Private Rafting Clinic
Are you looking to develop your skills as a paddle guide or on the oars? Our Whitewater Rafting Instructional Clinics are just what you need! The itinerary is adjustable so we can meet you where you’re at in your rafting progression. Whether you are a brand new rafter looking for the basics or an experienced boater looking to advance your abilities, we are here for you. Our instructors will reach out ahead of time and see what your goals are, where you are at in your skills progression, and then design the course around that. Once we establish an itinerary, we will determine what type of raft and what section of river will be best to accomplish your goals. We have a large fleet of rafts ranging from small, responsive 12′ rafts perfect for creeking and playboating up to substantial 16′ rafts great for simulating those expedition boats loaded with gear. Then we have multiple rivers and sections to get you on the style of water you want to master. Whether it is high water on the New River to prepare for the Grand Canyon or low water on the Gauley River to dial in your technical boating, you won’t find a better place to learn. Join us for a clinic in a fun, dynamic, and empowering environment with our ACA-certified instructors in wild and wonderful West Virginia.
Course Learning Objectives
While navigating rapids in an oar rig or paddle raft, the participant will:
- Gain valuable experience in a whitewater river environment
- Learn to identify common whitewater features and hazards
- Become familiar with whitewater rafting equipment and the advantages/disadvantages of different styles of equipment
- Maneuver a raft using safe and effective techniques
- Practice basic safety and rescue skills
Course includes
- An ACA-certified instructor (see what it takes to become one here – https://americancanoe.org/education/take-a-paddling-class/become-an-instructor/)
- Transportation to and from river locations
- All rafting equipment (raft, paddles/oars, frames, etc…)
- Med kit
- Lunch (typically a deli-style spread with sandwiches and sides)
- Wet-suit rentals available
Participants need to bring
- Appropriate swim attire for the season and conditions
- Secure water shoes (close-toed preferred)
- Any personal protective equipment you already have including PFD, helmet, whistle, knife, and throw rope (ACE will provide any necessary equipment that you do not have)
- A willingness to learn
- If you would like to receive a course completion certificate, a $40 ACA Membership is required
2026 Pricing
- 1-day clinic: $550 + $50 per additional person*
- 2-day clinic: $900 + $100 per additional person*
- 3-day clinic: $1,250 + $150 per additional person*
- Custom clinics: call for details
*All oar rig clinics have a booking minimum of 1 person with up to 3 people per raft. All paddle raft clinics have a booking minimum of 2 people with up to 3 people per raft. At 4+ people, another raft and instructor is necessary. (For example, 4 people for a 1-day clinic would be $1,200 ($550 + $50 for add. person + $50 for add. person + $550 for add. raft and instr.)
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