Canoe & Kayak School is IN for the summer. The New England Outdoor Center is the leading canoe and kayak instruction center in Maine. Our kayak instructors and Maine canoe guides are avid boaters who are enthusiastic about kayaking Maine and sharing their paddling techniques and knowledge of Maine canoeing and its rivers with you. We offer individual kayaking lessons or group whitewater kayaking instruction on selected weekends from mid-June through early September on the Penobscot River. We offer kayaking classes and canoeing classes for beginners, advanced beginners and intermediate paddlers. Our Style of Canoe & Kayak Instruction We begin on flat and slow moving water and work on wet exits, bracing, eddy turns, peel outs, ferries and water reading. When we move to quicker water on the river, we sometimes spend the afternoon in one rapid working on these skills. Beginning to learn how to surf is also done early in the program. As skills develop we gradually go to rapids with faster and rougher water BUT we always make sure the student is capable of handling it. Our goal is to understand and enjoy whitewater, not just paddle it! We also introduce the Kayak roll at our Twin Pine Camps base. (It is not guaranteed that the student will master the roll during a one or two day course.) We will later work on rolls in moving water if the student desires. Our classes for more advanced boaters are more customized based on the student's individual goals, however we continue to work on development of strong paddling skills, confidence and water reading. We will work on surfing, basic playboating techniques and run more challenging water. Where We Teach Kayaking We start out at our private beach on Millinocket Lake at our Twin Pine Camps. As the comfort level increases we head to the West Branch of the Penobscot River. This is the same river that we whitewater raft on, so at lunchtime we often watch the rafts negotiate the Class IV rapids. Our teaching areas are carefully selected for the gradual transition from a lake to moving water. The scenery is spectacular with Mt. Katahdin in the distance. We provide all equipment needed for instruction boats by Pyranha, paddles, spray skirts, helmets, and personal floatation devices. Paddle jackets and spray jackets are free of charge when desired. A hearty lunch and snack are included with all classes. Class Descriptions / How To Rate Your Ability Please use the following descriptions to evaluate your skill level. Once you have made your reservation, our staff will review your goals, prior experience, and athletic background so that we can place you at the appropriate level. Beginner Has never been in an enclosed boat in moving water and has had no prior instruction on whitewater...brand new to the sport. (Experience in a sea kayak does not transfer to whitewater paddling.) Private Canoe and Kayak Instruction Advanced Beginner Has had prior instruction, has paddled low class II moving water, and has attempted a roll. Understands and can perform a peel out, eddy turn and ferry, and basic bracing techniques. Generally cautious and still inconsistent in performing basic techniques. Intermediate Generally more aggressive. Has performed a roll in flat water and tried one in moving water, and can comfortably run class II and class III water. Still needs work on sound paddling techniques. Advanced Very comfortable on the water, looking to paddle very challenging whitewater.. LODGING & MEAL OPTIONS: We can arrange for lodging & meals packages in conjunction with daily instruction. HOW TO BOOK: Call our reservation office at 1.800.766.7238. It is helpful to have a few date options so that we can fit you into the best slot. Upon receipt of a 50% deposit, we will send you all confirmation material relevant to NEOC and our instruction program. All balances must be paid in full prior to arrival. Our normal cancellation policies apply. THE MINIMUM AGE FOR KAYAK INSTRUCTION IS 14 YEARS OF AGE, UNLESS SPECIAL, ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE THROUGH OUR HEAD INSTRUCTOR. Instruction Dates & Rates/Packages Whitewater Kayak & Canoe Instruction These documents are in PDF format. You will need the free Acrobat Reader to view them.