Review for BEGINNERS white water kayaking:

Review for BEGINNERS white water kayaking:
Been wanting to try white water kayaking for awhile now, finally got to experience it. I did the beginners guided WW kayaking package which was 2 days on the river, breakfast included. Was NOT what I was expecting at all! I thought we d learn to roll then float down the river... wrong! There is so much more to WW kayaking people don t realize. It really is a mind over matter type experience. This is not for the weak minded, undetermined people. You will be cold, you will spend time upside down in the water, you will be scared. It s perfectly normal but with that being said it is not for everyone! If you don t feel up to the challenge I suggest not even doing this. But if you can gear yourself into fight mode then try it and stick it out both days, you will be glad you did!

About the guide:
Josh is an excellent guide with many many years experience and it really shows. He takes his job seriously and his instructions were outstanding when it came to learning different techniques. He made it easy to understand and to put what you learned into practice. Most importantly, he makes you feel very comfortable in the water. Being calm, flipped upside down in the water with jagged rocks around your face seems impossible right? Well that s what he teaches, overcoming the panic is the first step and he ll give you all the tips and knowledge you need to succeed!

His helpers, nick, dan and Quinn were also very knowledgeable and helpful. Very upbeat and kept it fun!

What we learned:
We learned how to roll, catch an eddy, ferry, bow rescues, emergency escapes, how to surf, how to read the river and some fancy paddle techniques so we could maneuver around rocks easily.

What to wear:
No cotton! Workout clothes, fast drying, board shorts will do. They sell gear and have wet suits to rent as well

Some tips:
-If you camp at the state park be sure to reserve a spot a ways ahead of time cause they are super busy and packed during the summer.

-if you type in Ohiopyle pa on the Airbnb app, a yurt at rafferty manor or a room for rent in the manor comes up as the first two searches which is literally right across the street from wilderness Voyageurs and to the right of the pub

-the pub down the street from wilderness Voyageurs is where you ll meet for breakfast then your guide will come collect you about an hour later and tell you where to meet to grab your gear

-Bring a water bottle you don t mind losing

-bring a change of clothes and a towel to leave in your car for afterwards, there s a public shower across from the kayak rental place.

-expect 12-15 other people. Yes, it was crowded but a few people didn t show the second day which made it so much more enjoyable imo, no offense to them it was just better less crowded. If this is going to be annoying, book a private lesson which is probably what I ll do next time.