Paddle Clinic

We want you, your family, and friends to enjoy the Anacostia River by getting out on the water in a canoe or a kayak!

If you have never paddled before, never fear! AWS holds occasional paddling clinics for beginners that can teach you all the basics. Our instructors will help you learn:

• basic boating safety,
• introductory paddling technique
• elementary maneuvering.

If you have always wanted to try paddling but have never had the opportunity, now is your chance. There are two ways to participate.

1. Visit our online events calendar to join a previously scheduled clinic* (RSVP required), or
2. if you have a group of 8 or more people interested in learning, schedule a new clinic date with one of our instructors.**

Enjoy some fun on the river at Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Maryland! Contact us for more paddle clinic information today!

What if there are no clinics scheduled when I can/want to participate?

Do not worry! You have two options. If you have a group of 8 or more people who want to learn how to paddle, contact us to schedule a new clinic date. If you want to learn on your own or with friend or two, take advantage of monthly (April to October) canoe and kayak lessons conducted by the staff of Bladensburg Waterfront Park. Please call the park at 301-779-0371 for a schedule of lesson dates, times, and fees. Bladensburg Waterfront Park is located at 4601 Annapolis Rd. in Bladensburg, MD.

Is there a fee to participate in an AWS paddle clinic?

There is no fee to participate in one of our paddle clinics; however, we ask you to consider making a donation of $15 per student to the organization in order to help us cover clinic costs and support all of our ongoing environmental programs.

*AWS schedules 2 to 3 paddle clinics per year, usually in late spring and early summer. Each AWS clinic requires the participation by a minimum of 8 students. Scheduled clinics are subject to cancelation if fewer than 8 students have registered for a class. Please contact us to confirm your participation in paddle clinic events. If a scheduled event is canceled please refer to the section What if there are no clinics scheduled when I can/want to participate? detailed above.

**If you have a group of 8 or more students interested in learning how to paddle, please use our online contact form to submit a request for an new paddle clinic date to one of our instructors. Please include your phone number, the names (and e-mail addresses) of those wishing to participate, and any dates you prefer for the class. AWS cannot guarantee availability on requested dates but will work with your group to find the right fit.