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Instruction

• Schedule of Classes
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• Basic Canoeing Classes 
• Kayaking Classes Information
• Instructor Information

Run the rapids or float gently down the C&O Canal. We can teach you how to paddle canoes and kayaks whether you like your recreation wet and wild or peaceful and relaxing, CCA instructors are trained and experienced.

You can count on learning to canoe and kayak safely. Don't be left high and dry — join us and learn how to be safe and have fun on the water! See if one of the classes below is what you need to get the most out of your paddling experience.

Check the CCA Summer Instruction Program. We offer canoe, kayak, and safety (Swiftwater Rescue) classes.

Introduction to Canoeing

Join Jim Finucane and friends for a free canoe lesson and potluck picnic every Tuesday evening during the summer. Contact Jim at (301) 365-3485 (before 9 pm, please) or e-mail Jim. First lesson and picnic on June 3rd.

These sessions are not intended to take the place of the Canoeing Basics course, but to give you a modest introduction to canoeing including safety, equipment and basic strokes. The classes begin with a brief lecture on land and include an hour of paddling on the canal. Sessions start promptly at 6:30 p.m. with brief instruction before entering the boats. Participants should arrive 15 minutes early to select necessary equipment. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. All necessary equipment is provided by the canoe livery owners at the nominal fee of $2.00 per person. CCA member volunteer instructors are always welcome.

Please review the Schedule for dates (the class is not offered every week).

No registration or membership required.

Canoeing Basics for Lakes and Rivers

This class is designed to introduce beginners who have little or no experience in boats to the joy of paddling. It is a good refresher course for people who have paddled some years ago or who have acquired their skills informally. Participants in the course will learn basic safety procedures, equipment care and handling, and basic paddle strokes (power, turning and correction strokes) for handling a canoe. This course is an excellent preliminary for those interested in the Beginning Whitewater Canoe course.

The first session is an evening classroom meeting that includes registration and an introduction to safety and equipment. The other three sessions are spent in boats on the water learning strokes, boat control, and safety techniques. Canoes and equipment are available for rent at the course site and partners can be arranged if necessary.

For more detailed (essential) information about this class, click here.

Schedule and Registration

For information contact:
Michael Hoon
Phone: (301) 589-7533

Beginning Whitewater Canoe

Move from the canal onto the river. This course is designed for solo and tandem open canoe and C-1 paddlers who have successfully completed the Canoeing Basics course or who can demonstrate competence of basic flatwater paddling skills. Participants in the course will learn basic safety procedures in whitewater, choosing proper equipment, water reading, and essential whitewater maneuvers including peel outs, eddy turns and ferries.

The first session is an evening classroom meeting including registration and a lecture on safety and equipment. The following three sessions will meet on a local river where the rapids are rated Class II.

Students will need an open canoe with additional flotation, a life jacket and paddle. If you do not have a boat and gear, you can make arrangements with one of the liveries. Be sure to mention you want the equipment for a CCA class as some offer a discount for CCA classes.

Schedule and Registration

For information contact:
Bob Kimmel
Phone: (703) 281-1428

Beginning Whitewater Kayak

Learn to experience the excitement of challenging whitewater rapids in this class. Beginning on flatwater and advancing to whitewater, participants will learn novice skills for paddling a kayak including wet exits, safety, rescue, equipment and basic paddling skills such as braces, eddy turns and peelouts.

The first session is an evening classroom meeting including registration, a film and an introduction to safety and equipment. The second and third sessions will meet on the water and will include a down river trip with opportunities to practice newly learned skills playing in appropriate rapids.

Each paddler must supply a kayak with flotation, a paddle, a spray-skirt, a life jacket and a helmet. If you do not have a boat and gear, there are several liveries that rent equipment. Be sure to mention you want the equipment for a CCA class as some offer a discount for CCA classes.

For more detailed (essential) information about this class, click here.

Schedule and Registration

For information contact:
Bob Kimmel
Phone: (703) 281-1428

River Safety & Swiftwater Rescue

This class covers all the basics of safe paddling: river dangers, how to recognize and avoid them, proper boat and personal outfitting, self rescue techniques, swimmer and boat recovery, trip organization and leadership.

The class consists of 2, 8 hour sessions over Saturday and Sunday. Please check the CCA class schedule for dates. To complete the entire course, participants must be competent in class II whitewater. You must provide your own boats, and equipment.

Schedule and Registration

For information contact:
Ron Ray
Phone: (410) 884-6719

Contact Instruction Committee

If you want general information about CCA's instruction classes not specifically related to one of the classes above or have suggestions for their web pages contact the Instruction Coordinator.