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Kayaking Programs

Kayaking Programs


Kayaking


Pool Kayaking

  • Pool Sessions: Kayak Pool Sessions occur Friday evenings at Pullen Aquatic Center in Raleigh, November through April. These sessions are for seasoned paddlers, working on aspects of their roll and people who would like to try out the sport. Roll instruction is not provided. Pool sessions are adult oriented, although young paddlers ages 12-15 years old are welcome when accompanied by adults. Participants younger than 12 may attend with the appropriate equipment, parental supervision, and with pre-approval by the Adventure Program managers. Pool Sessions are held from 6-8pm. Due to holidays some sessions may be cancelled; call ahead to confirm. 
  • Kayak Roll Instruction: For the participant wanting to take that next step in the kayaking progression and learn to roll, personalized roll instruction is offered. Call to set up a time to work with professionally certified instructors on roll development. The best estimate is that, on average, it takes about four separate, hour-long lessons to develop a fledgling pool roll. Roll instruction is designed to provide one step in the learning process. The progress of the student will determine the next steps the instructor can help the student make. Learning in your personal boat is the best option, however equipment can be provided on request. The course can be a 1 on 1 lesson or the cost can be shared by two students. Finding a buddy who is close to your ability level will help you maximize the learning experience. Please coordinate with the other person sharing the lesson and mail in the registrations together.  If you do not know anyone desiring this opportunity feel free to call, as we will keep a list of people looking to share a lesson. Students must have basic swimming ability and comfort under water. Minimum age for this program is 12 years of age. Participant ages 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. One-hour personalized roll instruction is scheduled during regular roll sessions on Friday night. Pre-registration is required.
  • Kayak Basics:  This program is offered for those wishing to learn more about the sport of kayaking, especially if there is a desire to get started before warmer weather arrives.  This course provides a comfortable and pleasant pool as the learning environment.  The water is warm and clear and the instructors are calm and friendly.  This 2-day/6hr course will help lay a strong foundation of skills so participants will be ready for moving water instruction when spring arrives.  Participants should have basic swimming ability, but no kayak experience is required.  This course is adult oriented, and ages 12 and up are welcome.  Ages 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Flatwater Kayaking

  • Wetlands Eco-Tour: Come along for an up-close and personal tour of a local wetland. This trip will explore the area and its inhabitants as well as teach the vital role that wetlands play in ecosystems. The morning time of this event will enhance opportunities to see, hear, touch, and smell wetlands at their peak! Participants will be paddling in seldom-seen areas around Raleigh. The wildlife is especially active due to the lack of human contact. A naturalist will accompany this exploration to help identify the sights and sounds on the peaceful journey. This proves to be a wonderful nature experience for everyone, so bring a friend. Equipment, transportation, and paddling instruction are provided. Students must have basic swimming ability and comfort in water. Minimum accompanied age is 8. Ages 8-15 must be accompanied by an adult participating in the program.
  • Kayak Basics:

    This half-day trip on the Neuse River is designed as a guided trip with basic kayak instruction. Rather than an instructional based course the Neuse Kayak Sampler is designed for those interested in trying out kayaking.  If you are more interested in exploring waterways and taking in the view than running rapids, this is your program.  This program is adult-oriented. The minimum age is 12.  Participants age 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult participating in the program. ACA instruction, kayaks, transportation, and equipment included.  Inflatable kayaks are available upon request.  There is a pre-trip meeting the Friday evening before the course.

River Kayaking

  • Neuse Kayak Sampler:   This one-day trip is designed as a sampler, giving students an introduction to the sport of kayaking on the Neuse River. The course is suitable for beginners or those with some previous river experience. While not a complete "how-to" kayak course, this trip is designed to instill boating fundamentals and to give students a taste of the incredible sport of kayaking. The Neuse River is a great instructional area because of its close proximity and beginner rapids (class I & II). Trip leading staff are professionally certified whitewater kayak instructors who provide a supportive lerning environment. Equipment, transportation and instruction are provided. Students must have basic swimming ability and comfort under water. This program is adult-oriented. The minimum age is 12. Participants age 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult participating in the program.
  • Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking: Welcome to the world of Whitewater, we’ve been expecting you.  This is the first course in our series of instructional programs designed to get you out there paddling Whitewater.  Our course starts from the ground up and builds a foundation of skills you will take with you through the rest of your paddling career.  Our instructors work with you one on one to develop your techniques in paddle strokes, boat control, reading water and assisted rescues.  We do this by combining classroom and hands on instruction so that you not only understand but can apply the principles of quality paddling.  A supportive environment and a teaching progression that begins with work on dry land moves to flat-water and leads to student readiness for a paddling trip on local Class I-II whitewater.  The river chosen will depend on available water levels and group ability.  Equipment, transportation, and instruction are provided. There will also be a pre-trip meeting the Friday before the trip, please plan to attend.  Students must have basic swimming ability and comfort under water.  This course is adult oriented.  Participants ages 14-15 must be accompanied by an adult participating in the program.
  • Intermediate Whitewater Kayaking: Take the next step in a paddling career! This weekend course is designed as a follow-up for the one-day or two-day beginner kayak classes. The program is designed for paddlers who have been on the river before, but would like some additional formal instruction before going out and investing in equipment. More information regarding all aspects of paddling (not to mention additional supervised practice) is bound to improve kayaking skill and enjoyment. Strokes, maneuvers and river-running techniques for whitewater paddling will be covered in greater detail and practiced thoroughly with instructors offering feedback to increase efficiency. Basic river rescue techniques and gear for kayaking will be addressed and practiced. Basic kayak rolling techniques may be taught if participants are interested. The course will take place on a local river, selected prior to the course, dependant on water levels. Trip leading staff are professionally certified whitewater kayak instructors. Equipment, transportation, and instruction are provided. Participants must have attended one of our beginner kayak classes or have experience of equal value. Students must also have basic swimming ability and comfort under water. This course is adult-oriented with age 14 as the minimum age. Participants ages 14-15 must be accompanied by an adult participating in the program.

For More Information Contact:
Kathy Capps
Adventure Program Supervisor
Parks and Recreation Department
2401 Wade Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-831-6855

Seth Yearout
Adventure Program Manager
Parks and Recreation Department
2401 Wade Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-831-6855