WHITEWATER KAYAKING

WELCOME TO WHITEWATER KAYAKING!

Is this your first adventure? Don’t worry, most trips are beginner friendly. Northern Georgia and Eastern Tennessee are hot spots for whitewater kayaking. Generations of Tech students have learned to kayak as participants on ORGT-led experiences.

  • On beginner trips, you’ll learn basics like paddling strokes and wet exits in the pool and then on a class ll stream.
  • On intermediate trips you’ll master skills to surf class III rapids and how to “roll” your overturned boat. Committed students can expect to progress from leisurely trips down the Upper Chattahoochee to the adrenaline rush of rivers like the Cartecay and Chattanooga.

BEGINNER TRIPS

Price: $50

Date: Trip: Registration Opens:
Aug. 24 Beginner A Aug. 8
Oct. 5 Beginner B Sept. 5

WEEKLY KAYKING ROLL SCHOOL: Learn to roll a boat. Attend a Whitewater kayaking sport group meeting on Thursday at 7:00 pm to learn more about these free weekly classes in the CRC pool. Details are available at the sport group meetings. You must be active with ORGT kayaking to participate. Spaces are limited.

INTERMEDIATE TRIPS

Intermediate Trips – $50

Date: Trip: Registration Opens:
Oct. 19 Intermediate A Sept. 19

ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION

Cancellations

While we do not often cancel trips, it does happen occasionally–most often due to inclement weather. If we cancel a trip due to poor weather or some other factor, you are entitled to a full refund. If you cancel your registration at least 7 days before the trip, you are entitled to a credit that can be applied to future trips or rentals. The only exception is if you are graduating at the end of that semester and then we will authorize a refund. To cancel your registration, email the Wilderness Outpost at outdoorrec@crc.gatech.edu. Refunds are not given if you fail to show-up for your trip.

What is provided

We provide staff expertise, specialty equipment, pre-trip planning, transportation, and oversight. Campsite reservations, etc. are included in the trip fee.

What to bring

We’ll provide a “What to Bring” list so participants are prepared for factors such as weather and physical activity, but typically, participants should NOT need to purchase any equipment in order to participate. ORGT does not provide food on weekend IP trips, including overnights. Participants are responsible for bringing their own food and snacks, as well as money to purchase breakfast and/or dinner if they want to eat out along the way. We usually stop at a fast-food restaurant on the way out of town and an inexpensive sit-down restaurant on the way back to campus.

Group Sizes

Adventure trips typically involve 8-12 participants and 3-5 supporting ORGT staff. Group sizes vary depending on the specific sport and trip logistics.

Parking

Parking is available only in the two specially marked drives behind the CRC for participants who are: a) picking up gear, b) attending pre-trip orientations, or c) participating on ORGT trips. Drivers must pick up a temporary ORGT parking pass inside at the Wilderness Outpost and display it in their window to avoid getting ticketed. Parking is limited.

Pre-Trip Orientation

A mandatory pre-trip orientation, also referred to as a ‘classroom session’, is a part of every adventure trip. Required sessions take place earlier in the week of trip departure and are usually two hours long. If a participant misses the pre-trip session and does not contact Wilderness Outpost or the trip leader, they cannot attend the trip and they are not eligible for a refund. Pre-trip sessions typically take place within ORGT’s space in the CRC.

Transportation

Transportation in University-owned or arranged vehicles is provided as part of every trip. Participants are not allowed to drive themselves to program destinations.

Travel Distance and Time

Most trips are 2-3 hours of campus. Both day and overnight trips leave ORGT around 8:00 a.m. Exact return times vary, but the trip leader will inform you of the general schedule in advance. Trips typically return before 10:00 p.m.