Maybe you have been rafting before and you noticed your video boater or some of the other kayakers in their colorful plastic boats, twirling and dancing in the whitewater, experiencing the river in a whole new way. If the thought of paddling your own highly maneuverable kayak intrigues you, you’ve come to the right place. Talk about resources! Between the New River which provides the most reliable whitewater in the East, and the Gauley River which provides some of the wildest, we have great paddling options. The New River is an ideal river to take kayak lessons on. The water is warm from late spring through the fall, an important fact considering you spend a good bit of time upside down at first. There are a variety of sections to run depending on your skill level. Lots of calm pools provide ideal spots for roll practice. Small eddies and riffles provide a gentle environment for learning the basics of ferrying across the current, eddying out, peeling out, and self-rescue.

Because this area is one of the country’s premier kayaking hot spots (Fayetteville local Erica Mitchell is the reigning World Champion in freestyle kayaking.), there is a large pool of talented, highly experienced instructors who have received their American Whitewater Kayak Instructors Certification. Our instructing staff is eager to share their enthusiasm and experience. Patient and empathetic, they will help you get comfortable and make sure that you progress at your own speed. One day introductory clinics are available but two or more days are encouraged for skill practice and development. The Four Day/Camp/Clinic features a raft supported, camp-on-river four day clinic. Learning to kayak can be intimidating at first, but you will be amazed at how quickly you improve. If you think rafting is fun, just wait ‘til you run your first rapid in a kayak!