Sale Price:
$108.00
Original Price:
$149.00
July 26, 2026
Join us for a one-day, ACA-accredited introduction to the exhilarating sport of whitewater kayaking.
Our beautiful rivers are the perfect place to move your body, reconnect with nature, and experience the joy of learning a new skill alongside a friendly, supportive community.
On the water, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery—the echoes of wildlife, majestic trees, sculpted rock formations, and the energy of a living river flowing through its winding corridor.
As whitewater kayakers, we learn to move with the current. We use strategy, technique, and full-body engagement as we glide through wave trains, playfully surf river features, and skillfully explore each river's unique character.
Every river trip is an immersive experience in nature's rhythms and dynamic forces—including your own.
Whitewater kayaking offers moments of calm and focus alongside bursts of excitement and adrenaline. It takes you to remarkable places that are often inaccessible by land, while building strength, confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection with both nature and your paddling partners. And it might even make you feel a little badass.
Who Should Join
This course is designed for complete beginners, including those with no previous whitewater kayaking experience.
What We'll Learn
We'll start with the fundamentals, helping you build safe, reliable skills from day one. Throughout the course, you'll learn the basics of:
Proper boat fit and equipment
Essential paddle strokes
Steering and boat control
Wet exits and water safety
Reading current and river features
Introductory river maneuvers
Whether you're looking for a new outdoor adventure, a full-body challenge, or simply a fun day on the river, this course is a wonderful place to begin.
Location
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
We'll paddle either the Shenandoah River or the Potomac River. The exact location will be determined closer to the course date based on water levels and river conditions.
What We'll Eat
We'll enjoy an all vegan picnic lunch on the river, followed by an after-hours dinner picnic from Kelley Farm Kitchen.
Please note: We'll place our Kelley Farm Kitchen orders in advance, as the restaurant will be closed by the time we finish paddling. Each participant will pay Kelley Farm Kitchen directly for the items they order.
What to Bring
Paddling Gear(Available upon request if needed. Any loaner gear will be assigned according to each paddler's height and weight, following the manufacturer's recommendations.)
Kayak
Paddle
PFD (life jacket)
Helmet
Spray skirt
Personal Items
Closed-toe river shoes with good traction (old sneakers work great)
Water bottle (2–4 liters)
Natural sunscreen (please no spray sunscreen)
Quick-drying clothing that provides sun protection
Hat
Contact lenses instead of glasses (if applicable)
Lunch and snacks (please no peanuts due to allergy concerns)
Towel
A complete change of clothes for after the river
Group Size
This course is limited to 8 participants to ensure individualized instruction and a high-quality experience.
Your Instructor
Jeff Cogle is an ACA L4 Whitewater Kayaking Instructor, L4 Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, and L5 Rafting and Oars Instructor, as well as a L5 Rafting/Paddle Instructor Trainer. As a Harpers Ferry native with four decades of river guiding experience, Jeff knows the local rivers intimately, including the important river features, hazards, and best spots for learning at a wide range of water levels. While he has gone on to remarkable levels as a whitewater kayaker, including pro-level competition and multiple Grand Canyon descents, he still loves helping beginners build strong foundations from the start.
Sarah Kellett is a devoted vegan, suspension yoga safety expert, passionate whitewater kayaker, and waterway activist. She will be hosting and assisting this course, as well as guiding some gentle warm-up movements in the morning.
Note: In the event that the course must be rescheduled due to water levels or other concerns, the new course date will be August 15.
July 26, 2026
Join us for a one-day, ACA-accredited introduction to the exhilarating sport of whitewater kayaking.
Our beautiful rivers are the perfect place to move your body, reconnect with nature, and experience the joy of learning a new skill alongside a friendly, supportive community.
On the water, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery—the echoes of wildlife, majestic trees, sculpted rock formations, and the energy of a living river flowing through its winding corridor.
As whitewater kayakers, we learn to move with the current. We use strategy, technique, and full-body engagement as we glide through wave trains, playfully surf river features, and skillfully explore each river's unique character.
Every river trip is an immersive experience in nature's rhythms and dynamic forces—including your own.
Whitewater kayaking offers moments of calm and focus alongside bursts of excitement and adrenaline. It takes you to remarkable places that are often inaccessible by land, while building strength, confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection with both nature and your paddling partners. And it might even make you feel a little badass.
Who Should Join
This course is designed for complete beginners, including those with no previous whitewater kayaking experience.
What We'll Learn
We'll start with the fundamentals, helping you build safe, reliable skills from day one. Throughout the course, you'll learn the basics of:
Proper boat fit and equipment
Essential paddle strokes
Steering and boat control
Wet exits and water safety
Reading current and river features
Introductory river maneuvers
Whether you're looking for a new outdoor adventure, a full-body challenge, or simply a fun day on the river, this course is a wonderful place to begin.
Location
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
We'll paddle either the Shenandoah River or the Potomac River. The exact location will be determined closer to the course date based on water levels and river conditions.
What We'll Eat
We'll enjoy an all vegan picnic lunch on the river, followed by an after-hours dinner picnic from Kelley Farm Kitchen.
Please note: We'll place our Kelley Farm Kitchen orders in advance, as the restaurant will be closed by the time we finish paddling. Each participant will pay Kelley Farm Kitchen directly for the items they order.
What to Bring
Paddling Gear(Available upon request if needed. Any loaner gear will be assigned according to each paddler's height and weight, following the manufacturer's recommendations.)
Kayak
Paddle
PFD (life jacket)
Helmet
Spray skirt
Personal Items
Closed-toe river shoes with good traction (old sneakers work great)
Water bottle (2–4 liters)
Natural sunscreen (please no spray sunscreen)
Quick-drying clothing that provides sun protection
Hat
Contact lenses instead of glasses (if applicable)
Lunch and snacks (please no peanuts due to allergy concerns)
Towel
A complete change of clothes for after the river
Group Size
This course is limited to 8 participants to ensure individualized instruction and a high-quality experience.
Your Instructor
Jeff Cogle is an ACA L4 Whitewater Kayaking Instructor, L4 Swiftwater Rescue Instructor, and L5 Rafting and Oars Instructor, as well as a L5 Rafting/Paddle Instructor Trainer. As a Harpers Ferry native with four decades of river guiding experience, Jeff knows the local rivers intimately, including the important river features, hazards, and best spots for learning at a wide range of water levels. While he has gone on to remarkable levels as a whitewater kayaker, including pro-level competition and multiple Grand Canyon descents, he still loves helping beginners build strong foundations from the start.
Sarah Kellett is a devoted vegan, suspension yoga safety expert, passionate whitewater kayaker, and waterway activist. She will be hosting and assisting this course, as well as guiding some gentle warm-up movements in the morning.
Note: In the event that the course must be rescheduled due to water levels or other concerns, the new course date will be August 15.
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