Rapid Experiences Programs:
Dates 2010:
WESTERN NC:June 13-25
Rates 2010:
WESTERN NC:$2,200
All Rapid Experiences Programs are Co-Ed for entering 9-12 grades.
What we send to you:
- Registration Form
- Participant Questionnaire
- Medical Form
- Participant Agreement Form
- Release of Liability Form
- Terms of Agreement
- Clothing and Equipment List
What we need back from you:
- Registration Form
- Participant Questionnaire
- Medical Form
- Participant Agreement Form
- Terms of Agreement
Summer Kayaking Adventures For Teens: Rapid Experiences Western North Carolina Program
Trip Info
Rapid Experiences' June Western North Carolina trip is always a favorite at Green River Adventures. It is the core of Rapid Experiences, and our longest running trip. This experience is designed for those with little to no whitewater kayaking experience who are looking for something over the top for their summer vacation. Most participants sign up for this trip not completely knowing what to expect from a 13-day kayaking camp. They all leave us thrilled about what they have accomplished and experienced. Some leave with a new found passion for the sport of kayaking.
From day one participants are in Whitewater Kayaks learning the fundamentals required to safely excel in the sport. Small groups allow our highly experienced and certified instructors more one-on-one time to teach participants everything from a "wet exit" and "rolling" a kayak to picking a route through a class III rapid.
We kayak almost every day, and camp out on the banks of the river we paddled that day or plan to paddle the next. Participants are involved in cooking all of their meals - the food they learn to make is always one of the trips biggest pleasers! A sample itinerary is below, however, the trip progresses at a pace determined by the group. No Rapid Experience is ever duplicated exactly. Our hope is that as the participants work with their trip leaders to make changes to the itinerary based on the groups goals, they are gaining valuable communication and teamwork skills.
"This was AWESOME! When I started I really didn't know what it would be like, and then after the second day it was all so amazing! I wish it had lasted longer."
Katy Denham - Bethesda, Maryland
Trip Itinerary
Day 1-2: After the group has picked out all of their kayaking gear they head to Cascade Lake, a breathtaking mountain lake where the group quickly learns all the fundamentals of paddling a kayak while searching for hidden waterfalls running into the lake. From here they are headed for whitewater!
Day 3-5: Working up to Class II rapids, the group will paddle some of the classic rivers Western North Carolina has to offer, and camp at pristine riverside sites. One of the thrills during the first few days is watching one by one as most of the participants learn to roll their kayaks.
Day 6-7: Bigger whitewater is starting to look really fun! As the group sets their sites on paddling the Pigeon River Gorge, they get to camp at one of the best kept secrets in the Smoky Mountains - Max Patch - a destination on the Appalachian Trail, Max Patch is a giant grassy mountain with a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains and gorges.
Day 8-10: With the group starting to work on more advanced river running moves, the Upper Green River is one of the culminating goals for Rapid Experiences WNC. Paddling through steep green gorges and over majestic waterfalls, the excitement of accomplishment sets in.
Day 11: For a day off the water hiking into the Green River "Narrows" is always a favorite. The Narrows is one of the most beautiful and difficult sections of river in the country. Our groups get to meet some of the best paddlers in the world and watch them run these famous rapids. This day is always described by our groups as the day they start to feel like a part of a greater community.
Day 12: The group decides what will be there final river to paddle. Some groups decide to go back for "redemption" on a previously run river, some set their sights on a river that felt unattainable at the beginning of the trip.
Day 13: As the group packs up their gear, they read excerpts from the group journal and watch a slide show of their trip - there is always talk about next year!
"We woke up on the last day and ate anything leftover for breakfast. We cleaned up camp and left as fast as possible to make it to the Upper Green for one last trip down. We ran every rapid there including the left side of "Bayless" and "Wanda's Hole". What a great day! We nailed al of our lines and styled the river!"
Ford Rushton, from the group Journal August 2007
