WELCOME TO PHILADELPHIA CANOE CLUB TRAINING PAGE:
Philadelphia Canoe Club offers training in many forms of paddling: Recreational canoeing and kayaking, Flat and moving water, Whitewater kayaking and canoeing, rolling, strokes for novice and intermediate paddlers, the PCC has ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instruction available in all of these areas year round. Check out our class schedules for the training that fits what you want to learn, and get out on the water! Come paddle with us.
Paddling is a wet sport (shocking!) Please prepare for your class. Consider the weather and water temperature. Do not wear cotton, it absorbs water quickly, gets heavy and will chill you. Appropriate warm weather clothing may be a swimsuit, synthetic quick drying shorts and shirt. Athletic attire works in most cases. Water shoes or old sneakers for your feet, no sandals or flip-flops, protect your feet and especially your toes. (Flatwater canoe students: kneeling pad or wearable knee pads will make your day more comfortable). And always remember to bring a towel and change of dry clothes for the end of the day!!
If you are not sure what to wear or bring, contact your instructor.
Always have plenty of drinking water and snacks for energy.
Paddling is fun, and when you are prepared your day is more enjoyable.
Classes are generally held rain or shine. The instructor will notify students if there is a change or cancellation.
Minors must be 12 years old or older to enroll in a class (except for tandem flat water canoe). A parent or guardian must register as a student to accompany minors in all classes.
After successful completion of your class, you are welcome to paddle with PCC on level appropriate river trips and practice sessions.
We hope to see you in class!
American Canoe Association (ACA)
Philadelphia Canoe Club is a member of the American Canoe Association (ACA). Our instructors are trained by the ACA and the ACA insures our classes at a cost of $10 per student per event. This fee is waived for ACA members. To become an ACA member contact them at: https://americancanoe.org.
Cancellation policy:
- Students may cancel 5 days before class for 80% refund.
- No refunds for no-shows.
For further information, please contact our Training Director:
CALLING ALL PADDLERS !
ANNUAL INSTRUCTION FAIR
SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2023
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Orientation to Paddling
Want to know where to begin? What style of paddling is the best fit for you? The difference between a canoe, kayak and stand up board? Do you sit or kneel? One paddle blade or two? Would you enjoy quiet flat water, or thrilling whitewater. There is a boat and style for everyone desiring to enjoy time on the water.
Noon to 3:00 p.m. - Meet our Instructors, See our Boats
Meet our many canoe and kayak instructors. Our boats will be on display, sit in them, get a feel for being your own captain. Our instructors will help you choose the right class.
Registration available at 10% discount for all full day classes.
The Philadelphia Canoe Club is at 4900 Ridge Ave.
driveway under traffic light next to Wissahickon Transit Station
PLEASE NOTE: Classes are added to our website through the year based on our instructor's availability. The last several years have shown us that classes do fill up fast once they are added.
If a class is full - contact our Training Director to be added to a wait list. Additional classes can be added as the wait list grows.
The Double Blade Universe
Whitewater Kayaking Classes
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
WHITEWATER KAYAKING NOVICE TRAINING – 4-Day Training Class
No experience necessary. This course is held over a period of two weekends. You will be introduced to proper fit and use of equipment, strokes, maneuvers, assisted and self rescue, river reading and safety while building skills to paddle class two whitewater. The first two-day weekend is held in Philadelphia on the Schuylkill River followed by two days on the Lehigh River in the Poconos. Tent camping at Whitewater Challengers included for Friday and Saturday nights. Please note: NO RV's.
Successful completion of this course will allow students to participate in Philadelphia Canoe Club’s (PCC) Wednesday Night Flat Rock Trips on the Schuylkill River.
Whitewater Kayak Novice Training - June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 Register Here
WHITEWATER KAYAKING Not-So-Novice TRAINING - 4-Day Training Class
This class is part of the Philadelphia Canoe Club (PCC) Whitewater Kayaking Novice Training Class. It is designed as a step-up class for students who have taken novice training have whitewater skills and experience; and wish to improve.
Prerequisites:
- Must have your own whitewater kayak and paddling equipment.
Please note:Philadelphia Canoe Club Equipment is not available for this class.
- You must be comfortable on class II Whitewater (like the Lehigh River) and have taken the PCC Novice Training course or equivalent.
- You must be able to perform the basic paddling skills taught in a novice course. You should be comfortable underwater while performing wet exits and bow rescues and experienced with J leans, hip snaps and braces.
Venue: Schuylkill River, Lehigh River, or appropriate river to be determined by instructor.
Note: You must take both weekends.
Course Description:
This course will review the basic kayaking skills taught in the Philadelphia Canoe Club Novice Training Course and will concentrate more on river safety, river reading, improving paddling strokes, eddy turns, peel outs and ferries.
