To learn the basic maneuvers involved in whitewater kayaking and the basics of how to read the river and recognize and avoid its hazards.

I. Title Whitewater Kayak Beginner Class I II. Goal To learn the basic maneuvers involved in whitewater kayaking and the basics of how to read the river and recognize and avoid its hazards. III. Objectives From this lesson students will be able to: 1. Explain natural hazards in whitewater kayaking how and how to minimize risk 2. Demonstrate how to read water 3. List features to help them navigate rapids 4. Perform an eddy turn 5. Perform a peel out 6. Execute a ferry 7. Practice proper LNT ethics 8. Demonstrate how to catch a rope 9. Demonstrate how to safely swim in whitewater 10. Summarize basic whitewater kayak philosophy 11. Have fun IV. Audience identified 1. Age: 17 and up 2. Who: GT students, faculty, Staff, alumni and their guests 3. Numbers: Ratio= 1 Staff to 4 participants, excluding TL (Minimum 2 Staff) 4. Experience level: Beginners who have successfully passed the WW Sampler or equivalent experience WITH permission of ADOR/ORC and TL V. Duration Classroom prep = 30 minutes, Classroom Session = 1.5 hours, Trip Prep = 1hour, Time in the field = 8 hours max, Transportation time = up to 5 hours, Post trip = 1 hour VI. Location Pre-trip Class: CRC Classroom, meet at ORGT Trip Locations are not disclosed on this website; instead they are on the ORGT Wilderness Outpost Computer at S:\Outdoor Recreation\Files\Course Descriptions\Updated Policy and Curriculum project 1. How will you get there? CRC Vehicle (Preferred) Self drive with carpool NO GT insurance coverage in private vehicles Should travel in caravan as a group Know vehicle info and have phone numbers in each vehicle 2. Any specific safety concerns? 1

Weather River access / permits / private property Parking If there is a fee please retain receipt for reimbursement Dirt roads Strangers / other users at site VII. Content & Methods Classroom 1. Personal Introductions and Name Game a. Welcome everyone b. Ask a useful short question What do you hope to get our of the class? Paddling experience? Etc? c. Remember to cycle back so that everyone begins to bond by knowing each others names d. Double check class attendance with sign-up. If folks aren t registered make arrangements for this to occur prior to trip 2. Introduce Class and ORGT a. Advertise other classes and trip b. ORGT / WW Kayak progression: Participant ->Instructor->TL (keep it REALLY simple) c. Rules: i. Inherently dangerous Accept risks of the trip ii. No mind-benders (alcohol or drugs) prior to outing or on outing. No smoking due to fire risk and annoyance iii. Because of complex logistics be on time iv. Weather: 1) Meeting morning of to decide 2) Be prepared for it. 3. Tell participants about the opportunity they will have to disclose pertinent medical history at the end of class session if TL is present; if TL is not present they let them know they will be given the TL s contact info and should feel free to contact with any questions or concerns. Say The reason you should tell the TL about this pertinent past medical history is not to get medical clearance or advise to go, that happens between you and your doctor. The reason is: 1) to help us in the case we need to make or change plans that day 2) to help us help you get your medication if you need it 3) to help us take better care of you and the group 4. Personal liability and risk inherent in whitewater kayaking 5. River Reading Basics d. Definition, Danger, Defense for hazards and Injury Prevention i. High Water ii. Hypothermia iii. Holes/Reversals iv. Broaches/Pins v. Strainers/Sieves vi. Undercut Rocks vii. Foot Entrapments viii. Horizon Lines e. Positive Features 2

i. Downstream V s/tongues ii. Standing waves/wave trains iii. Eddies 6. Kayaking Basics a. Basic Maneuvers i. Eddy Turns ii. Peel Out (SAL) iii. Ferries (SAL) 7. Rescue a. Catching a rope i. Self-rescue in whitewater position (defensive and offensive) ii. River Signals 8. Personal gear description and explanation 9. Trip day logistics 10. Food and Hydration 11. General notes about being in the field 12. Handouts 3. Tell participants about the opportunity they will have to disclose pertinent medical history at the end of class session if TL is present; if TL is not present they let them know they will be given the TL s contact info and should feel free to contact with any questions or concerns. Say The reason you should tell the TL about this pertinent past medical history is not to get medical clearance or advise to go, that happens between you and your doctor. The reason is: 1) to help us in the case we need to make or change plans that day 2) to help us help you get your medication if you need it 3) to help us take better care of you and the group Field River 1. Eskimo Rescues 2. Eddy Turn 3. Peel Out 4. Ferries 5. Draw, stern draw 6. Balance and boat lean 7. River Reading a. Hazards b. Positive Features 8. Combat roll practice Post Trip at ORGT 1. Signing them up for listserv by giving ORC class list with names/emails 2. Paperwork and trip reports 3. Incident reports 4. Return vans 3

VIII. Equipment Gear List Personal - ORGT provided 1. Helmet 2. PFD 3. Kayak (float bags for participants) 4. Paddle 5. Spray skirt Personally provided 1. Swimming clothes 2. Towel 3. River shoes, sandals, booties 4. Lunch 5. Water/sports drink (not soda) 6. Leash for glasses if needed 7. Sunscreen 8. Non cotton clothes preferably 9. Extra clothes Group 1. Rope 2. First Aid Kit 3. Directions 4. Breakdown Paddle IX. What is a foul weather alternative? Options: Wait out lightning (Please review ORGT Lightning Policy and Procedure) Cancel Trip Reschedule Trip X. Evaluation and Marketing 1. School Evaluation sent by email from ORGT Admin using surveymonkey.com Encourage them to take it as it helps legitimize ORGT as a valuable program here at GT, also helps us get better at what we do. a. Includes: i. Evaluation of learning objectives from above ii. TL and Instruction Evaluation iii. General evaluation of processes 2. Make a general statement about receiving emails from ORGT regarding other classes, trips, schools, special events and tell them they need to come tell you if they want to opt out, otherwise they can opt out once they receive the first email. 4

XI. Follow up [Go over this section toward the end of your trip] Tell participants to: 1. Attend subcommittee meetings 2. Expect to see the survey monkey evaluation soon and some marketing material for upcoming ORGT events 3. Join list serve 4. Join us for roll schools 5. Join us for next Beginner Class XII. Reference materials to support your lesson a) ACA Kayak and Canoe Instructors Manual b) ORGT whitewater policy c) www.americancanoe.org d) www.americanwhitewater.org e) http://orgt.gatech.edu/whitewtr/whitewtr.html f) Kayak; A Manual of Technique, by William Neally g) The Bombproof Roll and Beyond, by Paul Dutky 5