The class we teach is the "Essentials of River Kayak" as approved by the American Canoe Association (ACA). Classes will be taught by an experienced ACA certified instructor.

This is an introductory class in which you will learn the basic skills needed to become a competent recreational paddler on lakes and easy rivers. This is for brand new paddlers or paddlers with a little experience that want to take their skills to the next level. After mastering these skills, transitioning to white water paddling becomes much easier.

Course Description:

We spend a day on the Hooch teaching basic kayaking skills. The classes begin at Buford Dam where we will discuss river safety and paddling principles. This part of the river is slow moving and essentially flat, however, there are rocks and small rapids in much of this area. We will cover basic paddle strokes before stopping for lunch somewhere down stream. You will be learning boat control in class I rapids, with one small class II thrown in for a little thrill.

After lunch we will continue downriver where we will continue to practice our skills. Our take out point will be Settles Bridge.

Expect to spend approximately 1 hour in a riverside class, then approximately 6 hours on the river.

The cost of the course is $125 per person. $100 each for two or more people signing up together as paddling buddies. This can be family members or friends.

The maximum number of students per instructor is five. A low student to teacher ratio assures you will receive a lot of personal instruction.

We will furnish the boat, the paddle and the PFD (personal flotation device/life jacket) or you can use your own boat.

You will need to bring a lunch, plenty of drinks and of course sun screen. (ice chests do not fit in the boats)

Dress to get wet. Cotton and denim are the two worst things you can wear.

Good water shoes are required. No open toed sandals please. Shoes without laces are best. Sunglasses should be on a safety cord. Assume that everything you bring to the river will get wet. ZIP lock bags are not water proof. You instructor will have water proof bags for any items that might get damaged by water.

We do not teach the kayak roll in this class.

We meet at Up the River Outfitters at 8:30. Prompt. Cars will be left at the outfitters while boats and students are shuttled to and from the river.

When you sign up, it is essential that you give us a good contact phone number. That can be emailed to John if you do not want it to be public knowledge on the meetup site.

If you have any questions please call or email John Miller at [masked] or [masked].