Catawba Riverkeeper Headquarters
102 Main Street, Suite 100Presented by Catawba Riverkeeper, and William Holman (ACA NC State Director)
Cold water paddling presents unique challenges and risks, especially when water temperatures fall below 70°F. This clinic is designed for paddlers of all craft types--including kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and rafts--who wish to safely enjoy paddling during colder months. Through hands-on instruction, classroom learning, and optional on-water demonstrations, participants will build the skills and confidence needed to paddle smart, stay warm, and respond effectively to emergencies in cold conditions.
The water portion of the clinic is demonstration and challenge-by-choice. Guests are encouraged to bring their own immersion gear if they would like to get in the water, but the full course can be completed in the classroom and on land.
Participants will:
Understand the physiological risks of cold water immersion, including cold shock, swim failure, and hypothermia.
Learn the importance of layering and immersion wear, including drysuits, wetsuits, and insulating base layers.
Gain exposure to essential gear such as drysuits, PFDs, gloves, hoods, thermoses, and emergency shelters.
Review cold water best practices and safety standards.
Observe and optionally practice self- and assisted-rescue techniques in cold water conditions.
Four Stages of Cold Water Immersion
Clothing systems and dressing for immersion
Trip planning and hazard assessment
Practical demonstrations during cold water immersion
Date: Nov. 16th, 2025
Duration: 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Format: Combination of indoor classroom session and optional on-water demonstration
Location: The River Room (classroom) and nearby kayak launch (demonstrations)
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Age: 16 and up (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Classroom only: None required
Optional water participation:
Drysuit or full wetsuit (participants provide their own gear)
USCG-approved personal flotation device (PFD) required if entering the water (not provided).
Recommended: cold-weather gloves, hat or hood, insulated footwear, spare dry clothes, towel, and a thermos.
This is a BYOBoat event. Demonstrations will take place by the kayak launch stairs (McAdenville Greenway Park Launch).
This event will happen rain or shine.
Meeting point and final details will be included in your confirmation email.
Attendee registration will include an allergy and medical information questionnaire for safety purposes.
Sun, Nov 16, 2025 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Catawba Riverkeeper Headquarters
102 Main Street, Suite 100
We educate and advocate to protect the Catawba-Wateree River Basin’s lakes, rivers and streams for everyone who depends on and enjoys them.
Thank you for your interest and support of the Catawba Riverkeeper, a 501c3 organization.
The Catawba-Wateree River Basin encompasses 26 counties, 8900 miles of waterways, 5000 square miles of land and a 225 mile stretch of continuous river from Lake James in NC to Lake Marion in SC.
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