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Esprit offers whitewater kayaking instruction on the Ottawa River. Learn how to kayak this summer on the Ottawa River.
Whitewater Ontario accredited kayak courses. Learn how to kayak punter the tutelage of Whitewater Ontario certified instructors.
Esprit offers 5 day Immersion courses and 2 day Classic Clinics for beginner level kayakers. Each course is specially designed to include the best river locations to enhance your learning experience.
Be Prepared!
Learning to kayak means spending a lot of time in the water. Learn how to rescue yourself and others on a swiftwater rescue course. more»
Women's Classic Clinic
2 Day
This 2-Day intro to whitewater kayaking is the perfect weekend getaway for women looking for a fun, active and challenging adventure!
The Classic Clinic format offers beginner paddlers the opportunity to discover the thrill of whitewater kayaking in the warm, supportive atmosphere of an all women's group. Our knowledgeable and talented female instructors will assist you in learning at your pace through positive reinforcement and appropriate challenges.
Courses are based at the "Pointe", Esprit's riverside lodge on the banks of the Ottawa River. The Pointe is ideally located close to great learning spots for beginners on the Ottawa and Coulonge Rivers.
All Esprit courses follow the proficiency guidelines set forth by Whitewater Ontario. The Classic Clinic focuses on the skills set for the Proficiency Level A and introduces the moving water skills from the Proficiency Level B. For more information on these skill levels, please download the 
Classic Clinic Skills Progression document.
Availability & Costs 2008 |
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|---|---|---|
| Dates | Costs |
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| June 7-8 | $250.00 | |
| July 12-13 | $250.00 | |
| August 16-17 | $250.00 | |
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Classic Clinic Itinerary
The Women's "Classic Clinic" beginner kayak course is designed to introduce the fundamental strokes and maneuvers essential to your success paddling in class I-II whitewater.
| Day 1 | 8:30 am | Meet your guides and fellow paddlers |
| 9:00 am | Boat and equipment outfitting | |
| 10:00 am | Flat water instruction, basic strokes and techniques | |
| 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Lunch break | |
| 1:00 - 4:30 pm | Introduction to moving water (location will depend on water levels) | |
| Day 2 | 8:30 am | Depart for river |
| 9:00 am | Warm up, review strokes and techniques | |
| 10:00 am | Hydrology talk, scouting rapids, choosing lines | |
| 11:00 am | Fun, guided descent of rapids | |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch break | |
| 1:00 pm | Work on skills and techniques, additional river rapids | |
| 4:00 pm | Take out | |
| Note: Trip timing may vary depending on water levels. | ||
What's included in your course
All courses include your paddling equipment (kayak, skirt, paddle, lifejacket, helmet and wetsuit), certified kayak instructors, and river transportation. Meals and accommodations are not included in the course cost.
Optional Add-ons
| Accommodation: | |
| Camping (bring your own tent) Cabin Tent Rental Hostel |
$10.00/night $10.00/night $25.00/night |
| Meals: | |
| Breakfast Lunch Ultimate BBQ |
$8.00 $12.00 $25.00 |
What you should bring for your course
Swimsuit, quick dry shorts, warm fleece/wool sweater, polypropylene/synthetic long sleeve shirt & tights/leggings (ie. long underwear), water sandals/shoes/socks for use in water (preferably nothing too bulky so that you can wear them inside your kayak), personal paddling gear you may already have, noseplugs (highly recommended for new kayakers!), sunscreen, bug repellent, towel, bag to carry wet gear to and from river. If you are camping you will also need to bring a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and flashlight.
Testimonials
Don't just take our word for the fact that Esprit provides excellent kayaking instruction! Here is what others who have experienced an Immersion Course with Esprit have to say:
"Absolutely wonderful! Loved the staff, the atmosphere and the water!"
Carole, Waterloo