Overview:
The BWA spring clinic is open to any beginner to intermediate boater who wants to learn about kayaking or canoeing on moving water.
You will receive whitewater kayaking/canoeing instruction from enthusiastic, experienced instructors on class II and III sections of the Russell 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. Rolling sessions are happening almost every Friday from now until clinic. Check out our EVENTS page for more information. For questions and more information email us.
Clinic registration includes:
Two days camping
River shuttles
3 meals
Gear loans 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: 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 scheduled for Friday afternoon.)
FAQ
What if I just want to hang out and not be a student or volunteer?
There is a separate “tourist” registration for non-students/non-volunteers
Non-Student (1 person): $40*
Non-Student couple: $70
Family (1 to 2 minor children over 5): $80
https://www.bluegrasswildwater.org/store-2/p/2024clinic-tourist-fee
*Covers 2 nights camping, and 3 meals. Children under 5 are free. Contact clinic organizer if you need to bundle three or more kids at Clinic@BluegrassWildwater.org and we'll work something out. We want you and your family to come enjoy the river.
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, Hanley Loller, at Clinic@BluegrassWildwater.org and let us know what your situation is. Full refunds will be issued to anyone cancelling by March 29th, 75% by April 5th, 50% by April 12th. After that, refunds only issued in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the clinic director.
Do I need a special kayak or other special gear?
While we largely want to help you enjoy the boat you have in the best-safest way, we should note that recreational kayaks are not designed for whitewater. Even mild rapids can become treacherous in an inappropriate boat. 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. Canoe Kentucky in Frankfort (502-227-4492) offers 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. 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.
Is there a way to borrow gear for 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.