Our Kayak Camp is for beginning kayakers, ages 9 to 16. We introduce the basic skills and practices campers will need to safely navigate class I to III- whitewater in either a soft shell or hard-shell kayak. With an emphasis on safety, teamwork and responsible decision making, students will master skills in three progressive arenas -- flat-water, eddies, and downriver--while experiencing the natural beauty of one the country's most diverse watersheds.
Before embarking downstream students will master defensive paddling techniques in a low-risk scenario. This includes learning to catch "eddies" (pockets of slack-water or upriver current), ferry (move from bank to bank without drifting downstream), brace (catch yourself before flipping) and roll (flip back to upright). During the final two days the entire group will chose a section of river that suits their abilities and put these skills to the test.
In our magnificent outdoor classrooms, students learn together in an atmosphere that promotes active involvement, sense of community, adventure and fun! Our expert kayak instructors make the difference. They possess a background in youth leadership, a passion for life, a commitment to safety and are talented, fun-loving leaders.
Camp Life: Our five day / four night course features a stay at our Kayakero Camp in Trout Lake and our specially appointed Klickitat River Camp complete with great meals and time to connect with students and staff. Off water activities include video editing, outdoor games, fun challenges, ultimate Frisbee, low ropes course, caving, wildlife viewing, outdoor cooking and camping, star watching and land based kayak training -- to name a few! Campers develop a multitude of skills, learn more about themselves and have fun!
Day 1: Meet at Trout Lake School; prep and fit kayaks; kayak instruction; chalk talk on river dynamics and safety; spelunking in lava tubes; cooking with dutch ovens; overnight at tipi camp.
Day 2: Kayaking instruction course; river run; Paul Bunyan tower construction; camping; campfire & fun; double whirlpool camp.
Day 3: Upper Klickitat River raft trip; rafting and kayaking instruction; gold rush and Sasquatch Saloon; wilderness exploration; outdoor living skills instruction; campfire and skits; river camp.
Day 4: Paul Bunyan breakfast; Klickitat River Gorge rafting instruction; river navigation; kayaking; Trapper Joe's cabin; wildlife viewing; sky scout, portable planetarium, and star watch; river camp.
Day 5: Kayak Olympics; secret swim pond; certificates of completion and celebration! say farewell at 1:00 pm -- Trout Lake School.
Tuition: $684
We look forward to having you join us on this course – an experience of a lifetime!
Upon enrollment you will receive a complete confirmation packet.
Why wait? Reserve your adventure today. Sign up now!
"Training in Class I - III whitewater allows students to learn Class IV - Class V techniques in a more forgiving environment. According to Northwest pro-kayaker, Lane Jacobs, pulling 'hard moves on easy rivers' is the fastest way to progress."
Outdoor Adventure Activities, Washington Rafting Rivers, Oregon Teen Trips, Teen Whitewater Rafting