Instruction is scheduled to begin each day at 9:30 AM. For two-day clinics,
the mornings consist of dry land lecture, and the afternoons are spent
on the water. Group size is kept small, with a maximum student-to-instructor
ratio of 6:1 to ensure personalized instruction. Days One and Two are
described below and represent the format for the beginner clinics. The
descriptions for Days Three and Four cover the format for the third and
fourth day of all four-day clinics or the first and second days of two-day
Advanced Beginner clinics. Remember, to be classified as an Advanced
Beginner, you should be able to perform the manuevers described in Days
One and Two. Canoe clinics are taught in various types of canoes. Beginner
days one and two are normally taught in traditional whitewater canoes.
Advanced canoe clinics are taught in more responsive, high-performance
whitewater play boats.
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DAY ONE:
The clinic begins with a fitting familiarization of paddling equipment.
The longest dry land discussion of the clinic follows, covering equipment
safety, emergency situations, and basic techniques. This is followed
by an introduction to the water.
Canoeists begin with the basic strokes on flatwater, rapidly progressing
to working with moving water. Ferrying and bracing are normally introduced.
Kayakers will perform wet exits, learn to control the boat using the
proper strokes, leans, and braces. Depending on the group's progress,
ferrying, peel-outs, and eddy-turns are usually introduced.
DAY TWO:
A more detailed discussion and demonstrations of bracing and eddying
is conducted. This is followed by a discussion of the vocabulary of whitewater,
presented through the use of instructional videos and blackboard illustration.Examples
of holes, haystacks, eddy lines, river classifications, river-reading
techniques, and river safety rules are introduced.
Canoeists will work on bracing, eddy-hopping, and ferrying.
Kayakers will take a five-mile river trip and continue learning and
practicing ferrying, bracing, peel-outs, and eddy-turns. Wave surfing
is usually introduced.
DAY THREE (FOUR-DAY CLINICS)
OR DAY ONE (ADVANCED BEGINNER CLINICS):
Canoeists progress to heavier rapids (easy Class III) and work more on
skills taught during the first two days, employing them in more powerful
water.
Kayakers will decide with instructor what area should be concentrated
upon, and then either take another river trip, or work on the Class III
Errol Rapid, learning about eddy-hopping. They will continue to build
on the skills already acquired.
DAY FOUR (FOUR-DAY CLINICS) OR DAY TWO (ADVANCED BEGINNER CLINICS)
Classes will continue to fine-tune skills by practicing on the Errol
Rapid. As ability allows, advanced surfing and attaining techniques will
be introduced.
The Northern Waters School can teach you the basics as well as the finer
points of whitewater canoeing and kayaking. We operate during the months
of June through August on the dam-controlled Androscoggin River. Each
day of a whitewater clinic consists of three hours of formal instructions
in the morning, followed by an
afternoon of informal practice of the skills learned that day. The school
is located adjacent to a Class II-III rapid, so
practice is very convenient. Our staff is made up of highly qualified
instructors chosen for their paddling skills,
instructional ability and maturity. The price of each clinic, except
intermediate, includes all paddling equipment,
transportation, instruction, and a campsite for the duration of your
clinic.
SCHOOL POLICIES:
The minimum age for all Northern Waters whitewater programs is 13 1/2.
Anyone under 17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Northern
Waters does not rent kayaks for whitewater, and will only rent canoes
for whitewater to renters with previous experience.
TWO-DAY BEGINNER CLINIC: COST: $180.00
Designed for the novice whitewater kayaker, this clinic provides two
intense days of instruction and usually provides the skills necessary
to begin to enjoy class II whitewhater.
CLINIC DATES |
June 12-13 |
July 3-4 |
August 7-8 |
June 19-20 |
July 10-11 |
August 14-15 |
June 26-27 |
July 17-18 |
August 21-22 |
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July 24-25 |
August 28-29 |
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July 31 - Aug. 1 |
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TWO-DAY ADVANCED BEGINNER CLINIC: COST: $180.00
Designed for those who have taken the beginner clinic and want to advance
their skills.
CLINIC DATES
June 19-20 and August 14-15
FOUR-DAY BEGINNER CLINIC: COST: $325.00
Designed for the beginning kayaker, our extended four-day clinic is for
those who want to get a solid grasp of whitewater paddling. In this clinic,
most paddlers master class II and are learning to enjoy class III whitewater.
CLINIC DATES
June 26-29, July 10-13, July 24-27, Aug. 7-10, Aug. 14-17
ROLL CLINIC: COST: $80.00
This is a single-day course devoted entirely to learning the basics of
the Eskimo Roll. Approximately one half of the students will actually
master the skill in one day, while the remainder acquire the skills necessary
to take the knowledge they have and practice on their own. Generally,
we recommend you have kayaking experience before learning to roll. Although
rolling is introduced in our scheduled clinics, it is recommended to
schedule a private or semi-private instruction for best results.
CALL FOR CLINIC DATES
TWO-DAY WHITEWATER RIVER CANOEING CLINIC: COST: $180.00
This clinic is designed for those with canoeing experience, but no
whitewater experience. It is taught in conventional whitewater canoes
with the emphasis on teaching the practical skills necessary for
navigating in whitewater conditions likely to be found on any river.
CLINIC DATES:
June 12-13, July 3-4, August 14-15, August 21-22
Private instruction is for the individual whose schedule doesn't
allow them to attend a regularly-scheduled clinic, or who needs a more
intense, personally-instructed course. Because of the closer instructor:student
ratio, the learning process is usually much faster than that of a regular
clinic. Private instruction is available for canoe or kayak at the
rate of $155 per day. Semi-private instruction (2 people) is $115 per
person/per day. Equipment is included.
BRING YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE- This area is loaded with logging roads and
scenic backcountry areas, making a biking trip a great way to explore
this region.
BRING YOUR CANOE- If you a taking a clinic and you own a canoe, bring
it with you! After classes, you can take a late afternoon/ early evening
paddle into Lake Umbagog and the National Wildlife Refuge, viewing the
bald eagle nesting site.
BRING YOUR FISHING POLE- Fish for trout on the Androscoggin, pickerel,
bass and perch on Lake Umbagog.
MOOSE! Everyone's favorite attraction. This area is perfect habitat
for moose, and the population is growing! Many moose can be seen feeding
in the marshes all along the Androscoggin.
BLACK BEAR! Regular visitors to the local dump. Great photo opportunity!
DIXVILLE NOTCH AND GRAFTON NOTCH- Two of the most breathtaking mountain
notches you will ever see. A scenic drive through either of these notches
is a great phot opportunity and a perfect way to relax after a full day
on the water.
RANGELY, MAINE - Visit one of the oldest lake resorts in Maine. Boat
rentals, windsurfing, antiqueing and dining are all available in the
scenic lakefront town.
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