Basic Itinerary:

Beginner Kayakers (Age 9-15) Students can have no to some kayaking experience. We will work on boat control, strokes, comfort when flipping, ability to read rapids and choose a line. Expect both a games-based and skills-based format for classes.

Intermediate Kayakers (Ages 11-17) Paddlers should be very comfortable wearing a sprayskirt and “wet exiting” from the boat if they flip over while wearing the skirt. They should have basic boat control; ability to make the boat go straight, and some experience in small whitewater like the Seneca Breaks or the GW canal.

Advanced kayakers have a very solid roll and are excited to spend time learning to surf in waves and holes.Spring Only

Drop off is 4pm at Anglers Inn (Potomac). Calleva will bring boat and equipment. We will put in at Anglers beach and work our way upstream, playing in waves and features as well as rolling. Students will need a thick, insulating top. Pick up will be 6:15 pm at the same location. 

Cost: $390 for all 6 sessions, $70 per individual session.

Basic Itinerary:

As Advanced Kayakers, the Send School meets twice a week for 6 weeks. Tuesdays are at Lock 6 and Fridays at Anglers. A Saturday and a weekend trip included, if qualified. Students should have a solid whitewater roll and experience on Class III+  NOT OFFERED 2026

Locations:

Feeder Canal, Anglers, Little Falls

Whether the Wild and Wonderful Cheat River, the Potomac River’s Seneca Showdown, or the freestyle Chute Out, competition is a great way to improve your technique while having fun on the river. Train in competitive disciplines including freestyle, downriver, and slalom. The Commando Unit program includes these skills as well as attaining, river running, even a trip to the big-water Gauley River; but most importantly it instills confidence in your teenager’s paddling ability. Students should have a solid roll and an interest in improving whitewater and technical skills. These classes are work-out style to improve fitness and endurance. This program will show your paddler how great it feels to be in top shape on the river!

We offer kayak trips for intermediate to advanced kayakers. Kayak expeditions extend through the amazing canyons and jungles.

Winter is an ideal time to learn to roll a kayak– in an indoor swimming pool! Our in-the-boat exercises, step-by-step teaching progressions, and individual feedback will help build your skills needed for rolling in the river and the spring kayaking season. With a low student-to-instructor ratio, students will get plenty of personal attention when learning and problem-solving rolls as well as the experience and feedback from fellow students.

Open Rolling Have a boat and want some practice? Bring your own equipment and work by yourself or with other friendly Open Roll participants.

Flatwater FreestyleWork on cartwheels, looping, stern squirts and more. Students must have their own boat and a solid roll. Dates are limited.

Pool Rolling for Youth for paddlers 9 to 17 years.

Everyone who is a competent swimmer can benefit from pool rolling practice. Beginners can learn the basics to develop a reliable roll. Intermediates can focus on off-side rolls, hand-rolls and other techniques to improve reliability in all conditions. Advanced paddlers can keep their rolls and flexibility in shape all winter long.

In Pool Rolling for Youth, boats are provided. Kayaks are hardshell with an enclosed cockpit, like Jackson Antix or Rockstars.

Itinerary:

• 8 weekday workouts in March and April
• 4 Downriver workouts in March
• 4 trips

Location: Anglers Inn, Great Falls, Md, Sycamore Island, Cheat Canyon, and other local rivers!

It doesn’t matter if you race or not… It doesn’t matter if you are first or mid-pack… Join what has become a rite of passage for intermediate paddlers in the DC area, and you will find yourself building endurance, improving your forward stroke, and enjoying the company of friends – just what you need to get you started on next paddling season.

Equipment:

All participants must have a dry suit or similar thermal gear. It has been known to snow out west in April! In addition, you will need to have layers for under their dry suit, booties, and hand protection.

For Cheat Youth, Calleva is able to provide a long boat, paddle, skirt, helmet, PFD.

This program is designed for kids age 14 and older with a roll and be comfortable in class III like Little Falls or the Mather Gorge.

Week Long Trips are the next step to your child building a lifelong love for kayaking and the outdoors! Designed to build upon the skills learned at summer camp or After School Kayaking, we will find a week for any skill level and get your child ready for an adventure not soon forgotten. These weeks embrace the outdoors, camping and eating outside, and exploring all that the wild rivers of the Americas have to offer. Paddlers will develop skills to assess the dynamic rivers and environmental situations and learn responsibility for self as well as the group.

Calleva provides all logistical needs once the trip has started, however parents are responsible for dropping off and picking up students before and after the trip.

Kayaking Week-long trips:

Kayak Canada