Whitewater Canoeing and Kayaking

Whether you’re looking for a ten-day whitewater canoe expedition in northern Quebec, a Saturday of whitewater kayaking just outside of Canton, or a kayak and rafting trip to Costa Rica in January, the Outdoor Program can provide you with the instruction, leadership, and equipment to get you there.  We are able to accommodate a full spectrum of abilities, from first-timers, to intermediates looking to hone their skills, to seasoned whitewater veterans looking for the next big adventure. 

Our program leadership has a strong collective resume that includes literally thousands of Ontario and Quebec river miles, from the well-known Missinaibi, to lesser-known northern rivers such as the North French, Wekwayokaustic, Nattagami, Wawagigamou, Pigeon, and others.  We offer trips in southern Ontario on the Ottawa, the Dumoine, the Coulonge, the Petiwawa and the Madawaska River.  Recently students have traveled to far north Quebec with the Outdoor Program to look at hydro-power issues and paddle famous expedition rivers such as the Rupert, the Pontax, the Little Whale, and Nastapoka.

Students interested in whitewater kayaking can participate in kayak pool clinics during the winter months that prepare them for moving water situations during our fall and spring seasons.  Intermediate students are able to accompany the Outdoor Program during spring break to the southern U.S. to paddle some of best-of-the-best in that region.  In the past we have paddled the Nantahala, the Pigeon, the French Broad, the Nolichucky, the Savage, and parts of the Youghigeny.  Right out our back door, and literally twenty minutes from campus, the Grasse, St. Regis, Oswegatchie, Beaver, Moose and Raquette rivers give students of all ability levels plenty to explore on afternoons or weekends.  The world-famous Black and Ottawa Rivers are one- and two-hours away respectively for those kayakers that are interested in kayak surfing and play boating.

For more information on how you can get involved with the Outdoor Program, please call 315-229-5018, or email questions to outdoorprogram@stlawu.edu