Carolina Canoe Club Paddling Clinics

The Carolina Canoe Club offers the several Paddling Clinics each year. The dates for specific clinics and a link to the registration form can be found in the CCC Calendar.

• Beginner Clinic - usually held in the Bryson City, NC area on Fontana Lake and the Tuckasegee River or a similar difficulty run in that area. This clinic is aimed at people who are serious about getting into the sport of whitewater paddling but have little or no experience. Students must have their own equipment to take part.

• Novice/Intermediate Clinic - usually based out of Turkey Creek Campground. These clinics will be held in the Bryson City area. They will focus on basic paddling skills and river running techniques. The instructors will determine the clinic setting/river based on the skills and desires of the students for each class. Use the skill level definitions found in the registration form instructions to rate yourself accurately and honestly. (Hint - paddling around a lake makes you a Beginning paddler, not a Novice). We will camp at Turkey Creek campground in Almond, NC. You are responsible for your camping fees . You can check for camping information and directions at www.turkey-creek.com. Students must provide their own boats and all paddling equipment.

• Advanced Clinics - The advanced clinics are designed to focus on specific skills. We have had some great boaters teach these classes in the past. Rivers paddled in these clinics are dependent on water levels and are at the discretion of the instructor. These clinics fill up quickly so register early. Registration is limited to one class per person unless additional space is available. Examples of Advanced Clinics that have been offered in the past include:
  • Personal First Descent - This clinic will be on a river with Class III or IV rapids, preferably one that you have not yet paddled. The clinic will work on developing river reading skills and decision points to improve your ability to paddle new water comfortably.

  • Creeking - This clinic will work on techniques for creeking such as boofs and landing drops and understanding small/steep river dynamics. You must have a reliable river roll.

  • Advanced Single Blade - This clinic will be based on the Ocoee and will work on canoe fundamentals in heavier, pushier water.

  • Playboating - This clinic will work on the fundamentals to perform playboating moves: flat spins, bow and stern initiations, and linking ends. You must have a reliable river roll and come prepared to be upside down and wet.

  • Paddle Smarter, Not Harder - This clinic will be based on the Ocoee and will work on kayak fundamentals. You must have paddled the Ocoee several times and have a reliable river roll. This is NOT a first timers trip on the Ocoee.

  If you are interested in offering an Advanced Clinic please contact the Education Chair at education.chair@carolinacanoeclub.org.

You must be a CCC member to attend any of these clinics. If you are not already a member, do so now!