Join VSDC: Beginner Whitewater Kayaking Immersion + Dinner at Kelley Farm

Join [VSDC](vsdc.org) and friends for a one-day, ACA-accredited introduction to the exhilarating sport of whitewater kayaking.

Our beautiful rivers are the perfect place to move your body, reconnect with nature, and experience the joy of learning a new skill alongside a friendly, supportive community. On the water, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery—the echoes of wildlife, majestic trees, sculpted rock formations, and the energy of a living river flowing through its winding corridor.

As whitewater kayakers, we learn to move with the current. We use strategy, technique, and full-body engagement as we glide through wave trains, playfully surf river features, and skillfully explore each river's unique character. Every river trip is an immersive experience in nature's rhythms and dynamic forces—including your own. Whitewater kayaking offers moments of calm and focus alongside bursts of excitement and adrenaline. It takes you to remarkable places that are often inaccessible by land, while building strength, confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection with both nature and your paddling partners. And it might even make you feel a little badass.

Who Should Join This course is designed for complete beginners, including those with no previous whitewater kayaking experience.

What We'll Learn We'll start with the fundamentals, helping you build safe, reliable skills from day one. Throughout the course, you'll learn the basics of:

* Proper boat fit and equipment * Essential paddle strokes * Steering and boat control * Wet exits and water safety * Reading current and river features * Introductory river maneuvers

Whether you're looking for a new outdoor adventure, a full-body challenge, or simply a fun day on the river, this course is a wonderful place to begin.

Location Harpers Ferry, West Virginia We'll paddle either the Shenandoah River or the Potomac River. The exact location will be determined closer to the course date based on water levels and river cond