Whitewater Classes

Kayak Classes

White Water Learning Center of Georgia offers two-day whitewater kayak classes every other weekend from mid-April through mid-October. These classes are aimed at beginners with no experience and novices who want to work on stroke technique, Eskimo rolls and river running skills. By the end of the class, you will have the skills to paddle rivers with class II rapids and will be eligible to participate in our Guided River Trip program. Classes are taught by experienced American Canoe Association-certified instructors. We believe in giving individualized attention and our classes are usually small. If more than five people are registered there will be two instructors.

On Saturday, we will meet at 7:45 am at the McDonalds at Windy Hill Rd. & I-75 and go by van or car pool to Lake Acworth. We will supply an appropriate size boat and other equipment based on your personal data and will fine-tune the fit before putting on the water. We will first show you how to do a proper wet exit before teaching the basic propulsion, turning, correction and bracing strokes. We will finish the day with the Eskimo roll.

On Sunday, we will meet at the MARTA Indian Trail Park/Ride lot off I-85 at exit 101 and will go either to the Tuckaseegee River or lower Green River in North Carolina. (Both rivers are dam-controlled and are scheduled to have Sunday recreational releases in 2009.) We will discuss river awareness and safety prior to putting on the river. The first thing you will learn is how to control your kayak in a current using eddy turn, peel-out and ferry maneuvers. We will show you strategies for running rapids and may scout the more complex ones. You will also have an opportunity to swim a rapid and use a throw line for rescue. We normally stop for dinner after the class and are usually back in Atlanta by 8 pm.

2009 Dates

Private Kayak and Canoe Instruction

One-day private kayak and canoe instruction is available at the beginning through intermediate levels and can be tailored to meet your specific learning objectives and personal schedule. Lessons can be scheduled on weekdays or weekends. (With one to four athletic persons, we can cover in one day most of what we teach in a group weekend class.) We can also arrange private multi-day clinics for self-organized groups of three or more, including scout troops, friends, family and co-workers.

Cost

Two-day weekend kayak classes are $250 for one person, $225 per person for groups of two to four, and $200 per person for groups of 5 or more registering together. One-day private kayak and solo canoe lessons are $275 for one person, $400 for two, $495 for three and $560 for four. Private tandem canoe lessons are $300 per day (two people) or $450 per day (four people). Fees include equipment: boat, paddle, helmet, PFD (life vest), spray skirt for kayakers, water bottle and nose clips. You must supply your own lunch, snacks and beverages.

To make a reservation, please print the Registration Form page, fill it out completely and mail it with payment to White Water Learning Center of Georgia, 3437 Rockhaven Cir. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. If you are paying with a major credit or debit card, you can fax the registration form to 404-231-4749. For further information or to register by phone with a credit card payment, call Bruce Williams at White Water Learning Center of Georgia, Inc. at (404) 231-0042 (day or evening).