The Arkansas Canoe Club (ACC) has announced the return of its annual School of Whitewater Paddling, scheduled for May 2-4, 2025, on the Mulberry River. The event aims to educate and train paddlers of all skill levels and will feature instruction from certified professionals in various whitewater disciplines.
Registration and Participation Details
Registration for the event will open on March 1, 2025, with a fee of $125 per participant. The school is open to individuals aged 12 and older, though those interested in the Swiftwater Rescue course must be at least 14. All participants must register online through the ACC website, where they can also review safety guidelines and event details.
Event Schedule and Activities
The weekend-long event will begin with check-in on Friday, May 2, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Round the Bend Campground. Early attendees will have the opportunity to participate in pre-event clinics starting at 3:00 p.m., covering essential topics such as CPR, kayak outfitting, and throw rope techniques. A kickoff meeting will take place at 7:00 p.m. to outline the weekend’s activities.
Saturday and Sunday will feature full-day instructional sessions, allowing participants to refine their skills on land and water. Optional group meals will be available for purchase, with Saturday morning breakfast offered at $7.00. Evening activities, including social events and discussions, will be announced closer to the event date.
Class Offerings and Requirements
The School of Whitewater Paddling provides training in a range of disciplines, including whitewater kayaking, inflatable kayaking, solo and tandem canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and swiftwater rescue techniques. Participants must accurately assess their skill level during registration to ensure appropriate class placement. Those enrolling in tandem canoe courses must register with a partner, as pairing will not be provided.
Given the physically demanding nature of the event, organizers recommend that attendees prepare in advance by engaging in regular exercise and ensuring swimming competency. Parents of minors should carefully assess their child’s readiness for the challenges of whitewater paddling.
Emphasis on Safety
Safety remains a top priority for the ACC. All participants will be required to review and sign the American Canoe Association Waiver and Release of Liability. Additionally, the club encourages paddlers to familiarize themselves with the American Whitewater Safety Code to ensure personal preparedness and responsibility.
How to Register
Interested participants must have an active ACC membership before registering. Registration involves completing an online form, submitting payment, and signing the necessary liability waivers. More information, including detailed class descriptions and event policies, is available on the ACC’s official website.
The Arkansas School of Whitewater Paddling offers paddlers an opportunity to develop their skills, connect with the paddling community, and experience the scenic beauty of Arkansas’s waterways. With expert instruction and a structured learning environment, the event continues to be a premier training opportunity for whitewater enthusiasts across the region.
Thanks to Bryan Signorelli for the photos in this article. They were first used in an article written by Aly Signorelli for Arkansas Outside in 2013. This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
