Learn the necessary skills to paddle a whitewater kayak in Class I-II Whitewater! Whether you are moving from flatwater paddling or sea kayaking or have no experience in a boat at all, this class is the place to start your whitewater kayak journey! Begin each day learning and practicing techniques on the lake with your NOC Instructor. We then take it up a notch and put your skills to work on beginner-level rapids under the guidance of your instructor. If you are looking to build a basic foundation for strong skill development, this is where you want to be.
Four-day courses not only give you more practice time on the water, but you’ll also have additional opportunities to try out the latest boat designs to determine what type fits your paddling style and body the best.
Participants must be 18 years or older.
*Additional discounts available at NOC restaurants
Included in Course:
- All necessary specialty whitewater equipment
- Lunch & In-Course Transportation
- Access to NOC’s extensive fleet of instruction boats for in-clinic use
- NOC’s highly trained, ACA certified instruction
Reviews
Really great experience. It's clear the NOC takes instruction seriously and brings in the best instructors. I’ll definitely recommend this program, to others and look forward to many returns!
Course In Action
Course Dates
Course | Dates | Location | Tuition | |
---|---|---|---|---|
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Jul 9th - 10th | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
4-Day Learn to Kayak | Jul 11th - 14th | Bryson City, NC | $850 | Book Now |
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Jul 16th - 17th | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Jul 23rd - 24th | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
4-Day Learn to Kayak | Jul 25th - 28th | Bryson City, NC | $850 | Book Now |
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Jul 30th - 31st | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Aug 6th - 7th | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
4-Day Learn to Kayak | Aug 8th - 11th | Bryson City, NC | $850 | Book Now |
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Aug 13th - 14th | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Aug 20th - 21st | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
4-Day Learn to Kayak | Aug 22nd - 25th | Bryson City, NC | $850 | Book Now |
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Sep 3rd - 4th | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
4-Day Learn to Kayak | Sep 5th - 8th | Bryson City, NC | $850 | Book Now |
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Sep 10th - 11th | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
4-Day Learn to Kayak | Sep 12th - 15th | Bryson City, NC | $850 | Book Now |
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Sep 17th - 18th | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
4-Day Learn to Kayak | Sep 19th - 22nd | Bryson City, NC | $850 | Book Now |
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Sep 24th - 25th | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Oct 1st - 2nd | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
4-Day Learn to Kayak | Oct 3rd - 6th | Bryson City, NC | $850 | Book Now |
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Oct 8th - 9th | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
4-Day Learn to Kayak | Oct 10th - 13th | Bryson City, NC | $850 | Book Now |
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Oct 15th - 16th | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
4-Day Learn to Kayak | Oct 17th - 20th | Bryson City, NC | $850 | Book Now |
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Oct 22nd - 23rd | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
4-Day Learn to Kayak | Oct 24th - 27th | Bryson City, NC | $850 | Book Now |
2-Day Learn to Kayak | Oct 29th - 30th | Bryson City, NC | $450 | Book Now |
Course Outline
Course Topics:
Develop an understanding of:
- Boat Design
- Whitewater Gear & Proper Fit
- River Feature Terminology
- River Safety
Skills you will acquire:
- Forward & Reverse Paddling
- Moving your Boat Sideways
- Balancing & Edging
- Exiting a Capsized Boat
- Rolling Techniques
Daily Itinerary:
8:30 AM: Check-in and meet instructor
9:00 AM: Gear overview and selection
10:00 AM: Fundamental paddling skills on flatwater, or building skills on moving water
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Apply skills on moving water
4:30 PM: Course ends
Packing List
NOC Provides the primary gear needed for each course including boats, paddles, PFD's, helmets, spray skirts, semi-dry tops, wetsuit bottoms, and booties. Exclusive discounts are available for course participants at the Outfitter’s Store.
Necessary items (for all courses)
- Shorts/swimwear
- Water shoes or old sneakers
- Synthetic T-shirts
- Sunscreen/lip balm
- Towel and change of clothes each day
- Reusable water bottle
- Clothing and personal items
- Rain gear
- Synthetic long underwear
- Light fleece hoodie/pullover
Optional items
- Nose clips
- Sunglasses
- Eyeglass strap
- Hat or visor
- Earplugs (if sensitive to water)