Women Only Rowing Clinic

Pricing – $650/person
3-person minimum to open, 9-person maximum capacity
Are you looking to develop your skills on the oars surrounded by women who want to do the same thing? Our Women on the Water 3-day Rowing Clinic is just what you need! Whether you are a brand-new rafter looking for the basics or an experienced boater looking to advance your abilities, we are here for you. This course is designed for beginner and intermediate rowers to learn and solidify the techniques that will help you navigate a day trip on your class II backyard run or a 21-day expedition down the Grand Canyon.
With a maximum ratio of 3 students to 1 instructor, you will get plenty of practice at the oars. Join us for 3 days of building camaraderie with fellow women paddlers, learning in a supportive and empowering space, and gaining confidence while feeling safe and comfortable with our female ACA-certified instructors in wild and wonderful West Virginia.
Course Learning Objectives:
While navigating rapids in an oar rig raft, the participant will:
- Gain valuable whitewater experience in an environment that fosters connection, encouragement, and growth with like-minded women
- Learn to identify common whitewater features and hazards
- Become familiar with whitewater rafting equipment and the advantages/disadvantages of different styles of equipment
- Maneuver a raft using safe and effective techniques taught by female instructors
- Practice basic safety and rescue skills
Course includes:
- An ACA-certified instructor (see what it takes to become one here – https://americancanoe.org/.../take.../become-an-instructor/)
- Transportation to and from river locations
- All rafting equipment (raft, oars, frames, etc…)
- Med kit
- Lunch (typically a deli-style spread with sandwiches and sides)
- Complementary camping
- Wet-suit rentals available
Participants need to bring:
- Appropriate swim attire for the season and conditions
- Secure water shoes (close-toed preferred)
- Any personal protective equipment you already have including PFD, helmet, whistle, knife, and throw rope (ACE will provide any necessary equipment that you do not have)
- A willingness to learn
- If you would like to receive a course completion certificate, a $40 ACA Membership is required
Led by Jess Lewis! Jess Lewis is an ACA L5 Raft Instructor and Instructor Trainer Candidate with more than a decade of experience teaching rowing, safety, and leadership on rivers throughout the U.S. and across the world. As the founder of Wyld Heart Coaching, she’s known for her clear, confidence-building instruction and her ability to help women develop strong technical skills and embodied resilience behind the oars. Jess also serves on the ACA Rafting Committee and brings a grounded, empowering approach to every course she leads. She’s excited to offer all-women’s rowing courses at ACE Adventure Resort this May and June, creating supportive, high-skill environments where women can refine technique, run clean lines, and discover what they’re truly capable of.