Paddling in Vermont?

[jtran10]

Can anyone name any good places to learn how to whitewater paddle in/around northern Vermont? I really want to pick up a new sport this summer and I'm hoping there's some good opportunities to paddle where I live.

[ML]

Check out Zoar Outdoor on the deerfield in MA. Not exactly Vermont, but I know a couple of people that have been through their classes and been pleased with their instruction.

Also check out NPMB.com and americanwhitewater.org (under community). You may be able to find something closer to home there.

[Vinman]

I don't do any whitewater, but there is a good paddling shop in Stowe called Umiak Outfitters, they would probably know or might even have classes/instruction kind of stuff. http://www.umiak.com/

[MassLiberal]

Canada.

Better Paddling in Canada or Maine.

[Yeti]

I put in a fair amount of time on the White River a while back. Some mellow ledge drops, moderately easy river running.

Check out the forums at npmb.com (Northeast Paddlers' Message Board) for better connections to the community. Lots of active paddlers in VT.

[heelbilly]

I learned to paddle 7 years ago at ZOAR in MA. Would definately reccomend taking at least a 3 day class. Kayak learning curve can be rough, having a good roll can really cut back on the beatdowns and keep it fun.

I paddled 2 years in VT while at Middlebury and can tell you that if you're sticking around VT you'll be creek boatiing most often.

Lower New Haven is fun mellower stretch, upper has some fun creeking 4/5.
Otter Creek past Dog Team Tavern is fun too.
West river on release weekends is great for a class 3.
Still have fond memories of Big Branch, its a great class 5 granite boulder drop creek. Ran it my first year of boating, was gripped but made it through the first run, shouldn't have tried a double dip and got pretty beat up.

Good luck and be safe, progress as fast as your skills allow and hook up with some more experienced paddlers to learn about hazards, risk, and safety.

[jtran10]

Thanks for all the good tips/links etc. Rafting today on the Arkansas has hooked me. I can't wait to get home and check out the situation.

[Obstruction]

I've taken a couple of clinics at Zoar with my teen aged son. (He go it a lot more quickly than me). I've got nothing but good things to say about their operation. Good people, first rate equipment, nice surroundings and access to good water for all levels of experience (of course that depends on the flow) They've got on site camping and there are a few good inns nearby. Also some decent restuarants.

[igBand]

Vermont-specific resource:
http://www.vtpaddlers.net/

Echo on Obstuction's sentiments. Zoar is a great place to get your feet wet and decide if you want to invest the $$. Plus, most beginner instruction takes place on the lower sections of the damn-fed Deerfield (which = boating with just a pfd in summer and fall).