Adaptive Canoeing and Kayaking
The Wintergreen Adaptive Sports summer paddling program teaches canoeing and kayaking to people of all ages and with all types of disabilities, cognitive and physical.
We have canoes and kayaks that are one-person (solo) or two-person (tandem). Typically at least one instructor and one assistant works with each student to adapt the boat, get comfortable on the water, and teach paddling strokes and skills.
All students must attend a lake day training and assessment prior to their first river trip. After this training, WAS offers lessons for all skill levels on several of Central Virginia's rivers, on stretches that include moderate whitewater and flatwater paddling. We place equal emphasis on technical paddling skills and the enjoyment of the great outdoors, taken in from the banks, and in the currents and eddies of some of the nation's most scenic waterways.
PADDLING PROGRAM TUITION
Full day lessons are $45 and include a canoe or kayak, personal flotation device, helmet, and private instruction. Need-based scholarships are available. In our "Every Day is Armed Services Day" program, all combat-injured active duty and veteran service members receive complimentary program instruction.
Call (910) 635-9616 for details!
Student Eligibility
As much as we would prefer opening our courses to everyone, our equipment, personnel constraints, and safety concerns require us to limit participation. In order to participate in our program, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
A Participant must:
Be able to manage all personal care independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant.
Be able to breathe independently without any medical assistive devices to sustain breathing.
Be able to hold head upright without neck/head support.
Be able to maintain a closed mouth and hold breath while under water.
Be able to independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up in the water while wearing a personal flotation device (life jacket), following instruction if necessary.
Be able to maintain a balanced, upright position when seated in a boat, with adaptations if needed.
While these criteria are considered minimal criteria for participating in the WAS boating program, WAS staff retains the right to limit participation for any other situations that are deemed to be unsafe.
2024 Adaptive Paddling Schedule
Saturday, June 15, Season Kick-off; Lake Day and Training
Saturday, September 7, Tentative Last Day of Season
Adaptive Paddling Lesson Fee Payment
You may pay by check or with cash at the lesson, or by check or credit card afterward. For credit card payments, use the link below.
Directions to Lake Monocan (WAS Paddling Program HQ & Training Site)
From I-64 take Exit 107 (Crozet, US-250). Take US-250 West 4.7 miles to VA-151 South, turn left. Follow VA-151 South 11 miles to Monocan Drive - look for the Stoney Creek at Wintergreen sign. Continue on Monocan Drive for 1.9 miles; turn right on Camping Ridge Road (you'll see a sign for Lake Monocan Park). The Lake Monocan clubhouse is at the end of Camping Ridge Road. The WAS boatshed and paddling program HQ is at the end of the gravel drive to the left of the clubhouse.
…a satellite view of the WAS boat shed and docks, in proximity to the Lake Monocan beach and Camping Ridge Rd.