ACA L2-L3 IDW River Kayak and River Canoe

Whether by yourself or with the whole family, whitewater river kayaking and canoeing is a wonderful way to explore and enjoy the water!
Open the door to explore awesome Texas rivers including San Marcos, Hidalgo Falls on Brazos River, Buffalo Bayou and other beautiful rain-dependent rivers and creeks!
This 3-day course is designed as an intermediate to advanced program emphasizing safety, skill development, and proficiency for controlling and maneuvering whitewater kayaks and river canoes in Level 2-3 river conditions.
This class is for paddlers with foundational whitewater experience who are ready to advance their skills in more challenging moving water environments, including Class II-III rapids. Participants should be comfortable with basic strokes, wet exits, and self-rescue techniques.
In this whitewater kayaking and canoeing class, paddlers will master advanced techniques for navigating dynamic river features and challenging whitewater.
Over three days, we will cover equipment selection and river safety, practice advanced maneuvers, and spend extensive time on the water refining skills in progressively challenging conditions.
We will teach proper techniques for eddy turns, ferrying, surfing, bracing, rolling (kayak), and reading complex river features.
Previous whitewater experience required. No equipment necessary! We bring all the gear needed for successful completion of this course.
CLASS OUTCOME:
This is an intensive, hands-on course. By the end of this class, you will be a more skillful, confident, and safe paddler with increased specific knowledge and appreciation for intermediate whitewater kayaking and river canoeing. We help develop advanced river running abilities, environmental consciousness, and a lifelong passion for whitewater paddling.
CURRICULUM:
Advanced river reading and hazard recognition
Equipment optimization for Level 2-3 conditions
Launching and landing in challenging current
Advanced body mechanics and efficient stroke technique
Eddy turns and peel-outs
Ferrying across current
Surfing waves and holes
High and low braces
Rolling techniques (kayak)
Rescue scenarios and swiftwater safety
River communication and team coordination
Duration: 3 days

Paddling Time: 5-6 hours per day

Paddling Distance: 4-5 miles per day
Inclusions:
Awesome destination. Safe adventure. High chance of witnessing wildlife. Small group size. Experienced paddlers welcome. Local expertise. ACA-certified trip leader. Friendly, professional instruction.
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PERSONALIZED ACA L2-L3 CERTIFIED INSTRUCTION PROVIDED.
LUXURY PADDLING EQUIPMENT INCLUDES:
Whitewater Kayak (creek boat or play boat) or River Canoe, Adjustable Lifejacket, Lightweight Paddle, Helmet, Spray Skirt (kayak), Dry Bag (small size, for car keys, phone, wallet, etc.).
We will start with on-land instruction and safety briefing, adjust the gear to your stature, and be on the water soon thereafter.
This activity requires a good fitness level and previous whitewater experience. Our whitewater kayaks and river canoes come in various sizes and can accommodate paddlers up to 250 lbs. and 42-inch hip/pants size. Please let us know your approximate height and weight for us to bring you the correct size kayak/canoe and life jacket.
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ACCESS TO GROUP EQUIPMENT INCLUDES:
VHF Marine Radio, Paddle Float, Bilge Pump, First Aid Kit, Throw Bag, Tow Belt, Lights
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WHAT TO BRING AND HOW TO DRESS
Bring several 33 oz. / 1L water bottles and energy drinks to take with you in the kayak/canoe; granola bars and a small thermos would be nice. Dehydration and heat management are important considerations when paddling. Leave a cold-water bottle and snacks in the car for you to have ready at the end of each day when you will probably be hungry, tired but happy!
Bring with you but leave in the car a full set of dry clothing to change into at the end of each day, should that be needed, and a large towel to cover your car seat for a comfortable ride.
We will take meaningful precautions to avoid unintended capsizes, however, whitewater paddling involves immersion risk. Dress for immersion by wearing clothes made of synthetic materials or neoprene that are comfortable and dry out quickly. Avoid any cotton clothing. Dress with a long sleeve shirt and long pants to avoid insects and sunburns. For exposed skin, bring sunscreen and plan to apply often. Your feet will get wet. Water shoes, closed-toed sandals, or neoprene booties are great kayaking choices. Crocs, flip-flops, hiking boots and rain boots are not good options. Bring a large brim hat with under-chin strap and sunglasses with retention strap. Bring paddling gloves or cycling/workout gloves to prevent blisters.
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Paddling is a wonderful, lifelong, low-impact, human-powered sport. It's a form of soul therapy, an awesome mode of transportation to remote destinations, and a stealthy way to intimately experience wildlife and nature. Hiring us, you will learn advanced equipment skills, proper strokes and correct paddling technique, intermediate whitewater safety, trip planning, and how to have an enjoyable time on challenging rivers. This is a great way to build advanced skill sets and progress your whitewater abilities. Thank you for signing up!
WE WANT YOU TO HAVE A FUN LEARNING EXPERIENCE WHILE BEING COMFORTABLE AND SAFE!