Foundations Alumni on their time as students
For the 3rd year in a row, we will host a series of educational clinics known as Foundations of Whitewater Kayaking, also known simply as “Foundations” or “FK” for short. This series has its roots in a previous series, from years back, called Rapid Progression, or RP. While RP was wildly successful and produced a lot of great paddlers, it assumed you had some experience already, so it placed you right into the action on class II whitewater, and it was very fast paced, taking students all the way to serious Class III+ whitewater in just a single summer.
What we learned from those days is that students who are starting from zero, with no time in the boat and no idea of even what equipment they need to get started with whitewater kayaking, need a place to start and need a solid foundation that will propel them to the level they desire to reach. The Foundations series takes paddlers from zero, to competent class II paddlers, in a safe, gently paced, and controlled manner.
Don’t just take my word for it. Two of our graduates, from FK class of 2022, have decided to share their experiences with the world!
Patrick Walsh
I started in foundations of kayaking because I was given a choice by my fiance. Rock climbing, or kayaking. Seeing as how I value my limbs, I chose kayaking, and I can say it was an excellent choice. People come to foundations for different reasons, but all stay for the same one, love of rapids and a great community.
One thing great about foundations is that you can come into the clinic knowing almost nothing about the sport, and end with being able to do solid class [II] rivers. The ramp up in foundations starts in a safe environment, beginning with flatwater, and slowly progressing to class two rivers. You can start with any amount of paddling experience and be good to go by the time the class is over in July.
Another positive aspect is being able to learn with a group of people your level. Anyone can go out and pay for a lesson, but learning with a group of people close by who are taking the same classes can give attendees a group of people to paddle with at their level once foundations is complete. Continuing to push each other can also help to improve both during class and after foundations.
If you decide to join the class, expect a focus on both safety and learning to start, following a solid buildup of skills needed to jump on rivers.
Scott Schilling
Foundations of Whitewater Kayaking through the Foothills Paddling Club was my introduction to the sport. Until my first class, I had no idea how unprepared I was to kayak on moving water. And I believe my response was like many of my classmates. Nothing is natural in whitewater kayaking!
Sure, you may have an idea of what you need to do. And you can find lots of resources that will aid you in becoming a better paddler. But learning to become a whitewater paddler is never a task anyone should take on their own. While there are no shortages of whitewater classes in this area, you would be hard-pressed to find a better collection of instructors offered by the Foundations series. From the beginning until the end of the classes, I felt supported by my instructors. And anytime I had questions or didn’t understand a concept, they were happy to provide additional time to aid my learning.
One of the advantages of the Foundations series, in my opinion, is the involvement of the Foothills Paddling Club. For new students, the conclusion of the Foundations series is not the end of your paddling. It’s just the start. I’m thankful for all the help and relationships I’ve formed with my instructors and fellow students through the classes. And for anyone looking into the Foundations of Whitewater Kayaking series, I’ll keep it simple. Just do it. You won’t regret it!