PHASE I - POOL SESSIONS  These begin February 3rd and will be held at the Marshall White Center Pool, in Ogden UT.  Weds nights, from 6-9pm.   Pool sessions serve to acquaint the participants (henceforth called newbies, or noobs) with the basics of floating in, and maneuvering, a kayak. They start in February and continue through mid April (schedule below). Paddle strokes will be learned, balance will develop, the occasional roll (the eskimo roll for righting your overturned kayak) will be pulled off, and confidence will develop. You'll start feeling comfortable and then we will head outside for phase II. 

PHASE II - TAKING YOU TO THE RIVER  Our first river trips begin somewhere between March and late April. Weather and water dependent.  These can be a shock to the Noob's system. Despite the presence of a veritable flotilla of experienced kayakers acting as escort (you will be well supported) the reality of moving water induces anxiety. Gone is the pool edge, silt has replaced chlorine, the water is cold and murky. Eddy currents challenges the balance that you had begun to take for granted. Welcome to the River! Our first outings will be on small local rivers such as the Jordan, Provo, Weber then on to the first weekend trip to the Green River Daily, up stream from the town of Green River, UT. We start you off with a relatively short run of 5 miles though the Class II section terminating at Swazeys Rapid, where we will be camping. On the first day the Noob is usually gripped, and fighting for balance and control. Don't worry - things improve considerably on day two as you begin to loosen up and go with the flow. Therefore it is STRONGLY suggested that you plan on boating both days.

PHASE III - PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE  From late April through early July we'll spend most of our time on a couple local streams, the Bear River up in Evanston, Wyoming, and the the Weber River (aka The Mighty Weber, the Webe, or Hen-Tag, after the name of the run) just downstream from Henefer, in Morgan County. We'll be putting in river miles and developing basic river running skills. The Weber in particular will challenge the Noob with the technical maneuvering required to run the Rock Garden. Up on the Bear, if the water gets high, the experience will be one of fast moving runnoff and the opportunity to investigate the possibilities presented by a man-made playpark. Both streams are great practice runs and we will log many laps in preparation for the last phase of the season.

PHASE IV - GRADUATION  The last half of the summer sees us moving up to the big club trips of the year: the Payette Soiree up in Idaho and the official UWC Beginner Class graduation trip to Alpine Canyon of the Snake River up in Wyoming. Both these trips feature Class III rapids, with bigger waves and stronger currents than anything yet experienced. But by now the our Noobs are familiar with the anticipation that comes with ratcheting things up a notch and have learned to trust that their mentors will watch out for them and see them through the big stuff. They have also experienced the thrill and satisfaction that comes with riding through an intimidating rapid and pulling into the eddy below. If they've made it this far they are ready to shed the status of newbie, and more than likely are hooked on their new sport!

The Details: 

Size - We like to limit the program to 15 people. More than that and our resources are sorely stretched.   To get on the list, you'll need to pay for the course.  First come first served.  The list is starting to build quite fast so get your name on the list asap. 

Cost - $250 per person, and this includes a one year membership in the Utah Whitewater Club, and a membership with the American Canoe Assoc (and a monthly Paddler Magazine). Also included will be instructional material such as a kayaking technique book, Eskimo Roll DVD, and a throw rope. Your membership with the UWC will get you 10% discounts at local paddle shops and your ACA membership will get you a 10% discount through Colorado Kayak Supply.  (Please shop local if you can)  This is a very good deal.

Gear - Although nothing is required for the pool sessions; you can use boats, paddles and spray skirts provided by the club, we do suggest that prior to the river trips participants get their own gear. Having your own boat, outfitted to fit you specifically, will greatly help your ability to do well in the pool.  A gear list will be provided. Expect to spend between $500 and $1500 for a complete outfit including (but not limited to) boat, paddle, sprayskirt, helmet, PFD (life vest), paddle jacket and other river clothing. Like most outdoor sports, kayaking is somewhat gear intensive, although there are no lift tickets to buy! ;)

Attendance - is not mandatory but, as with any learning endeavor, the more time you put in the more you'll get out of it. In general we are looking for people who are motivated to learn the sport. It is expected that you will put forth the effort to learn so that our effort to teach is well received.  Kayaking is not magic and can be learned by all ages.  We hope this course will serve as us opening the door to you, for a lifetime of future paddling fun.  The entry fee is not refundable due to the materials and fees involved.

Contact - UWC President Jeff Young. He can be reached by phone at (801) 721-4338 and by email at Ducatismurf@hotmail.com


Here are some pics from the Beginner Series in 2009, first session: