Quick Details
Youth kayaking at RVA Paddlesports is a fun way for younger paddlers to get continuous practice and coaching throughout the paddling season. Many of our participants learned to kayak with us and now paddle the James River regularly. We tailor the sessions to accommodate both beginner and intermediate paddlers. Each session will meet at different points around the James River Park System, and, occasionally, we will take field trips to rivers across the country!
Participants who are brand-new to whitewater paddling will be required to take a one-on-one intro session and skills assessment with one of our instructors.
For paddlers with little to no experience, we start with the basics of controlling a kayak on flatwater and slowly build you into being able to navigate Class II-III whitewater on the James River.
For paddlers with prior experience, our program will progress your skills on the river. We will work on ferrying, surfing, and technical river navigation.
We offer out of town trips when the water levels are prime including on the Maury and Appomattox rivers.
-
Towel, change of clothes, swimwear, camera, hat, sunglasses, river footwear, sunscreen and water bottle
-
Kayak, paddles, helmets, PFDs, safety equipment, guides, photographers
-
2 sessions per week (24 sessions) – $1000
3 sessions per week (32 sessions) – $1250
Single sessions – $50
*Monthly payment plans are available, please inquire for more information
-
Out of Town Trip Schedule*
June 24-25th: New River Gorge
July 22-23rd: Upper Yough Race
August 19-20th: Great Falls/ Little Falls Race
*all trips water/ paddler skill level dependent
-
The following is a packing list example for a weekend trip (3 days, 2 nights):
Clothing & Toiletries:
- 1 long-sleeve shirt (synthetic or wool preferred)
- 1 pair of long pants (synthetic/quick-dry preferred)
- 1 pair of board shorts
- 1 pair of regular shorts (synthetic/quick-dry preferred)
- 2 t-shirts (cotton is fine)
- 3 pairs of socks (at least 1 pair synthetic)
- Underwear (at least 2 pairs)
- Camp shoes (flip flops, slides, or crocs)
- Beanie
- Fleece
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants (optional)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Wipes (optional)
- Medications (if necessary)
River gear:
- Neoprene booties*
- Wetsuit*
- Dry top*
- Boating equipment*
Camping gear:
- Sleeping bag*
- Sleeping pad*
- Tent (with rain fly, poles, and stakes)*
- Pillow
*If you do not have this gear, RVA Paddlesports can provide it for you – please contact us at info@rvapaddlesports.com if you need to reserve gear for an overnight trip.
PaddleSquirts Photo Gallery
2023 Summer Schedule
