The AR Intro to Whitewater Kayaking workshop provides participants with the necessary skills to paddle a whitewater kayak in Class I-II Whitewater. Whether you are moving from flatwater paddling or sea kayaking or have no experience in a boat at all, this class is the place to start your whitewater kayak journey. Begin each day learning and practicing strokes, concepts and getting comfortable doing wet exits, rolling and understanding fundamentals of river hydrology and river safety. We then progress to the river and put your skills to work on beginner-level rapids under the coaching of your instructor.

Adventure Recovery Skills Workshops

AR Skills workshops are designed for individuals looking to develop technical abilities in various outdoor sports, through the professional lens of the Adventure Recovery approach. This approach includes mental health awareness, peer-informed communications styles, and overall situational awareness and competency. Each workshop will also cover topics related to mental health to better serve individuals looking to expand their coaching or clinical practices in the outdoors. 

The Adventure Recovery trainings provide individuals with the foundational tools and skills to integrate the “nature as healer” philosophy along with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and effectively lead themselves and others on more technical outdoor adventures.

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for anyone looking to solidify their knowledge of adventure-based sports through skillful, technical experiential learning. We work with all ages (from 13+ and up), including athletes, wellness professionals, life coaches, therapists, counselors, first responders, teachers, recovery coaches, educators, recovery advocates, etc. The Adventure Recovery model is distinctive in the unique way our expertly trained guides hold both the recovery coaching component and the safety-first, technical outdoor guide practices for clients.

Requirements to Participate

Eligibility for this program is based on the core skills necessary to participate in boating and whitewater activities from Class One to Class Three, based on the standardized EEC (Essential Eligibility Criteria) substantiated by the ACA (American Canoe Association) and the Adventure Recovery Risk Management internal governance. If you have any questions related to eligibility, please email our National Field Director, Nate Bennick, at nateb@adventurerecovery.com

What to Expect

Following registering, we will send you a complete packing list and syllabus.

Please note that we will be outdoors for the majority of the experience, covering long distances in rough terrain with prolonged exposure to the elements. The gear list we send will be considered essential items for outdoor leaders.

Be ready to:

• Receive feedback on the materials presented

• Be flexible and adaptable to setting and skill level

• Be prepared – inclement weather does not cancel anything. If conditions are consistent with the level of the course being taught or there is a good teaching moment, we go.

Long days and nights are to be expected.

Cold, rain, snow, cold water immersion, steep terrain, exposed cliffs, darkness are all expected (and welcomed).

As a mental health peer-based organization, we foster a compassionate approach to all that we do. We apply the AR approach to nurture environments that foster personal growth and mutual respect. You will be supported by the group and by the Adventure Recovery training and leadership team through any exceptionally challenging moments. We are a community and we hold ourselves consciously and with intention, through all we do.

We can’t wait to see you outside!