Whitewater Kayak: Intro to Whitewater Kayaking

Chestoa Recreation Area

FROM:$175.00

Months of Operation:

April-October

Duration:

8 Hrs

Begins:

9:00 AM

Age Requirements:

Age 10+
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Overview & Highlights

This is for you if: You want a fun and engaging introduction to whitewater kayaking.

This one-day course allows participants to experience the thrill of whitewater kayaking under the guidance of one of our exceptional instructors. Upon arriving you will be introduced to the boats, equipment and safety considerations and will be properly outfitted to one of our top-of-the-line whitewater kayaks, life jackets (PFD), helmets, paddles and sprayskirts. We will then take it to the water to practice the fundamentals, strokes and river maneuvers that will help you safely enjoy a mild whitewater river trip on the class I-II section of the beautiful Nolichucky River or the Lower Watauga River.

No experience required and all equipment provided. All instructors carry professional certification through the ACA.

This class pairs well with our Kayak Roll Class, offered several times throughout the year and available by request.
Highlights:
  • Professional, fun kayak instruction by certified instructors
  • Introduction to whitewater kayaking 
  • Fundamentals and skills development 
  • Paddle trip on the beautiful, beginner friendly lower Nolichucky River
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Additional Information

  • What to Expect

    • Accident prevention and safety
    • Boat and equipment overview
    • How to carry, launch and load your kayak
    • Paddling fundamentals
    • Basic paddling strokes
    • Basic river maneuvers
    • Basic river reading
    • Whitewater kayak trip on class 1-2 river
    • FUN!

  • Prerequisites

    • Good overall health and fitness
    • Comfortable on moving water
    • Be able to enter, exit and paddle a kayak without assistance 
    • Be able to swim to shore in the event of a capsize
    • Participants must be willing to wear a PFD (personal flotation device) and helmet while on the water

  • Includes

    • Whitewater kayak instruction
    • Whitewater kayak
    • Helmet
    • Paddle
    • Lifejacket 
    • Sprayskirt
    • Drybag 

  • What to Bring

    Swim shorts, towel, sunscreen, closed-toe water shoes (open-toe footwear, sandals not permitted), wicking-type shirt for wear on the water (no cotton), drinking water or sports drink, bagged lunch

  • Meeting Location

    Directions will be sent out separately.

  • Additional Information

    Food and lodging are the responsibility of participants. Lodging is available at Uncle Johnny's in Erwin, Woodsmoke Campground in Unicoi, Rock Creek Campground in Erwin (open May-Oct), Grand View Ranch Campground in Unicoi, Blackberry Blossom Campground in Unicoi and Nature's Inn Hostel and Cabins in Flag Pond, TN. The closest hotel is a Super 8 in Erwin and there are hotels in Johnson City as well (20-30 minutes away).

  • Testimonials

    "Our instructor was an amazing instructor and fun to be around. We’re just starting out so we have a lot to learn and we were lucky to have met up him through NOLI. He was super kind, helping us out with equipment we lacked and then went on to teach us the basics of Whitewater Kayaking, from gear selection, some history, and then on the water. What a fun day. Thanks."

    - Alvaro F.

Policies & Agreements

  • Terms and conditions

    I certify that all registrants meet course prerequisites as defined in the course description, meet the minimum age requirements and do not have any medical conditions or limitations that would prevent their ability to safely participate in the activity.

  • Cancellation policy

    NOLI activities go rain or shine. If you cancel or decrease the number of participants in your party the following applies:

    Cancellations 30 or more days prior to your activity will receive a full refund.
    Cancellations 14-29 days prior to the activity date will receive a full reservation booking voucher.
    Cancellations 0-13 days prior to the activity date are not extended a refund or voucher.
    No Shows are not extended a refund or voucher.

Upcoming Dates & Availability

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Grab your spot today!

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