Learn to Expand Your Adventure

Learn to Expand Your Adventure

We’ve declared it. This year is all about pushing your own personal boundaries, learning new skills and daring to be a beginner. We have even made it easy to expand your adventure with all inclusive introduction classes and weekends. Learn to kayak, fly fish, and mountain bike right here in Ohiopyle. We have all of the gear and expertise to help you discover your new favorite way to get outside.

Learn to Kayak

Our expert whitewater kayaking instructors will help you build a solid foundation of proper technique, confidence and control. The passion we have for kayaking is contagious. You are sure to walk away with an appreciation of the sport.

Luckily, we just so happen to have the ultimate classroom: the Youghiogheny River. Ranging from Class I-V, the Yough has a little bit of everything for all levels of paddler. A perfect playground as you increase your skill.

Throughout the summer we present Learn to Kayak weekends that offer an easy introduction to kayaking. This 2-day group session includes all equipment necessary, two lunches, transportation, breakfasts and one night of camping at Tall Oaks Campground. Basically, all you have to do is reserve your spot and show up ready to learn.

Additionally, we offer intermediate Learn to Kayak weekends for paddlers that have some experience on the water but want to refine their Class III paddling skills and technique. Just like the beginner weekends, everything you need from equipment to lodging is included.

If the group setting isn’t your thing, you can build your own experience with private instruction. You will get one-on-one time with one of our experienced instructors, all the equipment you need and a riverside lunch.

Introduction to Fly Fishing

In stark contrast to the thrills of whitewater kayaking, fly fishing is another way to intimately explore the river. If you’ve ever watched the rhythmic casts of a fly angler, you have probably been mesmerized by the sight. Now you have the opportunity to wade into the river and try out the sport for yourself, without getting tangled up in the line.

Our Introduction to Fly Fishing weekend provides a great way to get started in fly fishing. This 2-day class is a mixture of classroom and river learning. First, you will learn all about equipment, knot tying, trout habitat, insect hatches and fly selection. Then, with rods in hand, the group will learn the theory of fly casting and practice on land. Each student will receive individual casting instruction from one of our expert anglers.

By the end of the second day, you will have an understanding of how to fish moving water as well as catching, playing and releasing fish along the banks of the Youghiogheny River and its tributaries. With your new skills, you’ll be ready to wade into the water on your own.

The weekend includes two days of professional instruction, beginner fly fishing gear, breakfasts, lunches and one night of camping at Tall Oaks Campground. Waders are encouraged if you have them, but if you don’t, no biggie. Just make sure to grab a pair of shoes that can get wet.

We also offer Women’s Fly Fishing weekends to inspire more women to get out on the water. This is a great opportunity to meet other ladies interested in the sport! Always more fun to go fishing with a buddy.

Become a Mountain Biker

Can you remember when you first learned how to ride a bike? It was nerve racking to take that first pedal stroke sans-training wheels. However, once you got into the rhythm, you took off and never looked back. Riding a bike is… well, like riding a bike. The skills stick with you for a lifetime.

Nevertheless, things seem to get a little more complicated as soon as those two wheels hit dirt riddled with rocks, roots and drops. For many people, the first time on a mountain biking trail is a bit rocky.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Our introduction to mountain biking clinic allows you to gain the fundamental skills needed to safely and confidently ride singletrack.

The one day clinic will touch on body positioning, pressure control, balance and proper braking. Once you feel comfortable with the bike, you will get the chance to practice corning, lifts and drops in a controlled environment with tips and feedback from an experienced instructor.

By the end of the day, you’ll be sessioning a few technical spots on one of the biking trails in Ohiopyle State Park to test out and refine your skills.

Mountain bike rentals and gear are included in the cost of the clinic, but if you have your own trail bike make sure to bring it.

We also offer a women’s specific mountain bike clinic lead by legend Sue Haywood.

Other Opportunities

Although we don’t offer specific clinic dates, we also provide private climbing instruction for all levels. One of our climbing guides can help you refine or learn new skills at one of the several crags in Ohiopyle State Park.

To make it easy for beginners, we provide basic climbing equipment, like helmets, harnesses and ropes. We encourage you to bring your own climbing shoes if you have them, but a pair of closed toe sneakers will do just fine.

No matter how you choose to expand your adventures this year, we are here to help you push your own boundaries and fall in love with the outdoors all over again. See you this summer!