2008-09 Whitewater Kayak School Programs
This page consists of both New River Academy high school semester programs and teen kayak camps we endorse. Check out our programs and the kayak camps we think are best for your kayaker’s character and leadership development.
Fall ’08 Semester Destination:
Canada, USA, and New Zealand
Your fall semester begins with freestyle lessons each day on the banks of the Ottawa River. Next, the program travels south, to our West Virginia base. During this tour athletes have the option to train and compete in the nations most prestigious kayak competitions.
Your second quarter begins by flying to Auckland, New Zealand. New Zealand is known as one of the best whitewater destinations on the planet.
New Zealand Highlights:
- Hokitika heli expedition
- Surf the world’s longest left point break at Raglan
- Freestyle and creek train on the legendary Kaituna River
- Discover a vibrant culture
- Explore rivers on both the north and south islands
- Visit the Bliss-stick factory
Students Create New Freestyle Move: the Phonix Monkey
During the Huge Experiences 2004 New Zealand semester, coach Billy Harris and students Ian Mickle and Andrew Dunning created one of today’s top freestyle moves, the Phonix Monkey, while training at the fabulous Kaituna Hole. The Kaituna Hole is one of the best freestyle holes in the world for mastering and creating moves. Join us for our 2008 NZ tour to see why Huge Experiences continues to return to this inviting country.
Space is limited to 14 students. Apply today.
Spring ’09 Semester Destination:
Southern Chile/Patagonia and the USA
Chile has become Huge Experiences top destination based on its quality creeks, excellent play boating, stable environment, cultural opportunities, educational value, and wonderful people.
You will begin your semester by flying to Temuco, Chile which is just two hours from the Rio Fuy’s waterfall and play boat run. Next you will explore the lakes, volcanoes, and rivers of the whitewater hub of Pucon. Each day, you will complete your classes prior to driving to the Rio Liucura training wave. Other runs include the Upper and Lower Trancura, Lower Liucura, Rio San Pedro, and the Palguin. While you are in Pucon you will hike Volcan Villiarrica, visit hotsprings, dip in the lake, and explore this summer tourist town.
Last, you will take a 10-hour ferry through the heart of Patagonia to the Rio Futaleafu. At the Futa you will take your time in this developing country setting as you work on big wave moves, river running, producing videos and photos, meeting the locals, and continuing your education.
Space is limited to 14 students. Apply today.
New River Academy Gap Year
Students who recently graduated high school have the luxury of this pinnacle program and traveling with all high school semester programs.
Countries like New Zealand and the Great Britain expect high school graduates to experience a “Gap Year” prior to college. Now, Huge Experiences’ New River Academy offers gap year advantages and the opportunity to travel the world to top kayaking destinations.
Gap Year Student Benefits
- Join the Huge Experiences leadership program as you discover your collegiate path
- Develop your kayak skills in New Zealand and Chile
- Learn video or photography
- Take exciting courses like our media or independent study courses
Gap Year Program
Teen Kayak Camps We Endorse
While, Huge Experiences no longer offers kayak camps we work closely with several kayak programs throughout the world. Check out which teen kayak camps we endorse.
Otterbar Teen Leadership Camp- June 21 to July 2
“I am proud to announce I will be co-leading the Otterbar Teen Leadership Camp with World Freestyle Kayak Champion Rush Sturges. I was Rush’s mentor at Adventure Quest six years ago, and now we will be co-leading this great camp. For a teacher and coach it does not get much cooler than that.” -David Hughes
Huge Experiences’ best leaders are products of the Otterbar Leadership program. Each year students rave about how much the Teen Leadership Camp meant. If you have time this summer then this is a highly recommended camp. Here are a few of the Huge Experiences’ leaders who attended Otterbar: David and Eli Spiegel, Christina Russell, Michelle Yates, Sean Johnson, and Tyson Rowley.
Click here for Otterbar Teen Leadership Camp detailsOttawa Kayak School’s “Keeners”
This July Huge Experiences’ director David Hughes will be co-leading programs with the Keeners.
The Keeners were developed by teen parents and Wilderness Tours Resort owner Joe Kowalski. Keeners hire top pro-kayakers dedicated to skills and character development. And the best thing is that it is on the Ottawa River.
Click here to learn more about the Keeners.Zoar Kayak School
This summer Huge Experiences’ freestyle coach and video instructor Tino Specht will be leading programs with Zoar. If you are looking for great personalized instruction in the New England area then Zoar is our only recommendation. The owners and instructors at Zoar annually teach other kayak schools how to instruct. Zoar instructors are the “crème de la crème” of kayak instruction.
Click here to learn more about Zoar programs.Current Adventures
Dan Crandall is a large part of making the Whitewater Symposium happen each year. Additionally, he has produced several ambassadors to the sport and a public forum.
NOC
The Nantahala Outdoor Center has recommended more students to the New River Academy than any other program. Many of these students went on to be national medalists: Matt Fithian-US Nationals Bronze, Alex Mohn- US Nationals Silver, and Brynne Weeks- US Nationals Gold. Plus, Nathan Silsbee attended NOC prior to Huge and recently placed 5th at the prestigious Green River Narrows Race.
Camp Carolina
No recommendations yet, but we know JJ Shepard does a great job with those kids.
Camp Mondamin
Mike Quinif won several national and international medals during his three years with the Academy of Huge Experiences. He came up through Camp Mondamin and I remember him attributing credit to their canoe programs.
Camp Greencove
Jennifer Chewning came to us after attending Camp Greencove for girls. She was published by American Whitewater Magazine while attending Huge Experiences.