| After your clinic: It takes some commitment to become a
proficient kayaker. You have taken the first step by attending Wilderness Voyageurs
clinic, but now you should practice on your own so you don't forget the fundamentals.
Buying a boat:
Wilderness Voyageurs sells new Wavesport and Perception boats. Buying a new kayak can cost from
$800 to $1000 dollars depending on the model. Also, used kayaks can sometimes be had
for less.
Wilderness Voyageurs offers both new Wave Sport and Perception boats at their retail store. Typically, some used boats are also available.
Call for details.
Boats for beginners:
Beginners need boats oriented toward their skill level. Typically, the most
frustrating element of kayaking, for a new kayaker, is the stability of the boat.
Try finding a boat with soft 'edges'. That is, one with a round profile. The Perception Arc is an example of a boat with soft edges.
Other boats good for beginners are: Perception Corsica and Wavesport
Godzilla. The Corsica isn't made anymore, but can be found used at lower prices.
Learning or improving your roll:
Whether you were able to get your roll in our clinic, or not, you should
spend some time in a pool, or calm lake, perfecting your technique. Clubs are an
excellent place to find other enthusiasts willing to help. Try American Whitewater Association for a list of clubs.
Also, for an example of a solid roll check out this online video.
Reading material
Kayak: The Animated Manual of Intermediate and Advanced Whitewater
Technique, by William Nealy is an excellent book for learning a lot about kayaking
technique, hydrodynamics, river reading, and safety. Also The Bombproof Roll and
Beyond, by Paul Dutky has an exhaustive discussion of roll technique. Both these
books can be found at Amazon.
Video
The Kayaker's Edge, by Kent Ford is a great video for learning
beginning and intermediate river running and playboating. It can be found at Whitewater Video
Online Advice
Online bulletin boards and newsgroups are great places to learn about
technique. The two best are rec.boats.paddle
and Boatertalk.
Finally, don't hesitate to enhance your learning by continuing with an
intermediate clinic at Wilderness Voyageurs. As you become more competent and
comfortable in your kayak we can help you advance your skills. Besides the
beginner's clinic, Wilderness Voyageurs offer intermediate to advanced clinics in Class
III to Class V whitewater.
Feel free to email to instructor@wilderness-voyageurs.com
if you have any other questions.
Wilderness Voyageurs (WV) is not engaged in any business
activities with Whitewater Video, Amazon.com, or American Whitewater Association.
Consequently WV cannot be held liable for any services, or products offered by those
companies.
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