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Activity Type: Paddling | Whitewater
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Jason Costa
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX0000017t41
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: This two-day clinic is a true introduction to whitewater kayaking for members of the AMC 20s & 30s affinity group. No experience is necessary or expected — this course is designed for complete beginners with little or no prior kayaking experience. If you've ever wanted to try whitewater but didn't know where to start, this is the clinic for you.
Over two days, ACA-certified instructors will guide you through the fundamentals of whitewater kayaking. Each day will mix flatwater and river time: we'll use calm water to introduce and refine core skills — boat outfitting, basic strokes, edging, and wet exits (exiting the boat when capsized) — and then move onto the river to practice reading water, catching eddies, peeling out, and ferrying across the current. By the end of the weekend, you'll have a foundation in the skills and judgment needed to keep building as a paddler.
The Fife Brook section of the Deerfield is a friendly, scheduled-release Class I-II run that's well-suited to beginners. Instruction will start at 9:30 a.m. each day and wrap up by late afternoon.
All equipment will be provided , including kayak, paddle, sprayskirt, helmet, and PFD. Students should bring: Lunch, water, and snacks for both days Swimsuit and quick-dry clothing for paddling (mid-July water and air temps are warm — no wetsuit needed) Towel and a full change of clothes for after paddling Sturdy water shoes or old sneakers (no flip-flops or bare feet) Requirements: Participants must be comfortable swimmers in moving water and willing to perform a wet exit. This clinic is open to AMC members and non-members alike. Per the 20s & 30s affinity group, participants should be ages 20–39.
The clinic is limited to 5 students with 3 spots on the waitlist. Last day to register is Saturday, July 11 (one week prior to the clinic). Register through the AMC activity listing.
Trip Leader: Jason Costa (contact: jason.w.costa@gmail.com; 917-304-5124)
Dates: Saturday–Sunday, July 18–19, 2026
Location: Fife Brook section of the Deerfield River, Western MA
Difficulty: Beginner — Class I-II
Cost: Sliding scale, $0–$60 (suggested donation $40)
Capacity: 5 students, with 3 on the waitlist
Registration deadline: Saturday, July 11

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

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