Level 2: River Runners

When a student has become proficient in Level 1, he or she will progress into the level 2 group. The goal of Level 2 is to develop the students into confident river runners on Class II whitewater and begin to advance to Class III rivers. Classes will take place on local rivers and creeks during the paddling season and at an indoor pool during the off-season. Winter pool practice is important for fine tuning skills, perfecting your roll, and staying in shape.

Safety: Level 2 students will continue their river safety development by learning and practicing some basic safety skills. This is where we will begin to teach students about setting up safety below rapids. We will teach them how to determine where, when, and why to set up safety as well as how to use throw ropes to rescue swimmers. Students will also learn how to best recover boats, gear, and swimmers during a rescue by practicing these skills.

Communication: We will continue to use verbal and hand signals to communicate on the river. Students will continue to scout rapids and learn how to read whitewater. They will also learn how to lead the rest of the group through a rapid using hand signals. Paddling skills: Boaters in Level 2 will continue to practice basic paddling skills, bow rescues, and rolling. We will also introduce some intermediate paddling strokes and maneuvers such as draw strokes using the kayak's edges to carve turns.

River maneuvers: We will improve on the basic river maneuvers learned in Level 1 and practice them in faster current and stronger eddy lines. We will add onto the basic maneuvers to continue to develop skills.

Combat roll: Boaters will continue to practice their roll and develop their roll in moving water.

Surfing waves: Level 2 boaters will be introduced to surfing waves.

Leadership: Boaters will continue to be encouraged to lead the group. All students will have the opportunity to be in front.