Youth kayaking at RVA Paddlesports is a fun way for younger paddlers to get continuous practice & coaching throughout the paddling season.  More than half our participants learned to kayak with us and now paddle the Lower James regularly in the summer.  We tailor our river trips to accommodate both beginner and intermediate paddlers.

Beginners: For paddlers with little to no experience we start with the basics of controlling a kayak on flatwater & slowlybuild you into being able to navigate class II & III whitewater on the James River.

Intermediate: For paddlers with prior instruction with us or other programs and want to progress their skills on the river.  We will work on ferrying, surfing, & technical river navigation.

With both levels we cover swimming, safety, and stewardship.

 Schedule:  Paddling sessions are every Mondays & Wednesdays afternoon from 6:00 – 8:15 pm.  Sundays 3:00 – 5:15 PM

 Drop-off & Pick-up:  Parents should arrange to drop-off & pick up the students at the various *access points we will be using for the park.  We will be putting on the river at 5:00 each day and taking off about two hours later.

*Due to weather, river levels, and skill level we will be varying which sections of river we paddle on each program day.  We will communicate ahead on locations for each particular day via email.

Access Points:  Huguenot Flatwater, Pony Pasture, Reedy Creek, Tredegar Flatwater, 14th Street Whitewater Takeout

We provide: Boats, skirts, helmets, pfds, splash tops, & paddles for all participants.

Participants need: Suitable river footwear, warm synthetic layers for under the paddle top, & enthusiastic attitudes.

Cost: 6 Sessions – $240, 8 sessions – $290, 10 sessions – $340

Make-ups:  Paddlers are encouraged to attend regularly, though any session can be made up at a later date.

Dates:  Program runs throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

Email us at rvapaddlesports@gmail.com or give us a call at +1-804-898-0697 to participate.

Upcoming trips this Summer