of paddling buddies, opening up more opportunities to paddle with ladies who share similar goals with similar skill levels!

Skills Focus:
Breaking down reading water to gain confidence identifying eddies, features to avoid, and then turning our focus on a positive approach to planning your lines. We will work on improving more fundamental maneuvers including peel outs, catching eddies and ferrying, with the goal of using these skills to play and encourage creativity on the river. And we will start to build on paddling smarter, not harder.

Rolling: A reliable roll is the single biggest confidence booster in kayaking. We will work on the mechanics (and psychology) of rolling and will spend time analyzing and diagnosing any issues you have been having learning how to roll. We may introduce your opposite side roll to get you a heads start on rolling on both sides.

Leadership. An introduction to being an active participant in rescue situations and in backing up your fellow boaters. We will prioritize boat-based rescue, assisted rescues, and rope throwing in a fun and dynamic environment.
Price: $395 / 2 day weekend

This progression series is ideal for female or female-identifying paddlers looking to gain confidence doing harder moves on Class II rivers they are comfortable with and stepping up and paddling more challenging water with enjoyment.

Joining this group will expand your network of paddling buddies, opening up more opportunities to paddle with ladies who share similar goals with similar skill levels!

Skills Focus:
Breaking down reading water to gain confidence identifying eddies, features to avoid, and then turning our focus on a positive approach to planning your lines. We will work on improving more fundamental maneuvers including peel outs, catching eddies and ferrying, with the goal of using these skills to play and encourage creativity on the river. And we will start to build on paddling smarter, not harder.

Rolling: A reliable roll is the single biggest confidence booster in kayaking. We will work on the mechanics (and psychology) of rolling and will spend time analyzing and diagnosing any issues you have been having learning how to roll. We may introduce your opposite side roll to get you a heads start on rolling on both sides.

Leadership. An introduction to being an active participant in rescue situations and in backing up your fellow boaters. We will prioritize boat-based rescue, assisted rescues, and rope throwing in a fun and dynamic environment.
Price: $395 / 2 day weekend

This progression series is ideal for paddlers – men and women, looking to gain confidence doing harder moves on rivers they are comfortable with and stepping up and paddling more challenging Class III rivers with enjoyment.

Joining this group will expand your network of paddling buddies, opening up more opportunities to paddle with a community of paddlers who share similar goals with similar skill levels!

Skills Focus:
Breaking down reading water to gain confidence identifying eddies, features to avoid, and then turning our focus on a positive approach to planning your lines. We will work on improving more fundamental maneuvers including peel outs, catching eddies and ferrying, with the goal of using these skills to play and encourage creativity on the river. And we will start to build on paddling smarter, not harder.

Rolling: A reliable roll is the single biggest confidence booster in kayaking. We will work on the mechanics (and psychology) of rolling and will spend time analyzing and diagnosing any issues you have been having learning how to roll. We may introduce your opposite side roll to get you a heads start on rolling on both sides.

Leadership. An introduction to being an active participant in rescue situations and in backing up your fellow boaters. We will prioritize boat-based rescue, assisted rescues, and rope throwing in a fun and dynamic environment.
Price: $395 / 2 day weekend

Stepping up to Class IV means getting out of your Class III comfort zone and building on skills you already have.  For women, segregating into a women’s-specific group helps drop inhibitions and encourages trying moves without the fear of failure.   Let’s do it together, by working as a group of empowered women to try harder moves on rivers you are comfortable on and then stepping it up to the next level.  We believe that true progression to Class IV comes from improving your technical skills, being an active participant in rescue situations, gaining comfort as a trip leader, and developing your mental fortitude while in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment.

This progression series is ideal for women looking to step up their skills to Class IV, taking a greater leadership role, and paddle more challenging water with greater confidence, creativity, and enjoyment.

Skills Focus:
River Maneuvers.  Maneuvers do not change when you move from Class III to Class IV, they just become more precise. Maneuvers like peeling out, driving into eddys and ferrying need to be better, which means understanding boat angle, efficient use of strokes, and using the water to your advantage become more important.  It’s all about paddling smarter, not harder.

Rolling.A reliable roll – on both sides- is the single biggest confidence booster in stepping up to Class IV.  We will spend time analyzing and diagnosing any issues you have been having that would lead to your roll not working on harder water.  If  your “on-side” roll is “bomb-proof” working on your other side will only help!   We will work on gaining confidence with your “off side” roll.

