Intermediate I Whitewater Kayak

This clinic is designed for paddlers who are confident on Class II rivers and are ready to begin stepping into Class III whitewater in a structured, supportive environment.

Location: French Broad, Section IX

Class Size: 10 Students

You may be ready for an Intermediate I clinic if you:

• Can navigate downstream in Class II with confidence
• Can perform eddy turns and peel outs in forgiving conditions
• Have a combat roll that works some of the time
• Can paddle Class I–II rapids with little to no outside direction

What You’ll Work On

Intermediate I clinics focus on strengthening fundamental skills so they begin to work reliably in Class III whitewater.

Instruction commonly includes:

• Stroke efficiency and boat control
• Edge control and balance
• Improving eddy turns, peel outs, and ferries with better timing and angles
• Stability and balance in wave trains
• Reading water and anticipating current

What to Expect

Clinic formats vary based on the river and the group. Some clinics may begin on flatwater or slower current to reinforce stroke mechanics, while others move directly to the river.

Most on-river time is spent on Class II–III sections, with an emphasis on repetition, feedback, and skill development.

Typical Rivers

Intermediate I clinics are often held on rivers such as:

• Lower Haw River (below ~2,500 CFS)
• Nantahala River
• Other similar Class II–III runs

Participants Leave Better Prepared to:

• Paddle Class II–III rivers with greater consistency and control
• Use eddy turns, peel outs, and ferries more intentionally and precisely in current
• Maintain awareness of the river and group while moving downstream
• Recover from mistakes calmly and continue paddling