This course will be held over a period of two weekends beginning with an orientation and boat fitting on Friday evening June 2, at 5:30 p.m. followed by two days of on-the-water training. The second weekend will be held on the Lehigh River in the Poconos which includes camping at Whitewater Challengers Friday and Saturday nights.
Successful completion of this course will allow students to participate in Philadelphia Canoe Club’s (PCC) Wednesday Night Flat Rock Trips on the Schuylkill River.
Whitewater Kayak Not-So-Novice Training - June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 Register Here
WHITEWATER KAYAKING INTRODUCTION – 1-Day Class
No experience necessary. This course is designed for students with little or no formal kayak training. Lessons include basic strokes, maneuvers, assisted and self-rescue, river reading and safety. The class will teach students the essentials of whitewater river kayaking. Successful completion of this course will allow students to participate in Philadelphia Canoe Club’s (PCC) Wednesday Night Flat Rock Trips on the Schuylkill River.
July 9, 2023 Register Here
WHITEWATER KAYAKING INTRODUCTION – 2-DAY CLASS
No experience necessary. This two-day course is designed for students with little or no formal kayak training. Lessons include basic strokes, maneuvers, assisted and self-rescue, river reading and safety. The course will teach students the essentials of whitewater kayaking. The two-day format allows for a slower pace and more time to work on skills.
Successful completion of this course will allow students to participate in Philadelphia Canoe Club’s (PCC) Wednesday Night Flat Rock Trips on the Schuylkill River.
WHITEWATER KAYAKING – INTERMEDIATE 2-Day Class
Prerequisite: Whitewater kayaking experience necessary.
This class is designed for students who are comfortable on class 2-3 water and have a reliable roll and can self-rescue. You will be encouraged to try more challenging maneuvers.
WHITEWATER KAYAKING – ADVANCED 1-Day Class
Lower Youghiogheny River, Ohiopyle, PA
This course is designed for the proficient intermediate kayak student. A reliable roll is preferred. You will learn creeking moves such as boofs, grinds, and using your hands with rocks while learning techniques for running larger drops and navigating and surfing holes.
WHITEWATER KAYAK RIVER PLAY - INTERMEDIATE 1-Day Class
Location: Lehigh River
Date: July 8, 2023
Prerequisite: Whitewater kayaking experience necessary. This class is designed for people who have completed the Novice training 4 day class, either this year or previously, want to step up their skills, learn to play on the river, and are comfortable on and in a whitewater river. Bring your own boat and gear. A roll is not necessary but helpful, and you should know basic self-rescue. Learn to play the river. Surfing, spinning, catching eddies, looking for fun features, stern squirts, and enjoying the river on a summer day. Class will be held on the Lehigh River and tailored to the students. Bring your equipment and meet your instructors at the White Haven Put-In at 10 a.m.
Whitewater Kayak River Play July 8, 2023 Register Here
RECREATIONAL KAYAKing CLASSESCOURSE DESCRIPTIONS
RECREATIONAL KAYAKING INTRO (FLAT-WATER) (One-Day Class)
Location: Schuylkill River
No experience necessary. This course is designed for students with little or no formal kayak training. Lessons will include basic strokes, safety and rescue on flat and gently moving water.
Recreational Kayaking (1-Day) June 10 Register Here
Recreational Kayaking (1-Day) July 22 Register Here
Recreational Kayaking (1-Day) August 5 Register Here
RECREATIONAL KAYAKING ESSENTIALS (FLAT AND MOVING WATER) - (Two-day Class).
No experience necessary. This course is designed for students with little or no formal kayak training
Day 1: Location: Philadelphia Canoe Club
Kayaking is more fun when you know how to control your boat. Your lesson will include basic strokes, safety and rescue on flat and gently moving water. You will learn how to safely and easily get back into your kayak should you tip over and how to help your companions.
Day 2: Location: NJ Pine Barrens
You will practice your skills from day one in the morning on the lake. The afternoon session on the river includes water reading and river features. You will practice controlling your kayak in faster currents and around river bends and turns.
Recreational Kayaking (2-Days) June 17 & 18, 2023 REGISTER HERE
Recreational Kayaking (2-Days) July 15 & 16, 2023 REGISTER HERE
RECREATIONAL KAYAK EVENING CLINICS (6-8 p.m.)
Take one, take all, improve your skills, have fun!
Location: Philadelphia Canoe Club, 4900 Ridge Avenue
Clinic # 1:
Proper Kayak Entry and Exit, Forward, Backward & Sweep Strokes
This clinic will focus on safe kayak entry and exit even in challenging locations and improving basic paddling strokes. An efficient forward stroke moves the kayak forward and is the key to successful paddling. Paddling backward is necessary for slowing down, stopping, and back ferry boat control in twisty moving water. Sweep strokes are for turning the boat. The draw stroke is for moving the boat sideways.
