Adventure Collective
Whitewater Kayaking Adventure at Zoar Outdoor - Greenfield

Whitewater Kayaking Adventure at Zoar Outdoor

Charlemontmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

1 day (approx. 6-8 hours)

Fitness Level

Participants should be in good physical shape with some paddling experience.

Overview

Discover the thrill of whitewater kayaking at Zoar Outdoor with this engaging one-day clinic. Perfect for intermediate paddlers ready to conquer rapids and sharpen skills amidst New England’s stunning scenery.

Boat Tour
Charlemont, Massachusetts

Roll and River Run 1 day Clinic

Ages 14+ | up to class III rapids

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Adventure Photos

Roll and River Run 1 day Clinic photo 1

About This Adventure

Join an exhilarating one-day kayaking clinic on the Deerfield River, designed for intermediate paddlers. Enhance your skills with expert instruction, practice rolling techniques, and tackle the thrilling Zoar Gap rapid. Enjoy a catered picnic lunch while immersing yourself in New England's stunning class II whitewater, making unforgettable memories on the river.

Skill Level: Intermediate | Prerequisites: Class II Paddling Skills


Rates

  • 1-Day Clinic: Weekday $190 Weekend $210

Price includes all equipment, instruction, catered, picnic-style lunch and transportation from our base to and from the paddling sites.


Duration

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM


A Typical Paddling Day

We typically start this day with a short warm-up followed by flatwater roll practice. Our goal is to help participants improve their roll to the point that they will feel comfortable trying some in moving current. After time in flatwater we have a river run on the Deerfield River Fife Brook section concluding with an option to run or walk Zoar Gap rapid.

A river run on the Zoar Gap section of Massachusetts' Deerfield River is a great opportunity for folks to continue to work on their rolls or pick our instructors minds on other skills of interest too. We are here to help develop each paddlers individual needs.

We spend the day enjoying the river, while gaining experience kayaking on New England's best class II summer whitewater run.


What to Bring

What should I wear?

Dress a bit warmer than usual for paddling during this clinic. Rolling involves a lot of time above and below the water. While some of the flatwater areas we use are quite warm in June, July, and August, the Deerfield River is always cool, regardless of the time of year or air temperature. When packing your paddling clothes, please plan accordingly, especially if you are coming early or late in the season (April, May, September, and October). Our clinics will run rain or shine.

Wear items such as:

  • Synthetic long underwear, garments made of polypropylene, capilene, or some polyester/spandex blend.
  • Fleece or wool socks
  • Bathing suit
  • Fleece or wool jacket/sweater (early/late season or if you tend to chill easily)

Other items to bring:

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Retaining strap for glasses
  • Nose plugs
  • Towel
  • Required medications
  • Extra money for snacks, t-shirts, etc.

Zoar Outdoor will provide:

  • boat
  • wetsuit
  • paddle jacket
  • booties
  • life jacket
  • helmet
  • paddle
  • sprayskirt
  • We provide a catered picnic-style lunch on all full day clinics.

The following statement is required by state law: "Before placing your order, please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy."

We do not use nuts in our food, but can not guarantee that the ingredients in our meals do not contain nuts or other food allergens. If you have food allergies or other special dietary needs, we strongly suggest you bring your own bag lunch in non-glass containers and we will pack it with the other lunches on your trip. Please inform our office at 413-339-4010 or info@zoaroutdoor.com if you intend to do this.

(If you own your own equipment, we suggest you use it in the clinic to get used to its quirks.)

Adventure Tips

Wear appropriate safety gear

Always wear a helmet and life jacket to ensure safety during rapid navigation.

Stay aware of water conditions

Check river flow levels and weather updates before heading out.

Practice paddle strokes in advance

Practice basic strokes and control drills to maximize your clinic experience.

Book your spot early

This popular clinic fills up quickly, so reserve in advance.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Bald eagles
  • River herons

History

The Deerfield River has been a vital transportation route for centuries and played a key role in local industry, especially in paper manufacturing.

Conservation

Zoar Outdoor partners with local conservation groups, ensuring river sustainability and minimal environmental impact during paddling activities.

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Adventure Hotspots in Greenfield

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Helmet

Essential

Protects your head during rapid navigation and potential capsizes.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

Essential

Essential for safety and required by all participants.

Quick-drying clothing

Essential

Keeps you comfortable and dry during vigorous activity.

summer specific

Water shoes or sandals with good grip

Essential

Provides grip and protects your feet from rocky riverbeds.

summer specific