Kayaking

Kayaking in the Laurel Highlands

Ohiopyle and the surrounding region offer some of the best water in the country to learn how to  kayak. The Youghiogheny River alone boasts water for every level of white water experience. Above the dam, on the Youghiogheny River Lake in Confluence, beginners can experience a white water kayak for the first time, learn basic paddle strokes and practice wet exits and rolls before heading to the Middle Yough for a taste of moving water with Class I-II rapids.

 

On the Lower Yough, intermediate paddlers can start to refine their skills on the river’s “Loop.” The perfect Class III training grounds, the Loop features several rapids in a short mile and a half before a take-out takes paddlers right back to town. Lots of white water action, with no need to set a shuttle. For a longer paddle, kayakers run the full Lower Yough, which offers several more Class III rapids.

 

The Upper Yough is the next step up into Class IV/V waters. The rapids are continuous and technical featuring narrow slots, advanced boofs and big holes. This section of the river is best suited for advanced kayakers looking to explore a new run.

Kayak Instruction with Wilderness Voyageurs

Located right in the heart of all the action, we take advantage of what mother nature has provided by offering kayak instruction in many forms to any level of paddler, to suit your schedule, pace of learning and budget. Choose from scheduled weekend clinics or private and group instruction. All equipment is provided during your clinic or lesson, for those who don’t already have their own.

 

Private Instruction

Available any day for 1 or 2 persons.  Ideal for those who want to fast track their learning, or if you have specific skill that you want to concentrate on.

 

Group instruction

Available any day for 3 or more people.  If you have a group of friends that want to check out the sport, or you are a group of kayakers looking to paddle new waters, work on specific skills and save some money, this is for you.

 

Learn to Kayak Weekends

These are offered throughout the summer.  Come by yourself, come with a friend.  They are prescheduled so you get the benefit of “group instruction” pricing, but do not need to hassle with coordinating with 2 other friends.

The “Learn to Kayak Weekends” include:

2 days of intensive instruction with our experienced and enthusiastic instructors to launch your paddling career.

All equipment necessary (latest model kayak, paddle, skirt, helmet, PFD, wetsuit, etc.)

Two lunches on the banks of the river

Transportation

Breakfast Saturday and Sunday morning

Retail store discounts to purchase your own gear!

One night of camping at Tall Oaks Campground

Learn to Kayak II

This one-day clinic is designed for paddlers who have participated in our Learn to Kayak Weekend, practiced on their own a bit, and are ready to get back in front of an instructor for questions and feedback.

Clinic Includes:

6 hours of instruction with our experienced instructors

All equipment necessary (latest model kayak, paddle, skirt, helmet, PFD, wetsuit, etc.)

Riverside Lunch

Transportation

Retail store discounts to purchase your own gear!

Our Kayak Instructors

Our instructors have a deep passion and love for white water kayaking. When they aren’t teaching others, or guiding raft guests, they are constantly seeking out new rivers and creeks to run locally and around the world. Many of our instructors have more than 10 years of kayaking experience. They are specifically trained to provide expert instruction to every level of paddler. Come join us on the river, you’ll learn new skills, develop an absolute love for the sport and probably make a new friend too.

“As always, your staff has provided my group with an amazing experience.”

~Rob Johnson

We have three levels of instructional classes and clinics. If you have any questions about the class that would most benefit you, give us a call.