Recommended Boats: touring, crossover or recreational kayak
June 29, 2023 Register Here
Clinic # 2:
Bow and Stern Draws, Ruddering, and Bracing. Introduction to Front and Back Ferrying
Bow and stern draws and ruddering are essential for good boat control and necessary for paddling straight, turning and side slipping. You will learn where to place your paddle and when to use these strokes for maximum control. We will also learn the low brace, a handy skill to keep from capsizing. Ferrying is used to easily and quickly move from one side of the river to the other while avoiding obstacles (rocks, trees, other boaters). You can ferry facing downstream (back ferry) or facing upstream (front ferry). Knowing a good back stroke is essential for back ferries.
Recommended Boats: touring, crossover or recreational kayak.
July 13, 2023 Register Here
Clinic # 3:
Eddy Turns, Peel Outs, Water Reading and Portaging
Prerequisite: Experience paddling on a river/creek with moving water.
The goal of this class is to learn good river judgement to navigate moving and class 1 whitewater safely and efficiently. We will paddle 1 mile up the Schuylkill River where there is sufficient current to practice ferries, peel outs, eddy turns, water reading and portaging. Most rivers have flat sections and moving water sections. You will learn when to stop, scout and safely navigate or portage a section you do not wish to run.
Recommended Boats: touring, crossover or recreational kayak.
July 27, 2023 Register Here
Clinic # 4:
Being Safe on the Water, Basic Rescue Techniques, Proper Clothing and Gear
A safe paddler is a happy paddler. We will discuss proper gear for a comfortable and safe paddle. Basic rescue techniques that every kayaker should know for personal and group safety will be covered. Learn self-rescue and how to rescue a capsized kayaker and assist paddlers with their re-entry into the boat. Be prepared to get wet, you will be in the water. Protect your feet, especially your toes, wear secure footwear. Closed water shoes or sneakers a must, no sandals, flip flops or crocs.
Recommended Boats: touring, crossover or recreational kayak.
August 10, 2023 Register Here
The Single Blade Universe
CANOE CLASSES
(All canoe classes are offered solo or tandem.)
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
INTRO WHITEWATER CANOE 4-Day Novice Training
No experience necessary:
This course is held over a period of two weekends. You may choose solo or tandem canoe. You will be introduced to proper fit and use of equipment, strokes, maneuvers, assisted and self rescue, river features, water reading, and safety while building skills to paddle class two whitewater. The first two-day weekend will begin on still water and move onto more challenging class. The second weekend will be held on the Lehigh River in the Poconos. Tent camping included for Friday and Saturday nights at Whitewater Challengers. Please note: No RV's.
Whitewater Canoe Novice Training - June 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 2023 REGISTER HERE
CANOE-BASIC INSTRUCTION (Evening Session 5 - 8 p.m.)
Basic canoe instruction for the beginner on flatwater to prepare you for future classes. This class will focus on entering and exiting the canoe, basic strokes to control the boat, necessary gear. You may paddle solo or tandem. For tandem, both students need to be registered. No charge to ACA members, Non-ACA members $10.
Canoe-Basic Instruction May 18 (5 pm - 8 pm) - Thursday Evening REGISTER HERE
INTRODUCTION TO CANOEING – (Two-Day Class)
No experience necessary.
This course is designed for the beginner. We will meet at Philadelphia Canoe Club Saturday morning then travel to the NJ Pine Barrens for a lesson on a lake. Students will learn about paddle and canoe styles, basic strokes, maneuvers, self and assisted rescue and safety. Bring your lunch, camera and a chair or blanket. Day two will begin on the lake then progress to a gentle moving stream where you will be introduced to river features and water reading. You will learn how to maneuver your boat using strokes, ferries and eddies. You may choose solo or tandem. (Note: Tandem students must attend class with their partner).
Introduction to Canoeing May 20 & 21, 2023 REGISTER HERE
RIVER CANOEING ESSENTIALS - Level 2 (Two-Day Class)
Location: Schuylkill River
No experience necessary.
This course will cover equipment, safety, rescue, and boat control on moving water. You will learn maneuvers such as ferries and eddy turns on moving water.
Please dress appropriately. No cotton clothing. Secure footwear required, no sandals, flip flops or crocs. Make sure your shoes will stay on in turbulent water. Registrants will receive more information closer to the date of class from the instructors.
You may take Day 1 only.River Canoeing (Essentials) - Level 2 - June 17 & 18, 2023 REGISTER HERE
RIVER CANOEING - Level 3 (Two-Day Class)
Location: Schuylkill River - Lehigh RiverPrerequisite: Completion of River Canoeing Essentials Level 2 or equivalent skills.
