Wilderness White Water Paddling

INTRODUCTION TO WHITE WATER I – A RIVER JOURNEY
One Week, Ages 11 – 13 • June 27 – July 3
Sliding Scale Tuition: $950 - $560

Adventuresome students are invited to join this fun-filled kayaking, canoeing and rapid swimming week! Once acquainted with Kroka and each other, the group will embark on a 5-day river trip. Each day will be an opportuni-ty to paddle kayaks and tandem canoes. Those who are ready can also try solo canoeing. Most of our equipment will be transported by way of raft, so while students are learning how to paddle,their gear will remain dry! We will float down the fast current of the river, catch eddies, and practice ferrying. Time will be given to basic white water safety and practice swim-ming in fast moving water. In the afternoons, we will set our camp in the woods or on sand-bars. After gathering fire wood and doing camp work, there will be time for play and discovery. Days will end with craftwork, a campfire meal, a story and songs rhythmically in tune, with the moving water of the river. Introduction to White Water II is recommended as the next step in our white water progression. See below.

INTRODUCTION TO WHITE WATER II – SKILL DEVELOPMENT
One Week, Ages 11 – 13 • July 18 – 24
Sliding Scale Tuition: $950 - $560
Skill level: Beginners with interest in white water paddling and graduates of previous paddling programs

This program is a sequel to the first week of Introduction to White Water I. It can also be taken independently. Our home base for the week will be the Deerfield River in Western Massachusetts. We will camp in a magical forest by the side of a clear mountain stream and hike down to the river each day to practice kayaking, tandem and solo canoeing, surfing, rolling, river reading and white water swimming techniques. Working in small groups allows us to focus on each students’ individual needs and learning styles. Kroka’s unique and age-appropriate white water curriculum is taught in a cooperative and friendly atmosphere. Students learn skills neces-sary for safe passage in Class II white water (and for those who are ready, they may begin tack-ling Class III paddling). Paddlers’ Journey Up North is recommended as the next step in our white water progression.

PADDLERS JOURNEY UP NORTH
Two Weeks, Ages: 12 – 18 • August 1 – 14
Sliding Scale Tuition: $1990 - $1210
Skill level: For students who have completed Introduction to White Water I and II or Paddlers Up North, have previous white water experience or special permission from the director of the program.

We are so excited to return once again to our northern training grounds with a new generation of paddlers! Our first few days will be spent at Kroka Village packing, reviewing basics and making a white water handcraft. In the past, students have made helmets, paddles, life jackets and rescue ropes.

This year our destination will be the West Branch of the Penobscot and Kennebec Rivers in Maine. Flowing through the Great Northern Forest these rivers drain large lakes providing steady summer flow and a unique paddling experience in a breath taking setting. Class II – IV Pool-Drop rapids of the Seboomook (the Native name of the section of the Penobscot we will be paddling) is an ideal training ground for a wide range of paddling abilities. Pad-dling in canoes and kayaks with the galore of surfing holes, waves, exciting drops and maze-like passages make it exciting for all. We will make our base camp at the bottom of the rapids and train here for several days enjoying river life, watching the animals and catching fish for meals.

The final stage of our journey will be the Kennebec River Gorge. With three times the amount of water of our typical river and near vertical walls, this stream is unique for New England. With ten-foot standing waves, few rocks, and an awesome speed, the Kennebec has the feel of a true western river! This trip is a perfect learning op-portunity for intermediate and advanced paddlers alike. While rapids of the Penobscot will be appropriate for all paddling levels in small crafts, some of the less experienced students will enjoy the thrill of the Kennebec Gorge from aboard a raft.

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