Whitewater kayaking Youth Camps

Lock 32 Whitewater park summer clinics teach kids and teens to excel in one of the fastest growing water sports in the country. Participants will learn the basic elements of whitewater kayaking and water safety, including wet-exits, forward and reverse sweep strokes, peel outs, eddy turns, ferries and river reading skills. All of the skills taught build a strong foundation for white water slalom racing, freestyle kayaking and recreational river running. The program involves lots of fun activities, including games and swimming to build a strong kayaking and safety skill set. All kayaks, helmets, paddles and life jackets are provided.   

The minimum age for participants is ten years old and all participants must be able to swim.

Please note: A late fee of $25 will apply for registrations received between the Wednesday (at noon) and Friday prior to the start of the class.  For registrations after noon on the Friday prior to the start of the camp, please call Kayaking Director Paul Twist at 585-586-4330 to confirm your registration.  

A minimum of 3 participants are required.  GWC reserves the right to cancel the course if the minimum is not met.

Level 1 Whitewater Youth Camp

This four-day program will get you into kayaking in the Lock 32 Whitewater Park. On Day One we head over to the pond and work on the basic paddling skills on calm water. You will learn how to get out of the boat when you flip over, how to paddle and how to steer your kayak. On Day Two we will head down to the whitewater course where you will continue working on your paddling in moving water. On Day Three you can run the whole whitewater course (if you want to)—crash through waves and small holes. On Day Four we work on some more advanced skills (like surfing), play a variety of games and paddle down through the rapids. Day five allows you to practice everything you learned during the first four days.

This course teaches solid kayaking skills right from the start. Once you learn the basics you can take a more advanced class (like a Level Two clinic) or come back on Monday night and join the Lock 32 Youth Kayaking Club, which includes members who have just started out like you and youth who have been featured in national magazines and competitions. 

Level 2 Whitewater Youth Clinics

Level Two is all about learning the Eskimo Roll and improving your boat control in the rapids.  Instructors will work one-on-one with each student to teach the fundamentals of the roll and to practice and perfect the technique.  Once you get the roll, you will be challenged with advanced playboating moves like the stern squirt and bow stall.  You will also work on surfing the waves, side-surfing in the holes and perfecting your boat control throughout the features in the whitewater course.  

Prerequisite: Level I clinic or equivalent whitewater experience

Level 3 Whitewater Youth Clinics

Level Three is the perfect way to polish up your skills and become a complete boater.  On Day One you will learn the family of draw strokes (a draw stroke moves your boat sideways) in order to get better at controlling your boat in the current.  Day Two is cartwheel day: you will learn the skills in flatwater first and then practice them on eddy lines and in the holes.  Day Three is devoted to Swiftwater Rescue; you will learn the skills to keep yourself and others safe on the river.  On Day Four we will review draws and cartwheels and use the miracle of video to analyze your technique.  Day five allows you to practice everything you learned during the first four days.  There will be lots of playboating throughout the week!    

Prerequisite: You must have a reliable Eskimo roll