Canoe, Kayak, and Raft the Housatonic River in Connecticut with Clarke Outdoors

Advanced Lesson Surfing Wave Our kayak instruction program is headed by 9 time National Canoe Champion Mark Clarke. Our instructors have years of paddling and teaching experience and are certified by the American Canoe Association. Your safety and enjoyment are their primary concerns. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced paddler, we can help you get more out of this exciting sport.

have never paddled before, or have never paddled whitewater before
are switching from open to decked boat (or vice versa) and are no better than an intermediate in the former craft
are uncomfortable with wet exits

have some river experience
can paddle in a straight line
can execute basic ferries, peel-outs and eddy turns

comfortable on Class I and II water
can surf small waves and holes
working on Eskimo roll

Negotiating Rapid Our Whitewater Instruction program is headed by Mark Clarke, a certified American Canoe Association instructor. Mark is an eight-time Open Canoe National Champion and is a nationally ranked kayaker. Mark has many years teaching experience and makes your safety and enjoyment his primary concern. (You may have seen Mark kayaking in a T.V. commercial that he did for Honda a few years ago)

Classes are kept small, with usually four or five students per instructor. We emphasize personalized instruction to fit your style. Lessons begin at 9:30 am at our shop and end at approximately 4:00 pm. All equipment, local transportation and lunch is included.

Beginner Lessons start on a quiet local pond where we work on basic strokes and becoming familiar with your boat. Then, back to our shop for a lunch of deli sandwiches, fresh fruit and juices while we watch some paddling videos. After lunch we return to our boats on an easy stretch of the Housatonic river for the rest of the afternoon. No experience is necessary but you should know how to swim.

We offer lessons for paddlers of all skill levels. Whether you wish to make paddling a major part of your life, or simply wish to try it out, we can help! Call us.

We will schedule group lessons on days other than listed if you have a group of three or more and give us one week notice.

$105 per person, per day for group lesson
$125 per person, per day for semi-private lesson (2 person min.).
$160 per person, per day for one person private lesson.

A 50% deposit is required when you sign up for a lesson. Fully refundable with 5 days cancellation notice. There is a $15 discount if you provide all of your own equipment.

Eskimo Roll Lessons are $25 per hour, min. 2 hours. Equipment is not provided.

Private or semi-private lessons will be scheduled at your convenience.

A 2-3 hour clinic followed by an afternoon of paddling on your own. $55 per person. Meet at 9:30 am.

Please reserve early as lessons fill up quickly.

163 Route 7, West Cornwall, CT 06796
(1 mile south of the covered bridge)
ph: 860-672-6365 • fax: 860-672-6543