Where: Meet at Swiss Valley NC then drive to Manchester, IA

What: This all-levels clinic is designed to introduce you to the exciting world of whitewater kayaking!

We'll emphasize safety, paddling techniques, and fun as we introduce participants to moving water.

Sessions start off in a calm area of the river where our whitewater kayaking leaders will fit kayakers to their boats. Then we will introduce participants to wet exits, where they will practice being upside down in the river and safely exiting their boats. Next, we'll take to the Maquoketa river whitewater park and proceed navigating through the whitewater features with the guidance of experienced whitewater kayaking leaders.

Only requirements are a positive attitude and the ability to swim. (you will be swimming in the Maquoketa River)

Our experienced whitewater kayaking leaders are Hannah Ray J and Marty Colbert. Together they have over 30 years combined whitewater paddling experience. Hannah and Marty paddle as much as they can, year round! Yes, that means in winter too.

Marty is a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa paddling local streams and rivers throughout childhood until he discovered whitewater kayaking later in life. Now, Marty only thinks about whitewater kayaking twice a day, when awake and when asleep!

Hannah is a native of Manchester, Iowa. She first started recreational kayaking with her brother on the Maquoketa River. Then she discovered whitewater kayaking and river surfing here in Iowa and has been enthralled with whitewater paddling ever since. Hannah is a Team Athlete at Jackson Kayak, Werner Paddles, Badfish SUP, NoCoast SUP, Colorado River Surf Co, Shred Ready Helmets, and CKS Squad. She is an Ambassador at Astral and Crawdaddy Outdoors, a RAW Hero at RAW Adrenaline, and a Community Leader at Land Locked Surfing.

Equipment List
• Lots of healthy, high-energy snacks, & water[*]Quick-drying clothes like under armor/swim suit/board shorts[*]Water shoes, NO flip flops or strappy shoes/sandals[*]Change of clothes[*]Towel[*]Optional/personal preference: Nose clips (like for swimming)

For event-related questions, please click on the Contact the Organizers button on the left-hand side of this page.