- 2 hours
Enjoy scenic, flatwater stretches of the James River while learning solid stroke fundamentals and exploring Richmond’s history with a group of friends or family by kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP).
Quick Details
Per Person
Youth (age 10-14)
$ 575
Have your youth master the skills of river navigation right here on the James River
RVA Paddlesports aims to engage Richmond’s community with the biggest asset of our backyard: the James River!
We are excited to bring all of our offerings into a weeklong summer camp for youth ages 10-15 years old. Junior River Guide Camp will challenge your child to excel in whitewater navigation on the Upper & Lower James in inflatable kayaks and rafts.
Camp attendees will join certified staff for the adventure of a lifetime on the James River. Over the course of the week, participants will develop boat navigation and leadership skills to eventually be able to guide a raft of peers down the Lower James in Richmond, Virginia. Our professional staff will be with them along the way coaching their processes and empowering them to take charge of their boats. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice and develop real life skills in both CPR & Swiftwater Rescue from our certified instructors.
Here are a few activities to expect:
- Swimming
- Inflatable Kayaking
- Whitewater Rafting
- Swiftwater Rescue Skills
- Leadership & Guiding Skills
After a full day of fun, pick up your future river guide at Forest Hill Park. Adventure awaits this summer on the James. No experience necessary, stoke level mandatory.
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Lunch, towels, change of clothes, swimwear, hat, sunglasses, river footwear, sunscreen, water bottle
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Boats, paddles, helmets, PFDs, safety equipment, shuttle, guides, photographers.
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Learning to guide whitewater creates impactful experiences for off the river
Rafters Celebrating Teamwork
“You never run the same river twice”
During the process of becoming a whitewater guide campers will get to practice being the leader and voice in the back of the boat instructing their peers on when to paddle, when to hold on, and when to celebrate. Our program will foster a culture of feedback so that campers are comfortable not getting it right the first (of even second) time and using feedback from both the instructors and their peers on how to improve.
Those who participate in Junior Guide Camp can expect to be challenged daily. We will start on basic boat control on beginner whitewater and progress through giving commands, navigating novice rapids, and steering the boat. Campers will also work on their rescue skills and learn about the history of the James River.
We are excited for your camper to develop confidence and have fun all while enjoying the mighty James.