Canoeing
CoEd Ages 9-15
6:1 Staff Ratio
Weeks 3-11
$515/week
Availability
Whitewater Canoeing combines the teamwork in a tandem canoe with the thrill of whitewater for an awesome and instructive experience. Campers learn to trust their moves and each other as they become experts in basic canoeing, paddling strokes and learn more advanced whitewater techniques, including tilt, ferrying, and eddy turns. By the end of the week, canoers will have learned one of the most useful techniques of whitewater: the ability to stay calm and, above all, stay upright when the water gets rough. Whitewater principles and river-reading techniques that apply to all whitewater disciplines will be taught throughout the week, allowing campers to understand how best to run any rapid they find. Moreover, all campers will be encouraged to give steering a try so that they become an integral part of the canoeing team. But above all, there will be fun aplenty with different games and activities interspersed between the whitewater itself. This isn't your grandfather's canoeing. Instead of avoiding the rapids, we will be actively seeking out the sweetest waves. The great variety of whitewater spots in the area allow for a program tailor-made to each group that will allow for the best combination of challenge and thrill. Depending on water levels and the skill level of the group, we hope to run the "needles" section of the Potomac River or the Mather Gorge as our overnight.
The Week 3 Overnight is:
Activity: Antietem Creek
Overnight: Antietem Campground
Basic Itinerary:
- Day 1: Introduction to canoeing. Introduction to paddle strokes and the righting of flipped canoes. Focus on basic boat control. Location: Seneca Creek
- Day 2: River reading focus. Focus on understanding the way rapids are formed and how to best navigate them. Location: Seneca Breaks or GW Canal.
- Day 3: River running. Focus on combing prior skills with better boat control to run more challenging rapids. Location: The GW Canal or Mather Gorge.
- Overnight Options: Antietam Creek, South Branch of the Potomac River, Potomac River (Shepardstown & Brunswick sections)
Key Points: Canoeing is a beautiful way to explore. Come ready to have fun, learn technical skills, and or course, paddle paddle paddle! *Note: Campers will be carrying their own boats/personal gear.
2012 Instructor: TBD