Whitewater Kayak Instruction
“If you’re a gal and want to paddle with your peers, be they nervous beginners or Class V experts, the setting doesn’t get much better than the programs through Girls at Play.” — Canoe and Kayak Beginners Guide 2011
Welcome to Girls at Play kayak instruct! We’re dedicated to helping women perform at their best on and off the river. Paddling at your best and living your best life requires more than just skills — it requires confidence. Girls at Play is the only kayak school in the world that specializes in building both confidence and skill at the same time. Not only do our students come away with increased confidence on the water, but they also develop a self-assurance off the water that sends positive ripples throughout their lives. We offer a wide range of instruction choices including Private Instruction, Beginner Clinics, Beginner Clinics with Yoga, Advanced Clinics and ACA Instructor Courses. Girls at Play clinics, instructional tools and accessories provide an environment where kayaking feels accessible, fun, inspiring, adventurous and supportive. Join in the fun and experience the new possibilities that await you!
For a full description and dates of available clinics please click on the links below.
For all dates please click here for the Girls at Play Instruction Calendar.
Private Instruction
At Girls at Play we believe that private, one-on-one or small group instruction is the perfect choice for intermediate paddlers. If you prefer personalized, custom instruction we suggest booking a private kayak lesson with our highly trained staff. Private instruction allows you to focus on and reach your goals without the distraction of large group needs and logistics. Focus on exactly the skills and goals you want to work on. Read More…
Womens Beginner Whitewater Kayaking Clinics
If you’re new to the sport of whitewater kayaking or are a beginner wanting to learn more then our women’s beginner clinics are ideal! Improve your kayak technique, accomplish your goals, build your confidence, meet new friends and paddle the beautiful rivers of Western North Carolina! You can expect all of this and more from our 2-day womens beginner whitewater kayaking clinics. Read More…
NEW in 2012 // Women’s Beginner Whitewater Clinics with Yoga
Learn to whitewater kayak with the added physical, mental and spiritual benefits of yoga. Enjoy the exceptional confidence and skills building of our regular kayak clinics with the addition of focus, relaxation and yoga therapy for kayaking muscles and alignment. Yoga will help you artfully maneuver through the challenges that arise when learning to whitewater kayak. Take our 2-day clinics to sample the water or our 4-day clinics to process your skills in depth. Read More…
NEW in 2012 // One Day Kayak Skills Workshops
In 2012 we’re introducing one day kayak workshops for those of you who want to improve your skills in a group setting without having to commit to a full weekend. Our workshop topics include: Strokes and rolling, eddies and ferries, reading water, intro to playboating, and edge control. Read more…
NEW in 2012 // Advanced Whitewater Kayaking Clinic
If you’re an intermediate to advanced boater who wants to take her skills to the next level in a group setting this clinic is perfect for you! Improve your confidence, your river running and playboating skills in this 4-day whitewater intensive on class III – IV rapids. We provide the most supportive environment for learning challenging skills. Read More….
NEW in 2012 // Women’s Creek Week
Are you ready to go creeking with a group of ladies!? Having found ourselves the only woman in a group of men on class IV-V creeks we know the subtleties of how women approach these challenges versus how men approach them. Our creek week provides a supportive environment in which women can challenge themselves and build their confidence learning creek moves and learning how to set safety for the group. Read More…
Girls at Play/ACA Instructor Course
Girls at Play has teamed up with the American Canoe Association to offer whitewater kayaking Level 1 through 4 instructor certifications. Not only will you learn from Anna Levesque, one of the best whitewater kayak instructors in the world, but you’ll also receive the highly recognized industry standard ACA certification and all of the benefits that come with it! You don’t have to want teach kayaking to take these courses. Anna believes that taking an instructor course is the best way for intermediate boaters to improve their skills. Read More…
Testimonials
“I came feeling anxious and unsure and left feeling on top of the world! It was so wonderful to have the chance to learn from Anna.” —Liz Jackson, Ottawa, Ontario
“…thanks for the great weekend…my skills are on the right track and confidence is high! Not to mention the new paddling buddies I have now and trips scheduled…. yay! You ladies rock!” —Cindy Frost, Austin, TX
“Thank you again for an amazing weekend, Brynn’s confidence has blossomed. It’s nice to see her break out on her own a little, she’s usually my shadow.” —Gretchin Benson, PA (mother/daughter kayaking team!)
“Thanks to Girls at Play for a wonderful four day clinic on the Nantahala in North Carolina! I had an awesome time paddling with Anna and Mary Frances, yoga with Anna every morning, great food, great cabin and a great way to meet new friends! Everyone should try it!” —Linda Coad, Charlotte, NC
“Anna and Mary Frances were so patient with our beginner group. We had a beautiful day…who could not have a good time?!”
—Be Kempf, Louisville, KY
“Had a great time at the womens clinic last week. Learned that you can learn a new sport at 37 years old, and that you can accomplish great things in a mutually supportive environment. Looking forward to future GAP events — thanks for everything!”
—Patricia Sura, Knoxville, TN
“I took a weekend course with Anna at the Nantahala and went on the GAP Mexico trip in January. Here is what I love about Anna: she can sit by a river and talk quietly and earnestly about vision quests and female energy and crazy yoga poses and the spirit of the water, and then she can get in her boat and effortlessly and gracefully paddle the hell out of some serious whitewater, kick back with a beer at the take out along with everyone else, and go salsa dancing until the wee hours of the morning, and there is no contradiction in any part of her. She is an amazing teacher — thoughtful, patient, challenging, and with a lovely sense of humor — and she has inspired me (at age 47) in so many ways in my life.” —Paige McThenia, Charlotte, NC
“I still haven’t come down to earth after spending the week with awesome women at the GAP paddling clinic last week! Thanks a million to Anna and Samy for teaching us invaluable paddling skills!” —Melissa Martin, Asheville, NC
Call us at 828.333.4482!