FAQs

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about preparedness and scheduling:

1. You have up to two years from your first lesson to complete any membership package. Please practice with us or on your own between lessons to qualify for the next lesson.
2. Please schedule or re-schedule your events online using your scheduling login and check your wait list status regularly. Wait listing for an event is a commitment on your part to attend. We recommend checking on Monday and Thursday before weekend events. You WILL NOT be notified when you are automatically moved off the wait list, so be sure to check using your scheduling login. The roster generally solidifies the week of the event (or hour before practice) and we make final adjustments to capacity at that time. Adjustments made on a Friday that result in your being added are accompanied by a manual text and phone call from us. Please respond promptly. Remove yourself from the wait list if you can no longer attend. CLICK HERE FOR YOUR SCHEDULE PAGE.
3. You have up until 72 hours before your class starts to reschedule yourself online. Students who do not reschedule themselves online in time or who don’t show up forfeit their lesson. No exceptions are made to this policy and we do not offer refunds. The cutoff for practice is one hour.

Here is some additional helpful information to know in preparing for your Whitewater 101 session:

• Personal floatation device, paddle, spray skirt, helmet, and kayak less than 18 months old are provided at lessons and practice at no additional charge (a $20+/hour value). Please help us keep the equipment clean and in good working condition. If you are bringing your own, please update your Personal info on your schedule page and chat or message us to let us know.
• Please arrive and be prepared fifteen minutes prior to your lesson or practice start time. (Late arrivals will not be admitted to class or practice and will forfeit their lesson.)
• All lessons meet and are held rain or shine. A decision to postpone due to lightning or other dangerous conditions is made on-site at the last possible minute. (Mother Nature often cooperates if we wait-and-see.)
• Practices are held at a different location than the 101 and 102 lessons. Students who are no shows for practice will forfeit future practices.
• You’ll spend half of your lessons in the water and some kayaking-specific apparel is required for your safety and comfort. PLEASE BE FULLY PREPARED AND DRESS ACCORDINGLY.
• During your lesson, store your car key in a “Hide-a-Key” box somewhere on your vehicle and keep all personal items out of sight (backpacks, laptops, etc.) in your locked vehicle.
• WW102 is the prerequisite for practice clinics. Package students may attend free practice clinics indefinitely, providing you have your own kayak after your fourth lesson.
• You may repeat any lesson at a discounted rate of 15%. Repeating the 102 is a good idea. Please chat or message us to do so!
• Stay current and updated. For your safety and enjoyment, we request that you keep your personal information up-to-date on your schedule page using the link at the top right that says “Personal info”.

Finally, here are some general things to keep in mind related to your Whitewater 101 class:

• Stretch regularly or do yoga. This will help you to progress faster and be more comfortable on the water.
• We are a very small business with a conservation mission, trying to help grow a small industry. If you have a 5 star experience, please help us by leaving a review on our Google Business Page and our Yelp Business Page and also reply to our feedback request or survey emails. If you have anything less than a 5 star experience, chat or message with us to discuss your experience, and so that we may have the opportunity to improve or resolve a situation. Thank you!

Important River Knowledge

Personal preparedness includes a knowledge of river levels and temperatures, as well as an honest assessment of your own limitations. Here are a few guidelines to consider in the context of our programs:

• Whitewater 101 and Whitewater 102 lessons are held in appropriate conditions where where our instructors can stand in the water to teach rolling and other skills with a one on one “hands on” approach. These two lessons alone will not prepare you to kayak in rapids, and you should wait until completing our Whitewater 103 lesson prior to venturing out on the river without an instructor.

River and air speed and temperatures can change quickly – a cool morning can turn into a hot day, which can turn into a cool evening. The air can be 80 degrees F when the river is 40 degrees F – always be prepared and dress for a swim. The river can flood in a matter of hours.

• The Potomac River is a large watershed that can flood quickly. DC area paddlers monitor the level via the USGS gauge at Little Falls near Chain Bridge – readings can be delayed and equipment can break, and the river can rise quickly. Always know the river level and temperature as part of your planning and decision making, and before you launch. As a general guideline 2 feet on the Little Falls gauge is near drought, 5 feet is considered “unsafe for recreational boating” by NOAA, and 10 feet is flood stage.

CLICK HERE FOR THE CURRENT CONDITIONS AT LITTLE FALLS