Whitewater and Kayak School On the Androscoggin River

DETAILED WHITEWATER CLINIC INFORMATION

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.

THIS IS GRADUATION DAY FOR THE TWO-DAY BEGINNER CLINICS!

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.

NORTHERN WATERS CANOE & KAYAK, INC.
ANDROSCOGGIN RIVER WHITEWATER SCHOOL

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.

KAYAK CLINICS

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.

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.

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CANOE CLINICS

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
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.

THINGS TO DO IN THE ERROL AREA

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.