AWC River SUP and Intro to Whitewater SUP

Saturday, June 7 2025 9:00am (6 hrs)

This course will start with River SUP Equipment and Safety instruction, then move into core river paddling skills including river reading / hazard identification, basic maneuvers in moving water, edge control and stances, ferrying, and progress these skills through intermediate maneuvers (playing in eddies, S-turns, bracing) culminating with running Class II rapids and potentially some river surfing if time and conditions allow. Approximately 6 hours with a break halfway.

Prerequisite Skills:

  • ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria

  • Confident paddling skills on flat water including turning on demand and paddling in a straight line

  • Some experience with footwork / moving on your board is preferred

Clinic Cost: $40.00

ACA (American Canoe Association) Event Insurance: $10/person for non-ACA members (this is mandatory!!)

If you are an ACA member, event insurance is included in your membership. Please provide your ACA membership number in the form when registering.

All participants must sign the ACA online waiver. A parent or guardian must sign the online waiver for anyone under the age of 18.

Required Equipment:

  • Appropriate SUP - 9-11' x 33"-36" with shallow water fin (no more than 5", preferably flexible)

  • SUP Paddle (Preferably adjustable as river SUP uses shorter paddles than flatwater)

  • Inherently buoyant (foam) PFD designed for paddling

  • Appropriate clothing for water temperature (recommended: light wetsuit or neoprene separates) We Will Get Wet!

  • Close-toed shoes (No Crocs or other sandal-style footwear)

  • Whitewater helmet (bicycle helmets are not permitted)

  • Water, snacks/lunch, medications, dry bag, change of clothes/towel for after the class

  • IF YOU AREN'T SURE ABOUT YOUR EQUIPMENT, CONTACT THE INSTRUCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. They may have spare equipment, but not unless arranged in advance.

Optional Equipment:

  • Leashes - Only river-appropriate quick release leashes are allowed. ABSOLUTELY NO LEG LEASHES ALLOWED.

  • Impact protection (elbow, knee pads like for mountain biking). Recommended if you paddle a hard board

email awc.clinics@gmail.com for more inquires.