Goal of the clinic:

Participants will learn how to produce a short paddling film that tells a story as opposed to a bunch of video clips randomly thrown together.  Sam will share filming techniques that produce unique and powerful shots as well as other helpful hints and tips specific to filming in the whitewater environment.   

Class Size:

Instructor-to-student ratio: 1:4. Maximum clinic size: 8

Who should take the clinic:

To take this clinic you must have a keen interest in improving your video skills and be able to perform eddy turns, peel outs and ferries in class II water, roll (50%) on class II water and perform self rescues. Our minimum age for this clinic is 14.

What will be covered:

This clinic takes a hands-on, in-the-water approach to video story telling.  You will have a chance to be in front and behind the camera as well as learn some of the tips to successful video editing.  

A Typical Paddling Day:

The usual day lasts from 8:30 to about 5:00. Keep in mind that you may be partially or fully immersed in cold water. Please plan to dress accordingly.

Equipment:

You will spend time in and out of your boat depending on the shot you are trying to get on tape.  We suggest you bring your own boat and paddling gear but if it is more convenient for you to use one of our boats, or if you are interested in trying a particular model, we can try to accommodate you. Please let us know if you need a specific boat at least a week or two in advance.  

You should bring your own video camera and accessories to practice with your own equipment.  If you do not have a camera we have a limited number of cameras for you to borrow.  Part of the time you will be the one in front of the camera and part of the time you will be behind the camera. If you need to use one of the Zoar camera please call the office.  We will also have several laptop computers to down load the images to create the final product.

What time does the clinic start?

8:30 a.m. the first morning: the clinic will start on time, so please be prompt.

What is the water temperature?

The Deerfield River is always cool, regardless of the time of year or air temperature. When packing your paddling clothes, please plan for how cold the water can be here, especially if you are coming early or late in the season (April, May, September and October).

What do I wear?

While we will provide a wetsuit, spray jacket, and booties, we strongly encourage you to come prepared with synthetic long underwear and (early/late season) a fleece or wool jacket/sweater. If you have your own wetsuit or drysuit, you should bring it. We will be spending lots of time in the water, so gloves and an insulative beanie are also a good idea. Cotton is one of the worst fabrics you can bring because it holds the moisture next to your skin, which will cause you to become chilled. When we talk about synthetic long underwear, we are referring to garments made of polypropylene, capilene or some polyester/spandex blend, as long as no cotton is part of the mix. This type of fabric wicks moisture away from your skin, causing you to stay warmer and drier. This long underwear is worn under your wetsuit. You may want fleece or wool socks to wear inside your booties. On very hot days, you may be content with just a bathing suit under your wetsuit, but you should still come prepared for cold or rainy weather since our clinics go rain or shine.

You should bring your own pfd, helmet and other river gear.

What does Zoar Outdoor provide?

Zoar Outdoor will provide you with any paddling gear (boat, paddle, sprayskirt, helmet, PFD if you do not have it.

We provide a catered picnic-style lunch on all our clinics. Typical lunches include homemade rolls, sliced turkey, ham or other meats, sliced cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, chips, salsa, hummus, pasta or other salad, cookies or other dessert and hot and cold drinks. 

What other stuff should I bring?

You should bring sunscreen, a towel and a nose clip if you use one. If you wear glasses, you will want a glasses retaining strap to keep them on your head when you swim.

Do I get a discount in the shop?

At the start of your clinic you will get two shop discount cards good for two weeks from the date of your clinic. One card entitles you to 10% off accessories in our Outfitters Shop. The second card entitles you to a $50.00 discount off a boat purchase. All boat purchases come with free outfitting and 10% off accessories in the Outfitters Shop for the next year.

Does the bathhouse have showers?

At the end of your day, you may want to take a shower. We have coin-operated showers in the changing rooms - you will need quarters to take advantage of them.