DemoFest 2011 Clinic Offerings
The schedule of mini clinics is below. For descriptions click on the title of any clinic. Mini clinics are booked on a first come-first served basis. Space is limited. All mini clinics are subject to change. Please check in at morning registration.
Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking
Prerequisite – none
Learn how to choose whitewater specific equipment. Examine the design elements that make a good introductory whitewater kayak and how to do basic cockpit outfitting. Start with basic self rescue skills including the wet-exit and swimming with equipment. Then begin to get a feel for some basics of how whitewater boats maneuver.
Introduction to Basic River Running
Prerequisite – The Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking session or Class I experience
Join us on a guided trip from the Zoar Gap picnic area back to our base along Route 2.
Learn some basic river awareness and how to control your kayak in this new environment. You will gain comfort in crossing gentle currents. We will cover basic maneuvers with names such as eddy turns and peel-outs and learn about river features such as eddies, eddy lines and downstream V’s.
Where Do You Play? -- Dryway
Prerequisite – class III experience and a solid roll
Advanced Paddlers show off your favorite new boat and what features you like to play on. You’ll also see what spots others use plus a few of our own favorites. Unlock you’re boats full potential for a fun filled run down the Dryway section of the Deerfield.
Working Towards Self Sufficiency
Prerequisite – class II experience
Hey Ducklings it’s time to fly! When you begin paddling your always under the wing of a guide. We’ll give you some new feathers to help you fly on your own. Self-sufficiency recognizes the need to be able to do some simple rescues on the fly, and we’ll show you some of our tricks for helping capsized paddlers and their equipment get back to shore quickly. We’ll also discuss things like group management and strategies for scouting and running rapids. Then we’ll wrap-up with some steps for planning your next adventure.
Balanced Paddler and Edge Control
Prerequisite – class I experience
Are you jittery or unstable in your boat? Learn to use the three key attributes of a well-balanced paddler: good posture, body mechanics and edge control. This clinic will also address proper boat fit which is critical for fine edge control. In the water our talented instructors will provide you with drills to improve your balance and comfort.
Smooth Paddling Using Draws
Prerequisite – class II experience
Does your paddling need some S.A.L.T. to make it better? We’ll help you smoothly Speed over eddylines, Angle more efficiently, Look in the direction of your turns and maintain proper Tilt for better balance. We’ll also make your turns smoother by incorporating some really cool draw stroke techniques. A few different styles of these draws will allow you to glide effortlessly through current differentials regardless of what size turn you need.
Stroke Timing and Efficiency
Prerequisite – class II experience
Do you feel like you’re fighting to get anywhere on the river? Better stroke timing and technique will give you that extra finesse you need to improve all your river maneuvers as well as make your paddling look great! We’ll play some games to see if we can get you paddling faster with style not slop.
Fundamentals of Freestyle - Flatwater
Prerequisite – class II experience
Start freestyle paddling by learning the proper timing and body mechanics needed to execute the hottest new paddling maneuvers. We will be focusing on pivot turns, bow and stern initiations, rotation and timing, and will demonstrate how these basics link into more advanced maneuvers. If you have been at freestyle for a while use this time block to freshen up your skills and warm up for the day.
Girls Only, Because We Rule! (Sorry Guys, Girls Only)
Prerequisite – class I-II experience
This course puts the fun back in kayaking. Meet up with other female paddlers in the Deerfield area and discuss anything you want, about kayaking that is, with a fun and supportive group.
“Paddle Like a Girl with Grace and Finesse” – For Women and Men
Prerequisite – class I-II experience
Women, come join forces to paddle and discuss boat designs that fit particularly well, techniques that highlight our unique abilities and the state of the art of women’s paddling. Rock on, Girlfriend! Men, we will break you down and force you to paddle with the same precision as your female co-paddlers. For both men and women this course is all about fineness and not strength. Learn to paddle smarter not harder. Rock on, Dudes!
Open Paddling with Team Z, Pro Paddlers, and You – Fife Brook
Prerequisite – class I-II experience
Do you just want to get out there and paddle with the best in the business? Here’s your opportunity to get to know pro paddlers and get feedback on your own paddling. This is also a great chance to paddle and get expert advice on a variety of boats. Plus, have some time to meet and socialize with other area paddlers. Teens this is a great chance to meet your role models.
Open Paddling with Team Z, Pro Paddlers, and You – Dryway
Prerequisite – class III experience and a solid roll
Advanced paddlers, do you just want to get out there and paddle with the best in the business? Here’s your opportunity to get to know pro paddlers and get feedback on your own paddling. This is also a great chance to paddle and get expert advice on a variety of boats. Plus, have some time to meet and socialize with other area paddlers. Advanced teens this is a great chance to meet your role models. Maybe you’re new to our area, if so this is also a great opportunity for a guided run down. If you are unsure if you are ready or have not paddled class three-four yet, this is not the best course for stepping up to the Dryway. If you are looking to step up to the Dryway please check out our full day river runs where you would have more time for scouting and guidance.
