Looking to turn your kayaking passion into a professional skill? Zoar Outdoor hosts a comprehensive 5-day instructor certification course along Ohio’s scenic rivers. Discover the details and prepare to advance your paddling career!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable in water and maintain good physical condition for paddling and rescue drills.
Wildlife
History
Zoar Outdoor resides near an area historically favored by Native American tribes and early settlers, with modern paddling courses maintaining the area's rich aquatic heritage.
Conservation
Zoar Outdoor supports river conservation efforts and promotes Leave No Trace principles, ensuring the health of the Ohio River ecosystem for future generations.
Zoar Outdoor
Looking to turn your kayaking passion into a professional skill? Zoar Outdoor hosts a comprehensive 5-day instructor certification course along Ohio’s scenic rivers. Discover the details and prepare to advance your paddling career!
Zoar Outdoor is a paddlesports outfitter based in Jamaica, Vermont, specializing in whitewater kayaking, rafting, and instructional clinics. The company runs a wide range of guided trips and training courses that serve beginners through advanced paddlers. Offerings include multi-day beginner immersion courses, one- and two-day skills clinics, guided river kayaking, family float trips, and whitewater rafting on local rivers such as the Deerfield River, West River, Concord River, and the Zoar Gap section.
Zoar Outdoor hosts American Canoe Association (ACA) instructor certification workshops and ACA current instructor update courses, as well as Swiftwater Rescue certification and skills courses. Several clinics and courses list ACA-certified instruction and dedicated coaching for stroke development, technical skills, and rescue training. The schedule includes options for private, semi-private, and small-group clinics, plus specially designed group custom paddlesports days for 3–4 people.
Many day clinics and multi-day courses include catered lunches and on-water coaching focused on progression, safety, and technique. Advanced clinics cover class III techniques and technical river maneuvers; rescue courses emphasize essential rescue skills and swiftwater response.
Zoar Outdoor runs sessions on named river sections such as Fife Brook and Zoar Gap, and offers youth-focused clinics including teen beginner immersion programs.
All program descriptions and course titles are published in the company’s trip listings. The business operates from Jamaica, Vermont, and programs regularly reference local New England rivers and whitewater sections used for instruction and guided trips.
Schedule details, pricing, and trip-specific skill requirements are listed on the company's public trip pages online regularly.
Location
Jamaica, Vermont
Operating on local rivers and runs
Tours Offered
26 Experiences
Rafting, kayaking, clinics, guided runs
ACA Programs
Certification Workshops
Instructor certification and updates offered
Group Options
Private & Group Clinics
Semi-private, private, and custom group days
Check available dates for beginner to advanced clinics, guided kayaking, family floats, and ACA instructor workshops — plan a paddling day in Jamaica, Vermont.
Practice rescue techniques beforehand
Familiarize yourself with self- and partner rescue methods to maximize safety during the course.
Dress for the weather
Bring quick-drying clothing and layers suitable for varying conditions on the river.
Arrive early each day
Getting to the site ahead of class ensures a smooth start and more time on the water.
Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water for breaks to keep energy levels high during the rigorous activities.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
A well-fitting PFD is essential for safety during all water activities.
Wetsuit or splash gear
Helps keep comfortable in cooler water conditions.
spring;fall
Water-resistant gloves
Provides grip and protection during rescues.
winter;spring;fall
Dry bag
Keeps your belongings dry during water-based training.