Leadership. As a paddler stepping into class IV, you are committing to a higher level of paddling and a higher level of group participation.  Time to feel confident pulling out your throw rope to spot a buddy, jumping in to offer rescues, and helping clean up yard sales on the river. As a woman, learning how to take advantage of a lower center of gravity, exploiting your patience, and overcoming challenges typically experienced more by women is all part of the ERA Women’s progression.

Price: $395/ 2 day, $750 / 4 day

Stepping up to Class IV means getting out of your Class III comfort zone and building on skills you already have.  For women, segregating into a women’s-specific group helps drop inhibitions and encourages trying moves without the fear of failure.   Let’s do it together, by working as a group of empowered women to try harder moves on rivers you are comfortable on and then stepping it up to the next level.  We believe that true progression to Class IV comes from improving your technical skills, being an active participant in rescue situations, gaining comfort as a trip leader, and developing your mental fortitude while in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment.

This progression series is ideal for women looking to step up their skills to Class IV, taking a greater leadership role, and paddle more challenging water with greater confidence, creativity, and enjoyment.

Skills Focus:
River Maneuvers.  Maneuvers do not change when you move from Class III to Class IV, they just become more precise. Maneuvers like peeling out, driving into eddys and ferrying need to be better, which means understanding boat angle, efficient use of strokes, and using the water to your advantage become more important.  It’s all about paddling smarter, not harder.

Rolling.A reliable roll – on both sides- is the single biggest confidence booster in stepping up to Class IV.  We will spend time analyzing and diagnosing any issues you have been having that would lead to your roll not working on harder water.  If  your “on-side” roll is “bomb-proof” working on your other side will only help!   We will work on gaining confidence with your “off side” roll.

Leadership. As a paddler stepping into class IV, you are committing to a higher level of paddling and a higher level of group participation.  Time to feel confident pulling out your throw rope to spot a buddy, jumping in to offer rescues, and helping clean up yard sales on the river. As a woman, learning how to take advantage of a lower center of gravity, exploiting your patience, and overcoming challenges typically experienced more by women is all part of the ERA Women’s progression.

Price: $395/ 2 day, $750 / 4 day

Is there another river out there that offers so many skill-building opportunities than the Ocoee?  If you have been paddling the Ocoee, but staying within your comfort zone – it is time to get in a half-slice or full-slice and join us exploring all the amazing play spots it has to offer.  Focus will be on stern squirting, hole work, and just being comfortable on the Ocoee in a more playful boat than you are used to.  We believe that a true playboating progression comes from reinforcing your technical skills, and then applying them to playboating moves, as well as developing the mental fortitude to be comfortable being upside down and rolling up with a big smile because you are truly having fun playing. The ability to be creative and play on a run gives you more options on a river that is challenging for you – come play with us and open possibilities!

This progression series is ideal for paddlers looking to learn how to playboat on rivers like the Ocoee, gaining confidence outside your comfort zone, and using playboating skills to step up to more challenging rivers.

Price: $395/ 2 day

There are times when paddling with your go-to group means your parents/ mentors’ group of paddlers.  As awesome as they are, finding your own group has its advantages as well – even just in the music played on the way to the river.  This is your opportunity to join younger paddlers on the river, building your crew and your skills before  stepping it up with our instructors.  if you want to step up to Class III, it means stepping up  your technical skills, gaining more confidence with your roll, being an active participant in rescue situations, gaining confidence as a trip leader, and developing your mental fortitude while in a fun and supportive group.

This progression series is ideal for younger paddlers (13 – 17) looking to step up their skills to Class III this season, gaining greater river confidence and just feeling good about having more fun with an encouraging group of fellow boaters.

Skills Focus:
Skills. Breaking down reading water to gain confidence identifying eddies, features to avoid and taking a positive approach to reading the water. We will work on improving maneuvers including peeling out, eddy turns and ferrying.  And we will start to build on paddling smarter, not harder.

Rolling.A reliable roll is the single biggest confidence booster in kayaking. We will work on the mechanics (and psychology) of rolling. We will spend time analyzing and diagnosing any issues you have been having learning how to roll.

Leadership.  An introduction to being an active participant in rescue situations and in backing up your fellow boaters.

As a younger boater, you have a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role in your crew sooner than most. The hard skills, as well as soft skills, we develop in this progression will give you a leg up for your future boating.

Price: $395/ 2 day

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 and stroke technique, and then hands-on training at the slalom gates on the Nantahala River.

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!

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.