BWA Spring Clinic 2024! Registration deadline EXTENDED to April 5th

Overview:

The BWA beginner clinic is open to anyone who wants to learn how to kayak or canoe on moving water. NB: The description for this is still the text from last year. We’re probably going to the Pigeon this year. Stand by for final location announcement.

You will receive whitewater kayaking instruction from enthusiastic, experienced instructors on class II and III sections of the Russel Fork river, approximately 3 hours travel from Lexington, KY. Whether you're an absolute beginner or you already have a few trips under your belt, we build our classes around our students' needs and keep class sizes small so you get plenty of personal attention.

It is recommended that, at a minimum, you attend some of the BWA's rolling sessions before the clinic so that you have the basics of rolling, wet exiting, and adjusting your boat to fit before the clinic. You do not need a perfect your roll to participate, but you'll get more out of the clinic if you are at least familiar with the basics of rolling.

Clinic registration includes:

• Weekend camping

• River shuttles

• 3 meals

• Gear loaning as necessary

• 2 days of river instruction

• Memories that will last a lifetime!

Important Information:

• All students must join the BWA to participate in the clinic. Membership is $20 a year for individuals and $25 for family membership.

• Early bird registration (before March 1st): $99

• Standard registration: $125

• Registration Deadline: Friday, March 29th

Clinic Dates:

Saturday and Sunday April 27th and 28th 2024. Arrive Friday night to camp. Instruction starts Saturday morning. (There may be some pre-clinic warm up activities Friday afternoon)

FAQ

What if I just want to hang out and be a tourist (not a student or a volunteer)?

There is a separate registration for tourists and volunteers (Will be updated soon)

• Tourist (not student or volunteer) 1 person: $40)*

• Tourist, family rate (two adults) $70

• Tourist, family rate (two adults and up to three kids) $80

  *Covers 2 nights camping, and 3 meals. Children under 5 are free. Contact clinic organizer if you need to bundle more than three kids at Clinic@BluegrassWildwater.org and we'll work something out.

What if something comes up? What about refunds?

The clinic is a big undertaking and requires a lot of planning and money out of pocket, so it's important for us if you must cancel that you do so as early as possible. Please email the clinic organizer, Ben Mudd, at bmudd@bluegrasswildwater.org and let us know what your situation is.

• Full refunds will be issued to anyone cancelling by March 15th,

• 75% by March 29th,

• 50% by April 5th,

• 25% by April 12th.

• No refunds after April 14th.

Do I need a special kayak or other special gear?

Recreational kayaks are inappropriate for whitewater. Most of the local sporting goods stores (Dicks, Cabela’s, Bass Pro-Shop, etc.) sell ONLY recreational kayaks.

Whitewater kayaks can be purchased or rented locally. BWA members will have some loaner boats and gear available on a first-come-first-served basis but by far your best option if you do not own your own boat is to rent from Canoe Kentucky in Frankfort (502-227-4492). They offer a large selection of clothing, whitewater equipment, and new and used Jackson kayaks. They also usually have a special rental package for our clinic, but they are limited to their inventory. Call and ask for details and please let them know that you will be attending the BWA clinic so that they can better assist you. BWA members get a 10% discount at these locations, so be sure to mention this if you are a member. Reach out to the clinic gearmeister for questions about gear and loaner availability.

Is there a way to borrow gear for only the clinic?

Borrowed equipment (boats and gear) is provided by BWA members on a first come/first served basis. The sooner you return your application, the easier it will be to get borrowed gear. If you buy gear for the clinic, it is recommended to begin with a PFD, helmet and/or sprayskirt since these pieces of gear are critical and must fit properly to work properly. YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY GEAR BORROWED. Take good care of borrowed gear and know who to return it.