Learn kayaking in a controlled whitewater environment!

ASCI’s kayak clinics run the gamut, and we are proud to offer a wide array of learning opportunities for beginner to advanced boaters with Epic Prep Adventure Academy, our own in-house kayak school operated by Rocky Mountain Kayak, and the college-level programs at the Adventure Sports Institute.

Multi-day clinics, private instruction and training camps are specialties at ASCI because the Deep Creek Lake area is a perfect destination for a longer instruction period. However, we also offer a number of fun introductions and samplers for anyone visiting the area for a vacation or retreat.

All instruction takes place at ASCI’s whitewater course. Beginners start in the pond and on the lower rapids (Class 1-2). Intermediate and Advanced work the upper portions of the course. Once you are done with a clinic at ASCI, we try to connect you with the best possible instruction and/or training program wherever you live.

Our Basic Offerings

PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
Beginner: Never been in a kayak or maybe some minimal experience, allow the expert instructors of the Kayak Academy International to cater a learning experience to your needs. We will cover the gear and its use, wet exits ( getting out of the boat ),  rolling, paddle strokes, identification of river features, bracing, self rescue, and basic paddling skills/techniques. We offer private and group instruction, and our man made whitewater park provides an excellent hazard free setting to begin your whitewater experience. Paddle with confidence knowing your accomplished instructor is backed by a dedicated ASCI staff ready to pull you out of the drink when you take the inevitable swim.

Intermediate: This is for paddlers already having experience on moving water from class 1-3, with a pool roll or inconsistent whitewater roll. Our expert instructors will first asses your ability and develop a program to suit the needs of the individual or group. We will work on more advanced techniques including perfecting your combat roll, ferrying, catching eddies, surfing, reading water, self rescue, and more.

Advanced Intermediate: This is for paddlers comfortable on class 3+ with a consistent whitewater roll. Here we will work on attainments, paddling group dynamics, safety, river reading, advanced paddle stroke techniques, boofing, surfing/basic playboating skills, how to use river features such as waves, holes, and rocks, and rescue techniques for getting your paddling partners and gear quickly to shore.

Advanced: This is for paddlers comfortable on class 4 and beyond. We will work on advanced moves including boofs, dufek strokes, attainments, ferrying above hazards, and more. The skills worked on will be determined after our expert staff analyzes your current ability and develops an instructional model to take your skills to the next level. As advanced paddlers have a variety of skills already, we will work on the skill sets that most need improvement, and we’ll work on any areas you the student feel need addressed.

CLINICS
Introduction to Freestyle: This is for paddlers with a solid roll who are comfortable on class 3 whitewater. The training in these clinics is limited to strictly playboating skills including flat spins, surfing, feeling comfortable in the hole, initiating vertical moves, flat water playboating skills, squirting, and more.

Advanced Freestyle: This is for paddlers with a solid roll comfortable on class 3+ whitewater, who already possess the ability to cartwheel one or two ends, and have experience playboating in dynamic holes and waves. Focus in these clinics is on linking multiple ends, combining moves, loops and other aerial maneuvers, on both waves and in holes. Our park allows us to dial-up features that will offer up all of today’s hottest playboating moves whether you are wanting to loop and stay in the hole or you’re ready for your first phonix monkey or mcnasty. Our instructors and special guests (a variety of the hottest professional paddlers in the industry) compete on the highest level in freestyle kayaking and have perfected techniques to help you step up to the big boys. This class is for aggressive freestyle paddlers ready for constant submersion and air time as they receive guidance from some of the best boaters in the world.

For the not-so-sure: You’ve seen the kayakers on the water and have a desire to learn more, but not quite ready to make the investment. Well we offer half day clinics for groups up to 10 at a special rate of only $50.00 pp for a 2 hour session. These larger group settings will teach you to safely exit the boat, basic paddle strokes and techniques, and will be highlighted by a guided trip around the park in either kayak or duckie (inflatable kayak). Students that are introduced to kayaking through these lessons will be rewarded with 10% discount should they choose to enroll in more formal instruction.

*** All classes include ability to use a boat from our extensive demo collection, as well as a spray skirt, paddle, pfd, helmet, and weather appropriate paddling apparel.