Whitewater 103
WHITEWATER 103
Moving Water
This four-hour course teaches kayaking techniques for turning, maneuvering, and harnessing river power. Participants will paddle through current and stay upright, gaining confidence and appreciation for their new skills. Multiple dates available for one lesson.
Included in Beginner Whitewater Package
$785
Now 30% off!
$549.50
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Lesson Details
Our four-hour Whitewater Fundamentals kayak lesson is near DC and a fun-filled, professionally-coached, structured beginner progression on flat water. We’ve eliminated much of the technical jargon so you can focus on comfort in the boat, comfort underwater, and rolling the kayak. By learning these skills in flat water, you’ll gain confidence and learn faster. Our mature, caring instructors are experts in teaching beginners and helping students overcome their fears in a non-intimidating environment. In this lesson you’ll learn:
LOCATION
Angler’s Lot, Potomac, MD
TIME
7:00 AM or 12:00 PM
DURATION
4 hours
CLASS RATIO
5 students / 1 instructor
2026 DATES
May* 24
June 7, 21
July 5, 19
August 2, 16
September 13, 27
October 4, 18
November* 1
Use of top-quality equipment for all lessons
(kayak, paddle and PFD)
Price
Beginner Whitewater Package
$785
Now 30% off!
$549.50
Payments processed securely by Stripe
Photo Gallery
Check out some photos from past WW 103 lessons!
What To Bring
This information is provided to help keep you organized, ensure that you are fully prepared for your lessons, and that you arrive at the correct location with ample time to spare. Please review all of this information carefully at least one week prior to your lesson. Chat or message us through our website with any questions. We look forward to paddling with you!
Please message or chat with us if you have any additional questions.
REMEMBER Whitewater 103 and Whitewater 104 lessons are held at the Old Angler’s parking area at 10801 Macarthur Blvd., Potomac, Maryland 20854.
WHAT TO BRING
The following list of things to bring are mandatory for your comfort, safety, and enjoyment of your on-water (and in-water) experience with us. Upon completing the 101 lesson, past students have provided feedback that we “should have been more emphatic” about the need to bring these specific items, even though we were. The Potomac can be very warm in July and August, but you’ll need all this stuff, and eventually a semi dry top, as you get psyched and continue to paddle for at least three seasons.
- Kayaker’s nose plugs (we’re giving you a free pair at your 101 lesson, don’t leave them on your loaner helmet or lose them)
- Performance base layer or rash guard that dries fast (for wicking)
- Surf trunks (can be worn over neoprene pants or shorts and without)
- Simple and low profile wet shoes or booties without laces or straps
- One liter of water
- Waterproof snack (Clif Bar, etc.)
- Allergy medication (We require medications for all severe reactions such as bee stings, peanuts, asthma, etc.) and small dry bag to store it
- Sunglasses with strap
- Hide A Key and or small dry bag – Please stash your own key and belongings on your car or person during events.
- Sunscreen
- Towel and change of clothes
Glasses or Contact Wearers
If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, make sure to also be prepared with the following items:
- Eyeglass strap (so you don’t lose your expensive prescription lenses).
- Note to those who wear contacts: Bring extra. You will need to close your eyes while underwater. (Swim goggles don’t work that well. A well-fitting dive mask is ok while learning to roll.)
Optional Items
We recommend bringing the following items, though they are optional:
- Tip for instructors
- Q-Tips
- Ear wash
FAQs
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about preparedness and scheduling:
- An 80% reliable roll is required for Lesson 103.
- If you have not been practicing between lessons, you will not be ready for the WW 103 class.
- Please arrive and be prepared fifteen minutes prior to your lesson start time. (Late arrivals will not be admitted to class)
- You have up until 72 hours before start time to reschedule. (Please do so online.) Students who fail to re-schedule in time or don’t show up forfeit their lesson. No exceptions are made to this policy and we do not offer refunds.
- Personal floatation, paddle, spray skirt, helmet, and kayak are provided at no charge.
- Please schedule or re-schedule your lesson online.
- You have up to two years from your first lesson to complete any membership package.
- Package students may attend Free Practice Clinics indefinitely.
- You may repeat any Lesson at a discounted rate of 10%. Please call our registration office for further information.
- All lessons meet rain or shine. A decision to postpone due to lightning or other dangerous conditions is made on site. (Due to the nature of the weather, we wait until the last minute to see if it clears up).
- 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”
What Others Are Saying
Reviews from others are the highest compliment that we can receive. Check out what others in the Washington, DC area have said about our kayaking lessons and adventures!
Make This Year Amazing!
Learn a new skill, meet new friends, and see the Potomac River like never before with Kayak DC!
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Looking for Something Else?
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