PE 1681: Whitewater Kayaking

This introductory course starts out in the pool where you will learn boat control and wet exits and progresses to moving water where you will learn the dynamics of a river and basic river safety.  During the course you will practice boat handling skills including edging, bracing, rolling, and paddle strokes. Kayaking on the river will give you the opportunity to learn how to read the water and practice maneuvering across current with ferries, eddy turns, and peel outs. River destinations will be dependent on river levels. This class culminates in a trip to paddle on some real class II/III whitewater. 

Gear and Packing List 

This clothing list is intentionally specific because we want you to be safe and to enjoy your outdoor experience. It is best to be prepared for cold and wet, no matter what the weather forecast. It is better to dress with layers so that you can regulate your temperature based on your activity level and changes in the weather. We strongly recommend synthetics (thermax, capilene, bergalene and other non-cottons) or wool because these materials retain their insulating qualities when damp whereas cotton does not. Make sure that your layers are sized in such a way that you will be able to easily wear all of them at one time (inner wicking layer, middle insulating layer, outer weatherproof layer). Dressing according to these concepts will increase the quality and enjoyment of your outdoor experience.

The idea with the equipment below is to have a few options of "Wet clothing" depending on the temperature and having a change of cloths along so you don't have to ride home from the river wet. For your wet cloths, having you base swim suit along with synthetic layers to add is helpful in spending a whole day out on the water. even on a warm day, extended time in the water can cool you down enough to require extra layers. Synthetic layer will help keep you warm even when wet. 

Provided and already paid for with your Course Fee:

• Cooking Equipment & Food
• First Aid Kit
• Paddling Gear (wetsuits, lifejacket, boat, booties, paddle jacket, paddle)

The full packing list (including rental items listed above):

Upper Body

• 1 long underwear tops (synthetic propylene, not cotton!)
• 2 insulation layers (expedition weight long underwear, fleece jacket/vest, or wool sweater)
• 1 t-shirt (cotton or lightweight synthetic) 

Lower Body

• 1 pair shorts (quick drying nylon is best)
• 1 pair long underwear bottoms (synthetic propylene, not cotton)
• regular underwear as needed
• bathing suit 

Head and Hands

• 1 wide brim sun hat (optional)

  Feet

• water shoes  *booties can be provided but an old pair of shoes works much better 

Personal Gear

• 2 1-liter water bottles (with leak-proof lids)
• bowl (Tupperware® bowl with lid works well)
• fork and spoon
• day pack
• Towel

Personal Maintenance Kit

• chapstick, waterproof sunscreen
• sunglasses (with keeper strap/croakies)
• tampons/pads (bring Ziploc® bags to carry out)
• contacts, solution, glasses

• medication (adequate supply, let instructors know)