Physical Preparation

The weekend school is strenuous and requires physical and mental effort. Significant numbers of people each year find they are not as physically fit as they thought and drop out after just one day of this two-day school. Adequate rest, proper nutrition, and several weeks of exercise are recommended for the best experience. The best preparation is several sessions of flatwater paddling in the weeks before school. Actual practice time on the water can go a long way toward making this school a better experience.

Our experience is that the younger teenagers often have trouble in this type of school. While we will accept those as young as twelve years, a better choice for the young paddler who doesn't have without significant river time would be the Recreational School on the Spring River or private instruction.

A fundamental safety rule is Be a Competent Swimmer, with the ability to handle yourself underwater. Swimming a few laps every week would also be good preparation for paddling school. Please be as honest as possible on your swimming ability on the school registration form. This information is important to your instructor to insure your safety and the safety of others while on the river.

Special arrangements for some physical limitations may be possible if you will discuss your special needs with us well in advance. There is a question on the registration form to indicate if you have a physical limitation...let us know so we can make arrangements!

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