Kayak/Canoe Skill Requirements

SKILL LEVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR KAYAKERS AND CANOEISTS

We love to host hardshell boaters, however, some skill is required for safety reasons.

• All kayakers should have a consistent roll
• All hardshell boaters should be competent in reading whitewater on the fly.
• June levels are pushy at high flows. The upper and lower portions of the Middle Fork are non-stop Class III-IV+. The Main Salmon is high volume class IV.
• July and August offer Class III+ water on both rivers.
• CLASS III-IV experience is a MUST, whether you are paddling your own kayak or whitewater canoe, or whether you choose to paddle one from our fleet (no additional charge).
• All guests paddling with us in the month of JUNE MUST be comfortable in class IV whitewater, have a VERY proficient roll, and be comfortable on fast-moving, high water flows.
• We encourage you to call us to discuss water levels and your personal abilities based on the time of year you may be looking to paddle with us.

All kayakers and canoeists should realize that the Middle Fork is a fairly technical river, chock full of rocks. Many of the rapids are long and scouting is usually done from the boat. On the other hand, the Main Salmon is a deep-water river with few exposed rocks. Its rapids are more of the “drop-pool” variety, making it a more forgiving river.

• If you are a Class III intermediate kayaker or canoeist, then the Main Salmon may be the better fit for you.
• If you like a challenge and are of an advanced skill level, then the Middle Fork at higher flows may be for you.
• If you are a Class III+ boater, either river in July and August would be a fun challenge.
• Both rivers offer great playboating, particularly at later summer levels.

For canoeists, we recommend the July and August time periods. June’s big water makes it tough to run dry, especially for tandem teams. If you want to try June, a reliable roll and prior big water experience are required.

***Please note that if you are kayaking or canoeing with us on a Middle Fork trip where water levels or conditions necessitate an Indian Creek launch, we will need to work with you to find a plan to get your boats in, and there may be additional fees of $100/ per kayak per flight if backcountry flights are required for your boats. Unfortunately, we cannot fly canoes in, due to airplane capacity.

GEAR

Kayakers and canoeists will need to bring their own personal gear including:

• Helmet
• PFD
• Sprayskirt
• Paddle
• Dry top or paddle jacket
• Personal technical clothing
• We recommend that you bring dry tops or dry-suits for June trips.
• Optional equipment-throw bag & rescue equipment (All Canyons guides carry these items).

CANYONS provides a spare paddle for the group.

Our kayaks are equipped with stern airbags, adjustable hip pads, adjustable foot braces, and a sponge.

Our Canoes have knee pads that are glued down, airbags, and a bailer. We bring along spray adhesive and minicell foam for custom outfitting if needed.

For more information about recommended gear: What to Bring

CANYONS HARDSHELL BOAT INVENTORY (no extra charge)

**You will need to reserve these in advance. You are also welcome to bring your own.

Kayaks:

To view our hardshell kayaks, click here: KAYAKS

Canoes:

Decked Solo Canoes: Perception Gyramax, Dagger Atom.
Solo Open Canoes: Whitesell Descender; Mad River ME; Outrage X; Mohawk Viper; Dagger Encore, Impulse, Rival.     Tandem Open Canoes: Dagger-Caption, Dagger- Caper( both can be solo-ed, too).