Adventure Canoeing

This exciting skill oriented class combines our 20 years whitewater experience with American Canoe Association instructional guidelines. Our goal is to get you and your canoeing partner going in an efficient manner to successfully take on the challenge of the river's many Class I and Class II rapids. Plan on a full day of fun and activity.

Guidelines
Participants should enjoy the outdoors and be open to following instructions. All participants are required to wear a PFD (personal floatation device) at all times while on the river. Plan on getting wet!!

Minimum age is 13 years old. Mandatory minimum/maximum of 2 persons per canoe (singles will be paired up, but it is recommended that all participants try to bring their own partners), maximum number of participants in each class is 14.

Adventure Canoeing Preparation and Information
We look forward to sharing a great day on the river with you! Please read the following information carefully. We want you to view your class with a team spirit. Each participant is counting on you to honor your commitment to attend. A last minute change, cancellation or no-show could leave one of the participants without a canoeing partner. If you have a last minute emergency, try to find a friend to take your place.

River for your Canoe Trip
We use the Potomac River. We meet at Riley's Lock on Seneca Creek.

Gear and Essentials
Try to keep personal gear to a minimum (no coolers, please). All personal gear will go into a small waterproof pack that will be provided for you.

Long pants are suggested to protect against the sun. Tennis shoes are mandatory. Bring a hat (baseball cap or other), sun screen, securing strap for eyeglasses, and a wool sweater, windbreaker, or rainsuit if cool weather is predicted. Bring your lunch and at least one quart of water. Take note that cotton clothes feel cooler when wet. Bring first aid tape or a light pair of gloves to prevent blisters (bicycling gloves work well). We urge you not to bring valuable gear (non-waterproof items such as jewelry, watches, etc.) on the river. Please note that it will be necessary to kneel on canoe floor knee pads a great deal of the time.

Your Well-being is our Primary Concern
Your day on the river will provide you with plenty of fun and excitement. If you like outdoor activities you will like our introduction to river canoeing! We have introduced over 5,000 people to river canoeing. All participants will be required to sign an assumption of risk form. You also need to take into consideration that river canoeing is a wet sport! At least one or two canoes tip over during our classes, though this is not a big deal as you will be wearing PFD's at all times while on the water. Plan on getting wet! All classes are taught with 2 people per canoe, unless you have prearranged with the instructor to paddle solo. Your guide and instructor has over 30 years of canoeing experience and is an American Canoe Association certified instructor.

Other Important Information
We normally meet at Riley's Lock House the morning of your trip. (see our maps page)

We look forward to sharing a great day on the river with you! Don't forget to set your alarm clock!