Clinic

Description
Quite simply, rolling your kayak to an upright position is the best self rescue method, period. It is one of those counterintuitive skills progressions, however, that demands a skilled instructor with a good eye and deep understanding of the mechanics of various rolling styles to smooth the learning process. So we try to make your learning experience as easy as possible in a warm pool with rolling-friendly kayaks and knowledgeable ACA and BCU certified instructors.

All our instructors are familiar with several different rolling and teaching styles, and will determine which ones are the best match for each student. Working at your pace, the instructors will lead you through logical progressions of skills and movements which fit together to create "the bombproof roll".

**Below are the clinics offered. All clinics are held in the same location, pool space and time slot to maximize our level of instruction.

Water Confidence 101: If you want to master the roll this class is a great place to start. By using in-water confidence exercises, hip snaps, leans and braces we will give you the skills to develop a roll. Prerequisite: None.

Rolling 202: Tried it, worked it, but never got it. Let us help you. Through progression and techniques we will have you rolling in no time. We will use video feedback to help you visualize the mechanics and happenings of the roll. Prerequisite: Water confidence or previous rolling class.

Rolling for Rollers: So you know how to roll or have managed it once, or just want to refine your existing roll. We can help develop a bomb proof roll and beyond by breaking down techniques andrebuilding it into a solid roll. Prerequisite: Water confidence or previous rolling class.

Rescues and Bracing: If you don't want to get stale and forget what you practiced in class this year, then come join us in the heated pool for some refresher training. Prerequisite: None.

Includes

Students are permitted to bring their own gear. Equipment must be equivalent to gear provided, appropriate for class, in good working order and approved by instructor. Please call 800-310-4504 with any questions.

1) Whitewater kayak

2) Paddle

3) PFD (type III, Coast Guard approved)

4) Booties

5) Spray skirt

7) Helmet

Does Not Include

Students will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather. Pack a lunch and snacks for the day. Water bottles should be filled before arrival.

1) Lodging

2) Meals

3) Transportation

4) Personal gear and clothing

 

Locations

Whitin Community Center, Whitinsville, Massachusetts

The Whitin Community Center is located in the center of the Village of Whitinsville in the town of Northbridge. It is in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, about 15 miles south of Worcester and 25 miles north of the city of Providence (RI). 60 Main Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588.

 

Gear List

Required Gear and Clothing

Please come dressed for the weather and prepared with the appropriate gear and clothing for your kayak program. Below is a list of gear and clothing recommended by the Eastern Mountain Sports Kayak School. If you have any questions please call 800-310-4504.

 

Long or Short Sleeve Top Dress appropriately for the days weather. Any non-cotton material is appropriate. * Spray jackets and wetsuits are available from the Kayak School for spring and fall paddling. Drysuits are used for cold weather paddling.

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Shorts or Pants Dress appropriately for the days weather. Any non-cotton material is appropriate. * Wetsuits are available from the Kayak School for spring and fall paddling. Drysuits are used for cold weather paddling.

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Food and Water Lunch and snacks (sandwich, chips, bars, etc.) and 1 liter or more of water.

Optional Items

Nose plug

Camera

Dry Bag

Dry change of clothes and towel

EMS Kayak School Provides

 

Whitewater Kayak

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PFD Type III, Coast Guard approved.

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Paddle

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Helmet

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Spray Skirt

 

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i bring my own gear
Yes, if it is appropriate. Kayaks for instruction or for tours need to have a minimum of safety features as well as be an appropriate style and size kayak for the class/tour. Call and check with the school or instructor.

What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations or schedule changes 8 DAYS OR MORE PRIOR to the event start date will be fully refunded or credited with no penalty. Reservation changes of any kind WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE EVENT START DATE WILL NOT BE REFUNDED and you WILL NOT be permitted to carry over deposits to future events. Please mark this date on your calendar after making your reservation!

What time should I plan to arrive for class?
You should get to class at least 15 minutes early. Classes start and end on time.

 

How many students in each class?
Pool Clinics run with a 1:3 instructor to student ratio.

 

What certifications do your instructors have?
All instructors hold current and up to date American Canoe Association (ACA) Certifications. Their level of certification always meets or exceed the level of class they are teaching. All instructors are also CPR and First Aid trained.

 

How is Eastern Mountain Sports different from other outfitters?
While there are other good outfitters, they are in the minority. We spend a great deal of time on staff training and all our instructors are nationally certified. All of our guides and instructors were experienced paddlers before they became instructors, and that is a claim few other outfitters can back up. We perform risk assessments for every site we work at, with emergency procedure plans prepared in advance, and regularly train in conjunction with rescue agencies like the US Coast Guard and local harbormasters. We have instructors who regularly teach at nationally regarded paddles sports events across the US.