When thinking about your upcoming instruction program, you may feel a little apprehensive, a little excited, or a combination of both. This is natural. You've got high expectations of us and we aim to exceed those expectations. In order to help you prepare for and get the most out of your course, we ask you to consider the following:
How do I know what clinic to sign up for? You know you want to learn how to paddle. Great! Now consider if you prefer whitewater or flatwater, canoe or kayak. Now think about how much time you can spend learning with us, a week or a weekend? In 2009, you can take a kayak course any week or weekend, May through August, no matter what your experience level. If you have special needs, a private group or a favorite instructor, sign up for Private Instruction. Specialty courses run throughout the year, so check the dates on each course's page.
How do I know what my experience level is? Visit our Whitewater Skills Assessment page to determine your level of experience. This page is also helpful in setting goals for yourself. With our new clinic format, if you happen to find yourself 'out of your league' on the first day of your clinic, we'll adjust our small groups to fine tune the dynamics and ensure you're learning what you came to learn.
What can I do to prepare for my paddling clinic? Stretch! A regular routine of gentle stretches is one of the most important things you can implement to enhance your comfort, safety and overall enjoyment in an NOC clinic. As with any physical activity, stretching warms up muscles and joints, helping to prevent injury. We'll begin each day with a few basic paddler-specific stretches before hitting the water. Click here to see recommended stretches by our instructor Anna Levesque!
What should I pack for my paddling clinic? Unless otherwise all necessary kayaking gear, transportation and deli-style lunches are provided by NOC. There are some things that we recommend you bring to enhance your experience:
shorts/swimwear
water shoes or old sneakers
t-shirts
light jacket/sweater for cool mountain evenings
sunscreen/lip balm
towel
clothing and personal items
rain gear
alarm clock
flashlight
synthetic long underwear
sunglasses
eyeglass strap
hat or visor
ear plugs (if sensitive to water)
Got More Questions?
Our reservations staff is among the most helpful and professional in the travel industry. We can answer any questions you may have about a paddling school clinic experience. Call us at 888-905-7238.
