2-Day Kayaking Course Near Portland
About this experience
Learn the fundamental skills to start kayaking, and fall in love with this legendary outdoor activity!
No Expiration
DatesFlexible
BookingFree
ExchangesInstant
Delivery
What's Included
- Learn from white water kayak instructors certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA)
- 2-day course for beginner kayakers teaching you the fundamental skills to begin kayaking Class I and II whitewater
- Learn about equipment and kayaks, practice skills in the pool, and spend time on one of the rivers of the Columbia River Gorge progressing from slow moving water to Class II whitewater!
What happens on the day
Enjoy this fun and educational course, teaching you the basic skills you need to start enjoying kayaking in a safe and positive way.
On the first day, you will learn about the equipment necessary for kayaking and how to select the proper equipment and boat for you. You will then spend time in the pool learning the basics of safe boat exit and practicing the fundamentals for the Eskimo roll progression. After the pool session, you're off to the lake to work on the basics of kayak handling and maneuvering.
The second day of the course is spent on one of the rivers of the Columbia River Gorge developing fundamental paddling skills. Progressing from slow moving water to class II whitewater, you'll practice basic boat handling, eddy-turns and peel-outs, ferrying, water reading, self-rescue techniques, and safe paddling techniques.
After this 2-day course, you should possess the basic knowledge and skills necessary to get to the next level.
Location
Locations shown shouldn't be used for route planning
Availability
When Do I Choose A Date?
Either yourself or the lucky recipient can make a booking and select dates once you are in receipt of the voucher. You’ll register the voucher, follow the booking instructions, and your experience with us begins!
May - September:
Class Start Days - Wednesday and Saturday
**Classes begin on either Wednesday or Saturday, with the second day being the immediate next day. For example, if you choose a Wednesday start day, your second day will be the next day, which is Thursday.
Important Details
Essential Information
- Participants must be at least 13 years of age and be in good health, and possess a positive attitude
- Lunch and all necessary equipment will be provided
- Most allergies and dietary restrictions can be accommodated, but should be noted when booking
- Please bring any personal medications that you require, such as EPIpens, inhalers, etc
Duration
Experience Provider Info
Maximum Participants
Spectators
Weather Dependent
What to Wear
FAQs
What do I need to bring?
You will need a bathing suit or shorts to wear under the wetsuit, and that's it! They provide all the equipment you will need for your trip (at no charge), including wet suits, paddle jackets and fleece, booties, personal flotation devices, helmets and paddles. All you need to do is show up for the trip, and they will take care of the rest.
Do I have to be physically fit to kayak?
Typically, kayaking takes a higher level of physical fitness than rafting. This is due to the fact that you are individually responsible for making the kayak move and aren't able to rely on other people in your boat to assist you. Like any sport, you don't need to be a professional athlete to enjoy kayaking. Even more important than physical fitness is a positive, adventurous attitude.
Can I use my own kayaking gear for my instruction?
What is an Eskimo Roll?
The Kayak Roll (often referred to as an "Eskimo Roll") is the act of rolling a capsized kayak right side up by using your body and paddle. While many people think that rolling is the trick to learning to kayak, they feel that learning to stay right side up in the first place is the trick to learning to kayak. They do work on the roll during the kayak course, but the real emphasis in the course is learning to control your boat so that you can paddle efficiently in a river environment.
Is kayaking dangerous?
Whitewater paddling is thrilling, exciting, wet and wild and unbelieveably fun. However, as in all outdoor adventure sports, there is an inherent risk involved. Injuries are rare, but they can happen on any trip. From the staff training, to the rivers they select, to the equipment they use, there are minimal risks because safety is their priority.
Are there changing rooms?
Returns, Exchanges & Cancellations
Returns
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be returned hassle-free within 14 days. All refunds will be made to the original purchaser.
Exchanges
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be exchanged for anything else in our marketplace at any time. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs more, you'll simply have to pay the difference. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs less, you'll have a credit towards your next booking with Virgin Gifts.
Cancellation Policy
Once you have received a booking confirmation, cancellations and rescheduling are allowed up to 14 days prior to the Experience. Failure to appear on your booked date or to cancel and reschedule at least 14 days prior to your booked date will result in the loss of the value of your Experience.
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