This course will be taught on the Schuylkill River Saturday and Lower Lehigh River on Sunday. The class is designed to build and improve skills on class 1-2 whitewater. Students will practice eddy turns, peel outs, and ferries. Rescue will include capsizing, re-entry, boat and victim rescue. You will practice water reading, scouting, avoiding hazards and river running.
Please dress appropriately. No cotton clothing. Secure footwear required, no sandals, flip flops or crocs. Make sure your shoes will stay on in turbulent water. Registrants will receive more information closer to the date of class from the instructors.
River Canoeing (Level 3) July 15 & 16, 2023 REGISTER HERE
WHITEWATER CANOEING - Level 4 - Two-Day Class (Date to be announced).
Prerequisite: Completion of River Canoeing Level 3 or equivalent skills.
Location: Schuylkill River - Lehigh River
We will practice strokes, maneuvers, water reading, safety and surfing. The goal of this class is to learn how to use the river to your advantage and become a more graceful and proficient paddler.
The class will be taught on the Schuylkill River Saturday and the Lehigh River (class 1-2) in Jim Thorpe PA on Sunday. This class is a step up from the Intro to Canoe Class (flat and gentle moving water) and the River Canoeing Class, and a step down from the Whitewater Canoe Class (taught on the class 2-3 section of the Lehigh).Please dress appropriately. No cotton clothing. Good footwear required, no sandals, flip flops or crocs. Make sure your shoes will stay on in turbulent water. Registrants will receive more information closer to the date of class from the instructors.
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CANOE EVENING CLINICS (6 - 8 p.m.)
These clinics will focus on improving strokes and maneuvers. You may use either a whitewater or flat water. Tandem students need to bring a partner who is also registered for the class. You may bring your own canoe. Some canoeing experience necessary.
Take one, take all. Improve your skills, have fun!
Clinic # 1:Forward, Backward & Cross Forward Strokes - June 21
This clinic will focus on improving your forward, backward and cross forward stroke. The forward stroke is hardest to learn and is a lifelong learning process. There are two kinds of "J" strokes, "Traditional J" for cruising and "River J" for whitewater. Paddling backward is necessary for slowing down, stopping and back ferry boat control in twisty moving water or whitewater.You may use either a whitewater or flat water canoe. Tandem students need to bring their partner
Clinic # 2:
Prys and Draws, Side Slips, Braces with a J-Lean. - June 28
Prys and draws are essential for good boat control and necessary for paddling straight, turning and side slipping. You will learn where to place you paddle and when to use these strokes for maximum control. We will also learn high and low braces, edging, "J" Leans, a handy skill to learn to keep from capsizing.
You may use either a whitewater or flat water canoe. Tandem students need to bring a partner.
Clinic # 3:
Front & Back Ferries, Intro to Eddy Turns - July 12
Front and Back Ferries - Paddling Backward using a reverse "J" stroke.
Ferrying is used to easily and quickly move from one side of the river to the other while avoiding obstacles (rocks, trees, other boaters). You can ferry facing downstream (back ferry) or facing upstream (front ferry). Back ferries are especially important in canoes because you don't need to turn the boat against the upstream current, just angle the boat a bit and paddle backward to avoid a problem. Knowing a good back stroke is essential for back ferries. We will practice paddling backward using a reverse "J".
You may use either a whitewater or flat water canoe. Tandem students need to bring a partner.
Clinic # 4:
Eddy Turns, Peel Outs, Water Reading, Scouting, Portaging
Class 1-2 Whitewater - July 19
Prerequisite: Some whitewater experience necessary.
The goal of this class is to learn to good river judgement to navigate moving and whitewater safely and efficiently. This class will be held on the Schuylkill River at Flatrock in class 1-2 whitewater. You will practice improving your ferries, peel outs, water reading, scouting and portaging. Most rivers have flat sections and whitewater sections. You will learn when to stop, scout and safely navigate or portage a section you do not wish to run.Recommended boats: whitewater solo canoe or any tandem canoe.
Clinic # 5:
Basic Rescue Techniques - July 26
(Capsizing, Boat Rescue & Re-Entry, Throw Bags)
Class will be held on the Schuylkill River at the club. The clinic will cover basic rescue techniques that every canoeist should know for personal and group safety. You will learn how to rescue a capsized canoe and assist paddlers with their re-entry into the boat. You will also learn to use throw bags. (Bring your throw bag if you have one). Be prepared to get wet, you will be in the water. Protect your feet, especially your toes, wear secure footwear. Closed water shoes or sneakers a must, no sandals, flip flops or crocs.
Learn to paddle !
This page was edited by Ken Conly and Looie Voorhees 2.22.23