River Canoe Camping 101
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Course Requirements:
Would you like to learn how to paddle down a river, or cross a lake, and camp in the wilderness? This 3-day River Canoe Camping 101 course is an open enrollment "join a group" event, designed to introduce beginner and experienced paddlers to the recreational activity of remote camping. We'll provide novice canoeists with a solid foundation of basic paddling and navigation skills necessary to paddle on flatwater and/or quickwater with some current. We'll also teach participants camping and survival skills by sharing our decades of knowledge and tools so that you'll be able to plan, prepare, and implement your own overnight canoe trip while staying healthy and safe, and minimizing impact on the environment. After completing this course, you may qualify to join us for a guided river trip with Class I-II whitewater rapid segments with portages for one or more days. River Canoe Camping 101 is our on-water version of Intro to Backpacking and North Woods Survival course. Unlike today's human inhabitants in the area who enjoy hiking high rocky mountain peaks, the Wabanaki peoples of long ago had everything to do with the natural waterways of the valleys--living in the heart of natural resources that allowed them to survive for thousands of years. The Abenaki of New Hampshire, in particular, traveled the rivers and lakes (by canoe in warmer months, and by snowshoes towing toboggans in winter) to access food, materials for crafting & building, and trade items. During this 3-day trip you will live alongside forest and wetlands wildlife, find wild edibles, craft a useful tool, hear about local history, practice paddling skills, and propel yourself on water as it winds its way from the mountains to the sea.
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Tuition (open enrollment event)*
Adult age 16 and up: $845.00 Min. 3 /max. 6 participants (+ waitlist) 2024 Dates & Locations R=river L=lake Mon. 5/20 (10am) - Wed. 5/22 (2pm) Plymouth (R) Mon. 6/10 (10am) - Wed. 6/12 (2pm) Woodsville (R) Tues. 7/23 (10am) - Thur. 7/25 (2pm) Pittsburg (R or L) Wed. 8/21 (10am) - Fri. 8/23 (2pm) Errol (R & L) Wed. 9/11 (10am) - Fri. 9/13 (2pm) N. Stratford (R) Thur. 10/17 (10am) - Sat. 10/19 (2pm) Holderness (L) or other location to be discussed. * Private courses and adventures are also available by appointment year-round for individuals, groups of friends, and families with children. Please complete this form Contact owner Lucie Villeneuve at (603) 528-0136 (call/text) with any questions & concerns. 
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Educational Activities
Depending on participant interest and time available, we try to fit in as many topics as we can, but be aware conditions might have us jumping into things for real. Either way, it will be an educational voyage.
Canoeing Skills Include
Gear/Equipment Needed
We go rain or shine so please come prepared. A full pack list is emailed upon registration. Note that sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents, and wetsuits are available to rent or buy online or local stores ahead of time. Guides provide all meals and cooking gear, as well as canoes, paddles, PFDs, and drybags to store personal and group gear in the boats. Contact us with any questions or concerns at any time prior to and during trip.
Depending on participant interest and time available, we try to fit in as many topics as we can, but be aware conditions might have us jumping into things for real. Either way, it will be an educational voyage.
- Learn about the 10 essentials of survival, as well as weather, environmental hazards, common injuries, illnesses--including how to recognize & treat hypothermia.
- Learn how to put together a survival kit to take with you on future outdoor adventures.
- Learn how to read a topographic/river map and use a map and compass together for route planning without battery operated devices.
- Learn about knife safety and practical use with natural resources, finding and purifying water, and setting up a tent/primitive shelter.
- Practice useful knots and building a proper fire for cooking emergencies.
- Learn how to use a camp stove and cook hearty meals.
- Explore Northern Forest ecology as well as various leadership and followship roles within the paddling group.
- Hear survival tips along the way from our seasoned guides sharing their wisdom.
- Make and take home a useful item made from natural materials.
Canoeing Skills Include
- Choosing and outfitting a canoe for river/lake tripping.
- Packing drybags and portaging a canoe and gear.
- Reading rivers, safety precautions, and communication techniques.
- Basic paddle strokes and body positioning for canoeing (and poling & lining if you wish).
- Paddling through flatwater, quickwater, and (possibly) short sections of Class I Whitewater.
- T-rescues, swimming, and self-rescue.
- Eddy turns, peel-outs and ferrying (quickwater/whitewater).
- Scouting obstacles/rapids and making decisions (quickwater/whitewater).
- Throw-bag rescue and z-dragging a canoe (advanced whitewater).
Gear/Equipment Needed
We go rain or shine so please come prepared. A full pack list is emailed upon registration. Note that sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents, and wetsuits are available to rent or buy online or local stores ahead of time. Guides provide all meals and cooking gear, as well as canoes, paddles, PFDs, and drybags to store personal and group gear in the boats. Contact us with any questions or concerns at any time prior to and during trip.
Remote campsite
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Female moose.
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