Indoor Whitewater Lesson Packet
This packet of information is provided to help keep you organized and ensure that you are fully prepared for your lessons, and 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!Contents
This packet contains the following:
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.- You must register online for all pool practice sessions and classes due to limited availability.
- WE DO NOT PROVIDE EQUIPMENT FOR INDOOR USE UNLESS YOU ARE AN INDOOR/OUTDOOR PACKAGE STUDENT.
- 72 hours’ notice of cancellation is required (online).
- Please arrive twenty minutes prior to the course start time.
- Be sure your equipment is appropriate for your skill level. Beginners who show up in a playboat usually have a harder time learning to roll. If you are new to the sport and are renting gear please request a kayak of the appropriate volume and with a “displacement hull” or “soft chines.”
- Take the time to properly outfit your kayak with hip pads, supportive back band, and correct foot brace adjustment prior to your lesson. This is mandatory if you really hope to learn to roll in a short period of time.
- EQUIPMENT MUST BE THOROUGHLY CLEAN INSIDE AND OUT (NO LEAVES, SAND, ETC, PLEASE)!
- HELMET AND PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE ARE REQUIRED.
- If you have not taken a whitewater class with us you must demonstrate your wet exit prior to taking a class. (This does not apply to experienced paddlers in the practice pool.)
- All participants must be in a kayak at all times. No wading or instruction except by ACA-certified instructors.
- DO NOT USE THE SIDE OF THE POOL FOR ROLLING PRACTICE. IT IS DANGEROUS AND PROHIBITED. Use your partner’s bow or stern instead as you would in a real situation.
- If you are in a rolling class please make the most of your time while waiting for an instructor by practicing high braces, hip snaps, or rolling. The more of these drills you do, the faster you will learn to roll!
- CHLORINE IS DAMAGING TO PADDLING GEAR! Wash all gear with fresh water at the end of the pool session.
- Have fun and don’t forget to leave time to hang out after the pool session! We always go to Kilroy’s, located in the shopping center on Braddock Road, across from the Audrey Moore/Wakefield park entrance.
List of Things to Bring
- 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.)
- Bathing suit and/or rash guard
- "Krafty Kayaker" Nose Plugs (Or equivalent kayak-specific nose plugs) are a MUST HAVE item. NOTE: First pair provided FREE for Indoor / Outdoor Beginner Package Students
- Towel and change of clothes
- Q-tips (optional) Glasses or Contact Wearers:
- Eyeglass strap (so you don’t lose
your expensive prescription lenses)
- Note to those who wear contacts: Bring extra. (Swim goggles don’t work that well. A well fitting dive mask is ok while learning to roll.)
Directions to Lesson Location
Indoor pool classes and practice sessions are held at the Audrey Moore Recreation Center, in Annandale. For alternate routes, google 8100 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA 22003. If you get lost, call the Audrey Moore Rec Center at 703.321.7081.DIRECTIONS
From the Capital Beltway (I-495), take Braddock Road West (exit 54A).
Almost immediately after you get off the Beltway, take your first right into the Wakefield Park entrance. Follow the park road all the way around to the back of the park, where you’ll see the Audrey Moore Rec Center and a large parking lot.
Park, then walk with your gear down the path (just to the right of the Rec Center) to the big patio behind the pool. We will meet here and conduct a briefing.
PLEASE have all your clothing and supplies ready to go twenty minutes prior to start time so that we can start promptly.