Learn to read whitewater, run rapids, and handle your canoe with confidence — in a single day on Maine’s best instructional rivers. Led by Chip Cochrane, 27-time National Canoe Poling Champion and Registered Maine Guide.
Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming expedition, brushing up on skills you haven’t used in years, or simply curious what whitewater canoeing feels like — a day clinic with Allagash Canoe Trips will get you there.
We run clinics on the upper Kennebec River and Lower Dead River, two of Maine’s premier instructional waterways. Our itinerary for each clinic depends on water levels and paddler skill — we’ll talk through your goals beforehand and build the day around what you need.
We offer both tandem and solo instruction. A hearty riverside lunch is included.
Meet at our base camp in Greenville, Maine at 8:00am. Return by approximately 4:00pm.
Choose the clinic that fits your goals — or combine them for a full day of skill-building.
All Levels · Solo or Tandem · 1 Day
If you’ve always wanted to experience the thrill of whitewater canoeing or kayaking but feel you lack the skills, equipment, or confidence — this clinic is designed for you. We start with the latest equipment appropriate for the sport, then move through detailed instruction and practice sessions on easy water to build confidence and skills progressively until you’re ready to advance.
The East Outlet of the Kennebec features three miles of nearly continuous class II–III rapids, perfect for whitewater instruction and playboating. The Lower Dead River — canoeable only on certain weekends — is a 16-mile run of exciting, nearly non-stop class II–III whitewater through a pristine wilderness landscape. Water levels and your skill level will determine which river we use.
We offer both tandem and solo instruction. By the end of the day you’ll have enough whitewater to satisfy the most insatiable appetite.
All Levels · 1 Day
Stand tall and carry a big stick. Canoe poling is a traditional method of propelling your canoe up, down, and all around a stream by standing and using a 12-foot wood or aluminum pole off the river bottom. Used by fur traders and Maine guides for generations, poling remains the technique of choice for upstream travel, shallow water, and precision maneuvering that a paddle simply can’t match.
Our clinic leads you through a modern poling progression covering both traditional and sport poling techniques. Chip Cochrane is the 27-time reigning National Canoe Poling Champion — there is no better person in the country to learn this from. This is an experience that will leave you amazed at how naturally your canoe responds, and prove once and for all that standing up in a canoe is not only allowed — it’s the only way to pole!
Families & Beginners · 1 Day
For those looking for a less intense introduction to river paddling, the West Outlet of the Kennebec alternates between small ponds and shallow but engaging rapids, with excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing. Overnight trips from this put-in camp on one of several small islands in Indian Pond — home to moose, bald eagles, and smallmouth bass. This is a perfect first river experience for families with younger children or adults who want to ease into moving water before committing to a longer trip.
All clinics are custom — contact us to discuss dates, group size, and which clinic is right for you. Larger groups receive discounted rates.
Every clinic follows the same structure — instruction in the morning, application in the afternoon.
Meet at our base camp in Greenville. We discuss the day’s plan, pack appropriate gear, load up, and head for the river.
River safety briefing, basic paddling and poling techniques, and dry-land instruction before anyone gets in a canoe.
Fundamental instruction on easy water. Building confidence and skills progressively before advancing to more challenging sections.
A hearty lunch on the river bank. A chance to swap stories, ask questions, and talk through the afternoon plan.
More river time applying the morning’s fundamentals to more advanced techniques. Back at base camp by 4:00pm for debrief and next steps.
“Chip and Lani’s incredible knowledge and ability to plan and lead outdoor adventures for this age was evident. Starting with paddling, working on the right strokes for different situations, and continuing to coach those of us who needed it all along the trip — also stopping and guiding us through the faster sections to make sure we all got through safely and had fun doing it really helped make all of us better and more confident paddlers.”
— Jim, Troop 76
If you’re signed up for an upcoming multi-day trip — especially the St. John River, the Canadian trips, or the East Branch of the Penobscot — a day clinic beforehand is one of the best things you can do. You’ll arrive at the put-in more confident, more capable, and more ready to enjoy the experience rather than just survive it.
Even for the Allagash, a few hours on moving water before your trip makes a real difference. Chip and Lani will know your skill level going in, and can pair you with the right canoe partner from the start.
Clinics are custom and run on your schedule. Give us a call or send a message to discuss dates and which clinic is right for you.
Click Any Date Above to Start Your Application or Contact Us