ONE OF THE BEST EVENTS ALL YEAR
Presented By:
The Bluegrass Wildwater Association and Viking Canoe Club have come together to host this years volunteer run clinic for anyone hoping to learn the basics and badassery of whitewater kayaking.
What To Know
The Where
The 2018 Spring Beginner’s Clinic will take place at Ratliff Hole Campground in the Breaks Interstate Park in Elkhorn City, KY. Instruction will be given on beginner and intermediate sections of the Russell Fork River. DIRECTIONS TO SPRING CLINIC
The What
Whitewater kayaking instruction from enthusiastic, experienced boaters. Plus camping, bonfires, a dance party, kayaking videos, the dubious “talent” show, new people, and instant camaraderie.
When you fill out the online registration for clinic, you will answer some questions about your experience level (none is okay, but we strongly suggest that you attend as many roll sessions as possible). From there, we will assign you to a small class and help you round up some gear to borrow or rent, on a first come, first serve basis.
At clinic, you will learn the basics: The functions of different types of gear and boats, how to get the most out of your paddle, how to ferry your boat across moving current, how to “eddy-out,” and basic swiftwater self-rescue (Meaning what to do if you do flip over and have to wet-exit your kayak) There will be the opportunity to practice rolling your kayak in the river, but the best place to learn to roll is at the weekly roll classes leading up to clinic. Roll sessions are held every Friday at 8:00 PM at the Pinnacle Pool, at 621 Southpoint Drive in Lexington. Make sure to check the homepage at Bluegrasswildwater.org for any updates to roll session location.
The Who
The spring clinic is open to anyone of any age or whitewater experience level. Whether you’re an intermediate paddler hoping to hone your skill, or you only have a vague idea of what a kayak looks like, if you want to learn, we want to teach you. Camping, food, and participation in the merriment are open to non-boating family and friends, just have them fill out the camping only registration.
The Why
The clinic exists to teach the basic kayaking skills that may otherwise take you quite a while (and quite a few bumps and bruises) to learn on your own. Whitewater kayaking is different than other types of recreational boating. Swiftwater can be tricky, intimidating, and even dangerous. Taking the time to learn fundamentals and listen to seasoned boaters recount their own personal misfortunes will help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to rock the sport safely, for a long time to come.
Sitting around a campfire with experienced boaters is a great place to learn about everything from different rivers to rope tying techniques, as well as to make new friends to paddle with.
Or did you mean why do we do it…?
We’re enthusiasts. We want to create new enthusiasts.
The How Much
Clinic student cost includes: camping fees, 3 meals (2 breakfasts/1 dinner), 2 days of river instruction & memories that will last a lifetime.
BWA Member: Clinic Student: $85
** Must use the email your membership profile is set up under to receive member price. Registration includes Saturday and Sunday instruction, camping, and food for the student only. Registration closes on May 9th and based on availability.**
Viking Canoe Club Member: Clinic Student: $85
** Must use Viking Canoe Club member code VCC1969 to receive member price. Registration includes Saturday and Sunday instruction, camping, and food for the student only. Registration closes on May 9th and based on availability.**
Non-Member: Clinic Student: $95
** Registration includes Saturday and Sunday instruction, camping, and food for the student only. Registration closes on May 9th and based on availability.**
Late: Clinic Student Registration: $110
** Late Registration is available from May 10th through May 14th if slots are available and includes Saturday and Sunday instruction, camping, and food for the student only.**
Non Students Click Here To Register For Camping And Food Only
Clinic camping only includes: camping fees, 3 meals (2 breakfasts/1 dinner), & memories that will last a lifetime.
Single Camper Only: $20
** Registration includes camping, and food for 1 person.**
Family Camping Only: $40
** Registration includes camping, and food for 2 spouses and their kids under 18.**
Registration deadline for students and campers only is Monday, May 9th, 2018. Single registration will be $25 and family will be $50 at the event.
Refunds: If you must cancel, please email BWA club president Kyle Koeberlein as early as possible at president@bluegrasswildwater.org so we may purchase, commit & distribute resources efficiently. Full refunds will be issued to anyone cancelling before May 9th. There will be a $40 cancellation fee for any cancellations occurring after May9th. No refunds will be issued after May 14th.
Meet Your 2018 Spring Clinic Coordinators
All BWA and non-member students please direct all questions and concerns to Michael Daughtery and all Viking Canoe Club Members please direct all questions and concerns to Justin Thompson.
Michael Daughtery
Vice President And Spring Clinic Coordinator
Bluegrass Wildwater Association, Inc
Email: vp@bluegrasswildwater.org
Justin Thompson
Vice President And Spring Clinic Coordinator
Viking Canoe Club
Email: xtreemathlete@gmail.com
Phone: (502) 296-9742
Instructions
Fill out the online registration the best you can. If you have any questions please feel free to email our clinic coordinator Michael Daughtery at vp@bluegrasswildwater.org. Students will sign a waiver when checking in at Ratliff Hole and minors will be emailed a form to have signed by them and their guardians in advance.
Important Notes
Note 1: Recreational kayaks are inappropriate for whitewater and will not be allowed in the classes. Most of the local sporting goods stores ONLY sell recreational kayaks. This includes: Dicks, Sportsman Warehouse, Academy Sports, Cabela’s, Bass Pro-Shop, and just about any other large chain you can think of. Whitewater kayaks CAN be purchased or rented locally. Canoe Kentucky in Frankfort (502-227-4492) offers a large selection of clothing, whitewater equipment, and new and used Jackson kayaks. Some rental equipment is also available in limited quantities. They usually have a BWA clinic rental special. Call and ask for details. J&H Lanmark Store in Lexington (859-278-0730) is the local resource for Dagger kayaks as well as many other lines of whitewater clothing and accessories. If you have specific questions about new or used kayaks, these stores can offer excellent advice. Please let these retailers know that you will be attending the BWA clinic so that they can better assist you. BWA members get a 10% discount at these locations, so be sure to mention this if you are a member.
Note 2: Borrowed equipment is provided by BWA members on a first come/first served basis. The sooner you return your application, the easier it will be to get borrowed gear. If you buy gear for the clinic, it is recommended to begin with a PFD, helmet and/or sprayskirt since these pieces of gear are critical and must fit properly to work properly. If you are planning on boating, you will need this gear anyway, and it’s better to have your own gear that fits and that you are comfortable in. YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY GEAR BORROWED!!!! Take good care of borrowed gear and know who to return it to.
Note 3: You should feel free to contact the clinic coordinator, BWA VP Michael Daughtery at vp@bluegrasswildwater.org with any specific questions or requests. Once the clinic apps are in, you will have a lead instructor and assistant instructors assigned to your class. Once your instructors have been assigned, try to direct all questions through them. The clinic coordinator and other clinic organizers are usually swamped with details. Directing questions to your instructors first in the weeks leading up to the clinic reduces the workload on them and helps the clinic run smoothly.
Note 4: Have Fun!!! We want you to learn a lot at the clinic, but if you’re not having fun then you’re missing the point. We want the clinic to be a great experience for everyone involved, but we need your co-operation to meet that goal.