Open Canoeing for Whitewater Kayakers
Prerequisite – none
You know what they’re saying, “half the paddle, twice the paddler”. Whitewater kayakers- join us in an open canoe and have fun transferring and testing your skills with half a paddle. Already paddle a canoe, then try out some of the latest designs and we’ll provide instruction to refine your paddling technique. Learning to canoe is a great way to explore the river in a fun and challenging craft. If you can roll, we challenge you to try it in an open canoe to see if it is really as bombproof as you think.
Kid’s Clinic – Beginner
Prerequisite – min age of 10
This flatwater program will give kids 10 – 14 a chance to get in a whitewater boat and learn the basics of paddling while having loads of fun too. This is a great opportunity to figure out which boats fit your favorite paddling kid.
Parent/Child River Run
Prerequisite – both parents & kids should have class I – II experience
Meet other families that love to paddle together. We will paddle a short class I-II section together. This is not a lesson but a time to network with other paddling families and try out new boats.
New To Rolling
Prerequisite – wet-exit and self rescue experience
Learn about how to do the most asked about trick in kayaking, a roll. Rolling is one of the skills that makes whitewater kayaking/canoeing so unique. This short course will show you the basic progression to help get you started. Dress warm because you’ll be spending a lot of time hanging out upside down and thinking underwater.
Improve Your Roll
Prerequisite – basic rolling instruction
If you’re just about there, this is a great course to help you learn some tricks that might just get your roll the rest of the way. If you are there we’ll help clean up any weakness with your roll so it’ll be ready for the river.
Combat Rolling
Prerequisite – Combat rollers should be able to complete a roll in flatwater
If you have a roll that needs fine tuning in current, our skilled instructors can help troubleshoot the problem. We’ll practice a variety of different rolling situations, from friendly to down right annoying.
River Rescue Q+A
Prerequisite – none
This is your opportunity to learn river rescue skills and get answers you’ve always wanted. Bring your questions and we’ll provide some possible solutions. Some answers may involve acting out a situation with the whole group, so be prepared to have fun and get wet.
Zoar Gap with a Plan
Prerequisite – class II experience
The Zoar Gap is a great test piece of class III whitewater. We’ll examine different options for both the paddler that is looking to step up to the Gap and the paddler that is getting ready to go beyond the Gap. Watch and try different lines multiple times to really master the Gap and push your comfort level in harder whitewater
Try a SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard)
Prerequisite – none
SUP’s are one of the hottest new trends on the river in paddlesport. While stand up paddling has been around for over a hundred years it has only recently started to grasp a foothold on our inland rivers and lakes. Test out your balance and one-bladed skills while demoing some current designs. We’ll provide the instruction to get you started.
Attainment Race – Bridge to Below Zoar Gap
Prerequisite – class II experience
See who can spawn upstream the fastest in this mass start chaotic race. Challenge your friends and your skills. If you want to beet the pack bring your long boat or test out one of ours.
3 Drop Boater Cross on the Dryway
Prerequisite – class IV experience and a solid roll
There’ll be water splashing and fish flying as competitors tear down 3 of the biggest drops on the Dryway section of the Deerfield River. The group will travel together down the Dryway stopping to race at Splithair, Dunbar, and the legendary Dragonstooth rapids. Boats must be nine feet or under. The fastest boaters from the Split hair race will race as semi-finalist at Dunbar and then the fastest semi-finalists will move on to race as finalists at Dragonstooth. If you’re not the fastest, no worries you’ll race again at each rapid in a constellation heat. Our Pro-paddlers will guide you and provide rescue staff at each rapid.
Mini-Gap Throwdown – Freestyle Competition
Prerequisite – class II experience
A teaser of our World Kayak Events. This fun based freestyle event is a down river through a rapid freestyle competition. Our judges will give points based on verticality, specific moves, use of the rapid, and of course style and creativity. This event is open to all class two and above paddlers but biased towards those with some freestyle ability. Who knows you might even win a prize…maybe a free boat demo
Shake Off the Rust
Prerequisite – class I experience
For those looking for a quick tune up we’ll review some core mechanical basics to get you running smooth. After this course your engine will be all reved up and excited for the rest of our Demofest offerings.
If you would like to demo a new kayak or canoe and get some free instruction from some of the best paddlers in the country, mark your calendar for Demofest - June 25-27, 2010.
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