Getting Started
Interested in getting started with whitewater kayaking? Awesome, let us help you figure out how to get out onto the water to experience this thrilling sport!
What kind of gear do I need?
Where do I get my gear?
How do I learn paddling skills I need for whitewater?
Depending on the time of year we have different opportunities for learning. In the winter pool sessions happen all around the area and allow people to learn and work on their kayak roll. As we move into the late spring and summer we have beginner trips and clinics. Beginner Slip trips happen every Tuesday after work beginning in May at Slippery Rock Creek in McConnell Mill State park until the creek runs out of water. Our first clinic of the year is also in this area. Slip Clinic happens the first weekend of June every year, its a weekend of camping, camaraderie, and learning. Our Second Clinic, Turkey Bash, happens the first weekend of August down near Ohiopyle, Pa near the Youghiogheny(Yock) River.
How do I find people to paddle with?
So you've got the gear and you are developing your paddling skills, but how does one find other boaters to paddle with? For planned upcoming trips keep an eye out on our newsletter and event calendar. In addition to scheduled trips people are planning impromptu river runs all the time on our facebook group.
Where do I find information about rivers to run?
American Whitewater has extensive details on river difficulty, access points and water levels for:
