Over 30 Adventures
To Choose From!
Reserve Yours Today Online
or call or email us anytime:
1-800-348-3794, Ext. 3
adventures@sportchalet.com
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Kayaking
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Activity Level
Beginner |
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Total beginner and can meet the standards below.
- Class Time: 2-4 hours per day
- Distances: Can walk/ hike/ paddle 3 miles in a 2-4 hour time period on the surface and elevation types listed below
- Surfaces: Flat, even "on trail" or calm water paddling
- Water Exposure: None unless it's raining
- Altitude: Course location may be at elevations up to 7,000 ft
- Elevation Change: Little to none
- Equipment Used: Hiking shoes, hydration and day / fanny pack
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Active |
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New to outdoor adventure but participates in a regular exercise program 2-3 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Very few committing areas where paddling, rappelling or climbing may be required.
- Class Time: 4-6 hours per day (possible camping)
- Distances: Hike/ paddle up to 5 miles in a 4-6 hour time period on the surface and elevation types listed below
- Surfaces: Steep, even "on trail" hiking. Some beginner climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls or calm water or class I currents if paddling
- Water Exposure: Shallow wading or stream crossing
- Altitude: up to 8,000 ft
- Elevation Change: up to 2,000 ft per day
- Equipment Used: Kayaks, hiking shoes, hydration, small pack, harnesses, ropes and helmets
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Moderate |
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Some outdoor experience and regular fitness program 3-4 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Several committing areas where paddling, rappelling or climbing will be required.
- Class Time: 6-8 hours per day
- Distances: Hike/ paddle up to 8 miles in a 6-8 hour time period on the surfaces and elevations listed below some camping living in the back country
- Surfaces: Steep uneven "on and off trail" hiking with some scrambling using hands for pulling and balance. Some beginner to intermediate climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls. Some waves or class II currents if paddling
- Water Exposure: Waist deep wading and or multiple shallow stream crossings with a pack on
- Elevation Change: up to 3,000 ft/day
- Altitude: up to 10,000 ft
- Equipment Used: Kayaks, hiking / climbing shoes, hydration, small pack, harnesses, ropes and helmets, fall protection gear and advanced layers, simple rope systems for climbing and rappelling
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Vigorous |
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Some outdoor experience and regular fitness program 4-5 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Very committing program with no options for early egress but certain obstacle evasion points along the course.
- Class Time: 8-10 hours per day
- Distances: Hike/ paddle up to 12 miles most days and live in the back country
- Surfaces: Very steep uneven "on and off trail" hiking with a lot of scrambling using hands for pulling and balance. Intermediate to advanced climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls. Abundance of waves or strong Class III currents if paddling
- Water Exposure: Must be able to swim under supervision in Class I current with a backpack
- Elevation Change: up to 4,000 ft/day
- Altitude: up to 14,000 ft.
- A doctor's release may be required
- Equipment Used: Hiking and climbing shoes, hydration, small pack, harnesses, ropes and helmets, fall protection gear and advanced layers, PFD, advanced rope systems for climbing and rappelling
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Strenuous |
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Very experienced with outdoor adventure and regular fitness program 5-6 times per week which includes cardiovascular and active movement training. Very committing program with no options for early egress or obstacle evasion at any point.
- Class Time: 10-14 hours per day
- Distances: Hike/ paddle 12+ miles per day on the surfaces and elevations listed below and be able to live in the back country
- Surfaces: Very steep uneven "on and off trail" hiking with a lot of scrambling using hands for pulling and balance. Intermediate to advanced climbing or rappelling on steep rock faces and or water falls. Abundance of waves or strong Class IV currents if paddling
- Elevation Change: up to 4,000 ft/day
- Water Exposure: Constant, deep pools, fast current swimming up to class II possibly unsupervised for brief moments.
- Altitude: may exceed 14,000 ft
- A doctor's release may be required
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Kayaking Overview
Kayaking courses by Sport Chalet Adventures range from ocean expeditions off the San Juan Islands in Washington to whitewater adventures in the jungles of Mexico. Our American Canoe Association certified instructors live to be on the water and show that passion in their teaching. Come try out our adventures just for a day and sign up for an adventure with memories to last a lifetime.
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Course Types
Stillwater Kayaking
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Price: $135 Days: 1
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Activity Level -
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Description:
Spend a full day with our expert instructors learning about stillwater kayaking while enjoying the quiet beauty of the water. Topics covered include safety on the water, basic gear review, risk and safety management, paddling techniques, local paddling locations, how to take care of personal needs, basic navigation, and land and water mounts and dismounts.
Adventure Locations:
Southern California
Stillwater Kayaking Details
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Ocean Kayaking
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Price: $135 Days: 1
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Activity Level -
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Description:
Come spend a full day experiencing the thrill and beauty of kayaking in the open ocean. Topics covered include gear review, ocean navigation, taking care of personal needs, water safety and risk management, efficient paddling techniques, marine animal identification, effects of changing weather and tides, surf entries and exits and how to transport your boats.
Adventure Locations:
Southern California
Ocean Kayaking Details
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Intro To Whitewater
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Price: $135 Days: 1
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Activity Level -
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Description:
Come spend a full day learning the basics of whitewater kayaking. The morning is spent in a heated pool learning basic paddling techniques with a focus spent mastering the basics of the eskimo roll. The afternoon is spent in a classroom environment talking about river navigation including entries & exits, scouting, water safety & risk management, how to handle your boat, and gear review.
Adventure Locations:
Southern California
Intro To Whitewater Kayaking Details
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Black Canyon Adventure
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Price: $495 Days: 3
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Activity Level -
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Description:
On this three-day adventure, we will explore the Colorado River below Hoover Dam. We'll get a chance to explore sauna caves, side canyons, and natural hot springs. We pack in our own tents and food on this adventure which does involve upstream paddling, making this a trip for more experienced paddlers. All meals and camping gear are provided.
Adventure Locations:
Black Canyon, Arizona
Black Canyon Kayaking Details
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San Juan Expedition
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Price: $1450 Days: 7
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Activity Level -
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Description:
At this intensive two day course, you'll have the chance to learn advanced rope systems and swiftwater rescue protocols specific to canyoneering. This course is only offered when the water is at the right levels to create the optimal learning environment.
Adventure Locations:
San Juan Islands, Washington
San Juan Kayaking Expedition Details
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Guided Adventures
If you're looking specifically for a guided kayaking day, please contact us at adventures@sportchalet.com or by calling 1-800-348-3794, Ext. 3.
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Kayaking Gear Checklist
Recommended Gear:
- Fleece Top *
- Fleece Bottoms
- Paddle Pants *
- Paddle Top *
- Personal PFD *
- Synthetic Shirt
- Watershoes
- Bathing Suit
- Towel
- Lunch
- 2 Liters Water
* Provided by Sport Chalet Adventures by request
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About Our Instructors
We are committed to providing the most qualified instructors and guides in the industry. Each of our adventures is led by a senior guide or instructor who specializes in the particular location and sport in which you are participating. Our staff holds many certifications from industry agencies including the American Mountain Guide Association, Professional Climbing Instructors Association, Peak Rescue Institute, Rescue 3 International, Wilderness Medicine Institute, the West Coast Canyoneering Methodology, and the Leave No Trace Institute. The list of staff below is a partial list and gives you an idea of the experts who lead our trips.
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Darren Jeffrey
Darren Jeffrey, the president of ATS, has pioneered the sport of canyoneering in the United States over the last decade, including over 100 canyoneering first descents in Hawaii, Arizona, California, Washington and Utah. His innovative techniques and gear designs have continued to push the sport forward, increasing safety margins across the board. With a varied range of certifications including PCIA, AMGA, NFPA, and SRT and an extensive history of life experiences, Darren is easily one of the most skilled canyoneering instructors in the world and one of the top rock climbing and canyoneering instructors at ATS.
Courses: Canyoneering I, II, III, IV, V; All Rock Climbing; Intro to Mountaineering; Snow Camping
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J.J. Getskow
J.J. has completed extensive training in a variety of fields to present himself as an expert guide. JJ can be found assisting with canyoneering and rock climbing programs, when not off leading backpacking treks, or visiting jungles in remote corners of the globe. J.J. is always quick with a joke and one of the most charismatic instructors we have.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, Intro to Mountaineering,Intro to Backpacking, Intro to Snow Camping, Survival School
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Sandra C.
When Sandra is not backpacking through the Sierra or rock climbing in Yosemite, she can be found leading many of the multisport programs to our exotic locations. Sandra's heart truly lies in the outdoors and this love for adventure clearly shows on all her trips. WCCM, LNT, WMI certifications and a winning smile make Sandra a great asset to our team.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, Rock Climbing I, II, III, Stillwater Kayaking, Ocean Kayaking, All Trekking
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Travis McDaniel
A co-founder of the WCCM and Vice-President of ATS shows the passion Travis holds toward the sport of canyoneering and adventure in general. Travis is a true adventurer at heart and when not off saving the planet, he can be found searching out new locations for future trips. With certifications from Rescue 3, WMI, and the PCIA, Travis continues to teach adventures in every discipline as one of our most requested guides.
Adventures: Stillwater Kayaking, Intro to Whitewater, Ocean Kayaking, Canyoneering I, II, III, IV, Rock Climbing I, II, III, All Trekking, All Multisport
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Chase Rivera
Chase Rivera, a certified ACA whitewater kayak instructor, has an in-depth fitness background with multiple certifications from the NASM. The Fitness and MultiSport Director for ATS since 2007, Chase has proven himself in the field many times over and freely dispenses his extensive knowledge on the human body. If you go on one of our many kayak adventures, the chances are good that Chase will be there.
Adventures: Intro to Whitewater, Canyoneering I, II, III, Rock Climbing I, II, III, All Multisport
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Gavin Santillan
Gavin Santillan is one of the most highly skilled instructors at ATS. Whether off exploring new slot canyons in Utah, rock climbing in Los Angeles, or dreaming of the jungle rainforests in Mexico, Gavin has adventure on the brain. Gavin can frequently be found leading canyoneering programs and teaching our survival school. A natural born teacher, Gavin effortlessly imparts his extensive knowledge to all his students.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, All Trekking
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Chuck Chapman
You would be hard pressed to find a more honorable human than Chuck Chapman. A native of Arizona, Chuck spends every second of his free time researching and exploring adventures throughout the Southwest. With extensive experience in desert survival, Chuck always has a good story to tell. Being a patient teacher has made Chuck our top instructor in Arizona.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, Intro to Mountaineering, Intro to Backpacking, Intro to Snow Camping, Survival School, All Trekking
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Jace Getskow
Jace Getskow always finds peace in the middle of any chaotic canyoneering route. A natural at the sport, Jace sees waterfalls in his dreams. A kinesiology major has trained Jace on the movement of the human body making him a perfect teacher to instruct you on moving down and through a waterfall.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, Survival School, All Trekking
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Johnnie Braden
Johnnie has an extraordinary passion for showing people the natural world. His thirst for adventure is only quenched when he is able to show people a side of nature very few ever witness. With ATS, WMI, and Rescue 3 certifications, Johnnie is a great instructor to trust in the field. When not off exploring the deserts of Death Valley or the rainforests of Maui, Johnnie can be found leading canyoneering, trekking, and survival schools courses.
Adventures: Canyoneering I, II, III, Intro to Mountaineering, Intro to Backpacking, Intro to Snow Camping, Survival School
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R.B. Hopkins
R.B. is one of the most easygoing guys you will ever meet. He is also one of our most well-rounded instructors and assists on our trekking, paddling, canyoneering, and rock climbing programs. On his off days, he can be found riding his horse through the local mountains, out exploring some single track on his bike, climbing some crags in Joshua Trek, or hiking through the Sierra.
Adventures: Stillwater Kayaking, Intro to Whitewater, Ocean Kayaking, Canyoneering I, II, III, IV, Rock Climbing I, II, III, All Trekking, All Multisport
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Overview and Courses
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Gear Checklist
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Meet The Instructors
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