Women's Learn To Kayak 4-Day

Develop a solid foundation for whitewater kayaking in a supportive atmosphere with other women. You'll be in the hands of some of the best women paddlers in the business, including our own Anne Sontheimer, NOC's most-requested instructor.

Thousands of women have learned to kayak in one of our world-renowned Rapid Progressions teaching system. The 4-Day Course gives you a solid foundation of whitewater skills and techniques learning from some of the best women instructors in the country.

Itinerary
Although each class varies with the needs and desires of the group, the following is an example of your itinerary:

Sunday
Sunday evening starts with a dinner at Relia's Garden Restaurant where you will meet your instructors and the others in your group. After dinner, you'll get a chance to review the activities of the week and watch part of your new Kayaker's Toolbox DVD.

Monday
After breakfast on Saturday morning, you'll head to our equipment area where your instructor will help you select gear that best fits your needs and paddling style, or help you have the best fit for optimal performance with your own gear. The next stop will be a nearby lake to learn the basic strokes and techniques you'll need for the river. You will begin the development of the Eskimo Roll, which allows you to right your kayak after an unintentional (or sometimes intentional) flip. A deli-style lunch offers a break during the middle of the day. Most groups like to head to the river for a short stretch of moving water in the afternoon to feel their kayak in motion and the splash of waves in their faces. Other groups enjoy practicing their new skills on flat water and working on their roll. Finish the day with dinner and the chance to share stories of the day's adventures, and enjoy the evening in the Paddler's Pub.

Tuesday
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before returning to the lake for more practice on flatwater skills, and the Eskimo Roll. After a short time on the lake, expect to head to the Little Tennessee, Tuckasegee or the Nantahala for exciting Class II rapids. Your time on the river will feature further development of "reading the rapids," crossing the river with "ferries" and gracefully moving in and out of eddies using "eddy turns" and "peel outs." Our instructors are dedicated to helping you have the most fun on the river.

Wednesday
On Wednesday, you'll get up early and finish late with a travel day to a nearby river for more fun and skill development. Often, groups will travel to the Chattooga River's Section III. This is a great way to enjoy the excitement of the river and the natural beauty in the outdoors.

Thursday
Some groups return to the lake for one last chance to perfect the Eskimo Roll on Thursday morning before heading to a stretch of the Nantahala River. Other groups are excited to head straight to the river to paddle down the entire 8-mile stretch. At the end of the paddling day, you'll have the option to run Class III Nantahala Falls and a chance to take home a picture as a trophy of your adventure. Finish the day with a delicious farewell dinner together and receive one of our coveted NOC Instruction t-shirts before saying goodbye to your new friends; however, there's no need to rush home because Thursday's lodging is included!

We focus on your safety while teaching you how to manage unforeseen challenges on the water. During our river time over the weekend, we'll have the opportunity to paddle on Class I and easier Class II rapids. If you are not sure how rapids are classified, visit the AW International Scale of River Difficulty page.

Look here to see the full list of Kayak Rapid Progressions Guaranteed Skills (PDF format)

Contact Us
Call the Guest Relations Office at 800-232-7238 for information regarding availability and options.

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