Saturday, June 15, 2024 9:00AM - Sunday, June 16, 2024 5:00PM
Sherman Reservoir and Fife Brook section of the Deerfield River,
Massachusetts, Berkshires,
MA
Interested in whitewater kayaking? Join the Boston AMC for instruction by friendly, experienced paddlers on the Deerfield River near Charlemont, Mass. Be eager to learn (some trepidation is normal and totally okay) and comfortable swimming. That's it. This clinic will run the weekend of June 15-16. (There will be other clinics on May 18-19 and June 22-23.) In the morning we'll introduce basic ideas on land and move to flat water to continue with safety (like how to get out of your boat if you flip-it's easy!), key paddling strokes, and other techniques. We'll proceed in the afternoon to Class I whitewater. You can learn an amazing amount that's vital for all whitewater paddling on this easiest level of rapids, such as turning into eddies, peeling out from them, and ferrying across currents. The second day we'll run a Class II trip on very real but safe rapids, practicing everything we learned, as well as reading water, running waves, and having fun. The clinic is $170 for AMC members and $200 for non-members. Kayak, paddle, spray skirt, helmet and PFD (aka life jacket) are included. (The cost is $40 less if you bring your own equipment; you must wear a helmet and whitewater PFD). Shared costs for camping and meals, which will come to around $50, are not included. After finishing the clinic, you'll have an official class II rating and will be welcome to join class II trips with us. AMC trips per se are free, and you can rent a kayak and essential equipment for $40. We'll also run follow-up clinics to strengthen skills and enjoy the river on July 13 and August 17 (July 14 and August 18 rain dates) and September 21-22 on the West River. Trips are free, and if you sign up in advance for the follow-ups (we want to encourage you!), boat rentals are only $20. There may be camping and meal expenses for the West weekend.
