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:
All equipment necessary (latest model kayak, paddle, skirt, helmet, PFD, wetsuit, etc.) You will need to bring something to wear that can get wet, (No Cotton), and footwear. Old sneakers usually work, but students with large feet should have booties or water shoes. If you don't already own them, we sell a range of appropriate footwear.
2 lunches on the banks of the river. We ask that you bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. If you don't have one, we sell water bottles, bottled water and energy drinks at our outfitter store.
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.
