The Fundamentals
Learning to kayak whitewater is easier, safer and more fun when you paddle with certified instructors that use a sequential teaching method. In ACE's Kayak School, each day of instruction builds on the previous day's lesson. This is in contrast to "hit and miss" instruction, which too often skips important techniques, causing students to plateau prematurely.
Our program can easily be broken down into classes, which allows you the flexibility to progress at your own speed. At ACE Adventure Center, you can add any of our lodging options and meals from the dining lodge for an all-inclusive, no driving, package. This is learning to kayak the fun way! See our Rates for details.
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Fundamental Skills Level I
Two or Three Day Course-
No Experience Needed
Day One–After we get you acquainted with your kayak and the rest of your gear, we will immediately get to work so that you feel in control of your boat. The first day of instruction will take place in calm, user friendly water. We will practice getting in and out of the boat and focus on balance,
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body mechanics, strokes, turns and leans. Learning to “wet exit” and practicing the “Eskimo rescue” will help you find a comfort zone in your kayakÑeven when you are upside down! A day of practice will help you build a perfect foundation of smart paddling habits that are grounded in good technique. By the end of the day, you will have the skills needed to head to the rapids for Day Two!
Day Two–We start putting the basics we learned on Day One to work on a scenic Class II section of whitewater. Being on the river will necessitate learning principles of river safety, water reading, wet exits and Eskimo rescues. We will review paddling skills you have learned and introduce new ones that will allow you to maneuver your kayak more efficiently. You will use the river to focus on the dynamics of current, peel-outs, eddy turns, steering and balance, and bracing in current. We will prepare you for the next level by introducing compound strokes and the Eskimo Roll.
Round out your learning experience by adding Basoc Swiftwater Rescue for a 3-day course.
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2-Day Level I
Two days: Monday/Tuesday or Saturday/Sunday
Three days: Includes one day of Basic Swiftwater
Rescue Skills
3-Day Level I
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday (May-August & October)
See our Rates for details
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| Fundamental Skills Level II |
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Two or Three Day Course
Prerequisites:
1. Have taken Fundamental Kayaking Level I
or equivalent.
2. Have paddled 2 days on Class I-II whitewater
3. Can paddle forward and backward, steering in a straight line.
4. Understand leans and perform basic peel-outs
and eddy turns.
5. Can wet exit and/or stay in kayak waiting for
boat rescue.
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Consecutive weekend courses can be combined; take Level I one weekend, then come back the next weekend for Level II
and save 10%! |
Day One–Today we head to the river and start paddling our way down Class I-III whitewater. You will need to apply all of the kayaking skills you have been practicing. There will be a special emphasis on river dynamics and dissecting rapids as we hone your water-reading abilities. We will introduce compound strokes and work on your calmwater roll. You will also practice ferries, s-turns, edges and leans. Most importantly, your expert ACE instructor will be there with the guidance and support you need.
Day Two–You will begin rolling in mild current and work on polishing your strokes for more efficient paddling. As we head into bigger waves, all the skills learned start to fall into place and the river becomes your playground. Here we get to test new techniques and learn to paddle in heavy diagonal current and pulsing eddy lines. We will also take advantage of the riverÕs many hydraulics which used to seem menacing, but today we will use these “holes” to introduce you to the world of surfing, West Virginia style!
2-Day Level II
Two days: Thursday/Friday or Saturday/Sunday
3-Day Level II
Three days: Includes one day of Basic Swiftwater Rescue Skills
Wednesday/Thursday/Friday
See our Rates for details
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| 3-Day Aggressive Beginner |
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If you have canoed, or taken a pool kayak class, or are an athletic swimmer, then this 3 day Friday through Sunday course may just be the ticket.
3-Day Aggressive Beginner
3 days: Friday/Saturday/Sunday
See our Rates for details |
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| 5-Day Learn to Kayak Guaranteed |
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The 5-day course combines 2-day Level I plus 1-day River Rescue for kayakers plus 2-day Level II.
5-Day Learn to Kayak Guaranteed
5 days: Monday-Friday Includes one day Basic Swiftwater Rescue Skills
See our Rates for details
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ACE Adventure Center
P.O. Box 1168
Oak Hill, WV. 25901
Toll Free: 1-888-ACE-RAFT
1-888-223-7238
Local: (304) 469-2651
Fax: (304) 469-3053
E-Mail: ace@aceraft.com
© 2004 ACE Adventure Center
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