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Kayaking

Group of kayakers on a calm river by trees
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Why Kayak with Zoar Outdoor?

Always wondered about whitewater kayaking or looking to hone your paddling skills? Zoar Outdoor, New England’s leader in outdoor adventure, has assembled a team of friendly, professional guides and instructors to help you explore our local lakes and rivers. We offer everything from afternoon-long guided river kayaking experiences to multi-day advanced whitewater instruction programs.

Highly Experienced

We've been teaching kayaking, canoeing and river rescue for over 30 years, so we've seen thousands of students, hired and trained hundreds of instructors and taught virtually every skill in kayaking and canoeing. Our school is nationally known and our staff are involved in setting policy at the American Canoe Association.
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Uniquely Immersive

The world fades around you when you're paddling down a stretch of whitewater. The rocks, waves and turns demand your focus while you and your paddling companions work as a team to negotiate rapids and set safety for each other.

Best in Class

Our instructors have won the American Canoe Association's Excellence in Instruction Award in 2005, 2011 and 2017, and our founder, Bruce Lessels, won their Legends of Paddling Award in 2013.
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Special Offers

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Kayak on the River this Afternoon

Kayaking down Massachusetts' Deerfield River is a great way to see the Berkshires and spend a warm summer day outside and active! These boats are easy to paddle and very stable, making them a great way to get a taste of whitewater kayaking with minimal instruction.

Take Me to the River!
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Learn Whitewater Kayaking

Whether you’re kayaking on a mellow Class I or II river, playing in a challenging Class III rapid in Vermont, or pushing the limits on Class IV and above, the essential paddling skills you need to maneuver a kayak safely and confidently are the same. Learning these skills is a matter of taking it one step at a time. Our kayaking clinics progress from Novice to Class II to Class III and above, with each step along the way presenting its own challenges and rewards.

Whitewater Kayak Instruction
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Bring Your Family & Friends

Group Getaways

Guided River Kayaking is a perfect activity for groups looking to spend a fun afternoon learning the basics of whitewater kayaking at a great price! This guided tour will take you through a beautiful section of the Deerfield River with a water and snack stop halfway through the trip.

If you are with a group looking to learn more, our friendly office staff will be happy to help you plan this awesome adventure! Give us a call or learn more on our Group page.

Group of kayakers lined up on the river during fall

We (parents + teenage son) did a 2-day introductory kayak clinic. We have nothing but praise for the guides (Dylan, Emma and Hank), the equipment and the location. It was challenging (as we expected), but never too much or in any way dangerous. We felt in professional hands, and pleasant ones, too - thanks! We hope to come back for a second serving.

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Buy Trip Photos

Our skillful kayaking photographers capture all the action, smiles, and fun of your Zoar Outdoor adventure. The photo slideshow seen at the end of your trip is available for purchase onsite or here online.

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Sign up for a private, semi-private or special group kayaking clinic!