Full Immersion Canoe 1 (2-Day)
Whether by yourself or with a partner, canoeing is a wonderful way to explore and enjoy the water! In this two day combo class, of our Basic Skills Canoe Class and our Canoeing River Currents Class. By getting you on the water two days in a row, you will learn more and absorb a higher number of concepts. Optimum retention of knowledge can be achieved when you create more opportunity for reinforcement. On the water, we teach proper techniques for launching, landing, paddle strokes, and boat maneuvers. A clear progression of classes translates to greater paddling skills and increased enthusiasm for the sport! On day two, we will discover ways to successfully negotiate swift current and small rapids in open canoes. The Pacific Northwest has many spectacular rivers but most have strong current and can be tretcherous without the right skills. Let us teach you the fundamentals of canoeing by working on and learning of flat water techniques and strokes on day one. After that on day two we head tothe river putting all your skills to use on a fun and enjoyable local trip.
Saturday at Alder Creek 9am
- Introduction to basic equipment
- Launching and landing from a dock
- Introduction to how body, boat and blade work together
- Basic body mechanics and efficiency of stroke
- Forward and reverse paddling
- Sweep strokes
- Draw strokes
- Turning on the move
- Communication with partner
Sunday Moving Water Trip 9-4pm
- Practical application of skills while underway
- Learn about safety and rescue in swift water.
- Basic hydrology and whitewater anatomy
- Basic body mechanics and efficiency of stroke
- After covering strokes, learn to control your position in current.
- Apply your skills to avoid obstacles, use river features, and enter/exit the current with confidence
- Edging
- Eddy turns
- Peel Outs
- Ferries
Saturday Morning 9:00 am - Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe main shop on Jantzen Beach
Sunday Morning 9:00 am - on a local class I-II river TBD by your instructor. You will be notified of the location by email.
What you will need for this course: (be sure to read to the bottom)
Saturday and Sunday on the water :
We will be on the river on Saturday AND Sunday during this class. Be sure to bring a sack lunch on Saturday & Sunday we can pack down the river in a small drybag.
If you are un-able to bring the items listed below please let us know as we can provide them if needed.
We typically provide immersion wear in the form of either a neoprene wetsuit or nylon drysuit with latex gasket seals and neoprene boots.
Only in the hottest summer months do we run courses without some form of immersion wear. The water is cold year round so you will need to bring layers to wear under the suits provided.
- Sunglasses with retention device (i.e. Croakies, Chums, etc)
- NO COTTON Synthetic top and bottom layers (thermal underwear, heavier wt. for cooler weather)
- Nylon shorts and/or swimsuit for warmer days
- Hiking style wool or synthetic socks
- Water bottle
- LUNCH small enough to pack into the boats
- Towel and change of clothes for ride home
- Money for Parking
Optional Gear:
- Water proof camera
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- River shoes or booties of your own
If you have your own drysuit, wetsuit, or other gear please let us know. It's usually best to learn in what you own. Just ask if you are not sure what to bring. programs@aldercreek.com
- Canoes
- Paddles
- PFD's, Life Jacket
- Wet or Dry suit
- Booties
- Our great instructors!
- This offering requires a minimum of 3 students
Gratuity: It's NEVER expected but always appreciated. If you feel your coaches / guides have done an exceptional job and made your experience a memorable one, then you can certainly show your appreciation by giving a tip.
If your coach / guide was so exceptional that you want him or her to be your guide on all future trips, simply request them at the time you make your reservation. While we cannot promise he/she will be available, we will do everything in our power to accommodate your request.
- We do not provide food or drink.
Our Full Immersion programs require at least 2 weeks notice for any cancellations. Cancellations within 2 weeks of the program are NOT refundable unless we are able to fill your spot.
The Pacific Northwest is a dynamic and often unpredictable environment. All activities are run/fun rain or shine. All programs are conditions dependent and may change at any time at our discretion. In order to keep our programs affordable a minimum number of participants may be required. If we are unable to fill a program to a minimum requirement level we reserve the right to cancel the program. A full refund will be provided in the event of a cancelled or re-scheduled activity upon request. Thank you for signing up! Please let us know if you have questions about this or any other policy here at Alder Creek. You can call us at 503-285-0464.
