The WTC kayak training programs are for anyone over 12 years of age who are new to paddle sports, or who would like to extend his or her current skills. Instructors are registered and certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA), and provide instruction in accordance with ACA standards.
WTC offers different kayak training programs designed to meet your needs:
Recreational/Touring - The recreational/touring kayak training is designed as a two course progression. The progression takes the kayaker from paddling on a pond to paddling on moving water. White water, Ocean/ Sea/Coastal or Recreational/ Touring kayaks would be suitable for this training. You do not have to take the two courses.
- May 15 Quick Start your Kayak COST: $30.00
Students are presented with basic information on dressing to paddle safely, potential hazards and simple rescues. A paddle skill set is presented and practiced, allowing students to safely and comfortably maneuver on still water. There is an optional river trip on Sunday, May 16.
- May 22 Essentials of River Kayaking COST: $35.00
The prerequisite is Quick Start your Kayak or equivalent experience meeting with the instructor’s approval. This course is designed to give students tools to travel down a moving river. A local river will be selected for the course.
If you sign up for both recreational/touring kayak courses, the multiple course discount price is $55.00. A savings of $5.00 for each class!
Whitewater - The whitewater training program is designed as a three course progression. The progression takes the kayaker from paddling on a pond, to paddling on moving water, to paddling on whitewater. Whitewater kayaks would be suitable for this training. You do not have to take all three courses. You can just take one course, Essentials of River Kayaking or you can just take two courses, Essentials of River Kayaking and River Kayaking.
The cost of the whitewater kayaking courses includes Friday and Saturday night lodging and a BBQ dinner on Saturday night.
- June 5 and June 6 Essentials of River Kayaking COST: $65.00
This course is designed to give students tools to travel down a moving river. The first day is on flat water and the second day is on moving water.
- · June 12 and June 13 River Kayaking COST: $65.00
The prerequisite is the completion of Essentials of River Kayaking. In this course, the current will be faster moving water. The course will build on the tools presented in the Essentials of River Kayaking course. You will spend the both days on moving water.
- · June 26 and June 27 Whitewater Kayaking COST: $65.00
The prerequisite is the completion of River Kayaking. This course emphasizes additional skill acquisition for paddling on fast moving water and/or whitewater.
If you sign up for the two courses, Essentials of River Kayaking and River Kayaking, the multiple course discount price is $120.00. A savings of $10.00!
If you sign up for the three courses, Essentials of River Kayaking, River Kayaking and Whitewater, the multiple course discount price is $180.00. A savings of $15.00!
In addition to the training programs listed above, we have follow up trips for graduates. These follow up trips are regular, club paddling trips that give you a chance to safely practice your newly learned skills under the supervision of WTC experienced paddlers. To check out paddling trips on WTC home page, view the Paddling > Whitewater > Trip Calendar section, the Paddling > Sea & Rec > Trip Calendar, or view the Paddling Forum.