Heather Herbeck and I constructed a whitewater kayaking kids camp for Wet Planet Whitewater. The camp, which was three days long, gave these four kids a tremendous experience, and passion for whitewater and kayaking.

Getting outfitted in kids kayaks. We all used Jackson Kayak 2Fun and 1.5 Funs.

Cammile getting comfortable in the pool.

Will 'surfing' his sunk 2Fun.

Hope surfing her kayak.

Camille getting some courage.

As an instructor, I feel I owe a great deal of gratitude to EJ (Eric Jackson) of Jackson Kayaks, for making kayaks specifically for kids. The belief that kids should start kayaking young, and the opportunity and confidence it gives them at such a young age is fundamental to their development as kayakers, but more importantly, as people. The kids all had a great time kayaking, but over the course of the 3-day class, I saw them all gain confidence in themselves as they overcame their fears of water, rapids, rocks, and drytop claustrophobia.

We made foamies on Day 2. I think we have future kayak designers in the making.

Camille shapes her foamie.

Minot getting hers perfect.

Whitewater kayaking kids camp, Summer 2006.

The three day camp was a huge success, and three of the four students have already made plans to be back next summer. I'm sure we'll see them all back on the river, and hopefully they'll bring their friends. 

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