Learn

When: Saturday June 13 - Sunday June 14, 9am - 5pm each day

Where: Zoar Outdoor, Charlemont, MA. Free camping available Friday-Sunday with other LGBTQ+ people at a nearby campground.

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Who: Eight LGBTQ people aged 18 and older who are brand new to whitewater kayaking. This clinic will consist of all LGBTQ people to form a safe community to learn and be yourself.

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What: This is the perfect place to find out why paddling is so much fun. Our river time focuses on fundamental skills such as edging your kayak into turns, setting angles across currents, and performing maneuvers like eddy turns and peel outs to set you on a path toward paddling confidently on your own. Our games-based learning approach makes kayaking fun right from the start and has helped bring thousands of new paddlers into the sport, all while teaching proper stroke techniques and responsible whitewater practices.

 

A whitewater kayak fits snugly to give you maximum control and maneuverability. After introducing you to the sport and your equipment, we get our first taste of paddling in the security of a pond. We start by teaching you to safely exit an upside-down kayak, then move on to basic strokes including sweep strokes, forward strokes, and paddling on edge. Once everyone is comfortable in their boats, we head to moving water to learn river maneuvers such as the eddy turn, peel out, and ferry. The day culminates in your first taste of whitewater rapids, often in Class I-II water.

 

On Saturday after the clinic, join us from 4:30-7:00pm for the free "After Party" at Zoar with a DJ and drag performers, food, prizes, music, and camaraderie - a great place to meet other kayakers! Everything is free of charge!

 

On day two, we continue working on river maneuvers before running a several-mile Class I-II section of river. New skills include maneuvering the kayak sideways and backwards using draw strokes, as well as bracing techniques to help prevent flips.

 

Cost: Free of charge for all LGBTQ+ people for this clinic, thanks to grants from NRS and Diversify Whitewater. Note: ALL LGBTQ+ people are welcome, regardless of income level! 

 

Camping is also free of charge at a nearby campground for the weekend.

 

Includes: All equipment, instruction, and catered picnic-style lunch & transportation. Thanks to our amazing sponsor NRS, you will receive a whitewater kayaking helmet, life jacket, and spray skirt to keep.

 

Sound good? Fill out the interest form here. We will randomly select 8 participants on April 30.​