Home

Membership

Programs

Events

Staff

Forms

ADVENTURE PROGRAMS

Kayaking and Canoeing Courses  |  Rock Climbing  |  Hiking  |  Biking
Fly Fishing  |  Kids and Family Programs  |  Group Programs
Instructors  |  Contact  |  Fees*

KAYAKING AND CANOEING COURSES

All kayak courses are taught by an expert, certified whitewater kayak instructor.

In-Pool Roll Clinics

The roll is the most important skill in kayaking for enhancing confidence and improving safety. Our Roll Clinics have, at most, a 4-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio to ensure that you get the personal attention you need to develop a bombproof roll. Already have a roll? Come learn the C-to-C roll, sweep roll, hand roll, combat roll, back deck roll, and practice off-side rolls so you can handle any situation that arises. This is an excellent class for beginner and advanced paddlers of all closed-deck kayaks. Use our equipment or bring your own. Each Clinic is 2.5 hours, 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Classes are held intermittently on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. Please inquire for specific dates.

Intro to Whitewater Kayaking

Experience the thrill of whitewater kayaking, combining just enough instruction for a fun day on the Potomac River with a grasp of the basics. Our instructors are experts at teaching basic kayak maneuvers, techniques, and safety. We generally start the day with a couple of hours on flat water developing basic strokes and boat control. Then we're off to the river where you'll paddle a section of whitewater carefully selected by our instructors. It will be exciting, but reasonable for a first-time kayaker as you learn basic river running skills while enjoying the scenery and experiencing the thrill of whitewater. All equipment is included. 6 hour course, 5-to-1 maximum student-to-instructor ratio. Classes are available weekends, evenings, and weekdays. Please inquire for specific dates.

Kayak Stroke Development Clinic

This clinic is ideal for intermediate and beginner kayakers who want to improve their strokes and boat control. Learn and refine the basic kayaking strokes and maneuvers including the forward stroke, back stroke, forward sweep, back sweep, draw, bow draw, stern draw, and edging. Our expert instructors will help you take your strokes to the next level for more confident and precise control of the boat. Flat-water and whitewater paddlers are both welcome. Use our equipment or bring your own. This clinic is 2.5 hours long and takes place on a local lake. Please inquire for specific dates.

Rapid Development 4-Day Kayak Course

Have our expert instructors teach you all the essentials of whitewater kayaking on the beautiful Potomac River! We'll cover such river running skills as paddling rapids, Eskimo rolling, catching eddies, peeling out, ferrying, s-turns, and rescue techniques. You'll also learn how to read river features, pick out a boat and equipment, where to paddle, and plenty more. With an expert instructor by your side, you will build the kayaking skills necessary to have fun and be safe on the river. We'll start by developing basic skills on flat water. Then we'll continue to moving water and rapids. All equipment included. 5-to-1 maximum student-to-instructor ratio. Four 4-hour classes. Classes are held weekends and/or evenings. Please inquire for specific dates.

Antietam Creek Guided River Trip

Join an expert instructor on a guided trip of beautiful and historic Antietam Creek, a beautiful 8-mile stretch of clear class I-II+ whitewater. Our trip will take us through historic Antietam Civil War Battlefield, beneath stone arch bridges, past a tranquil waterfall, and all the way to the Potomac River. Frequent wildlife sightings include owls, deer, geese, painted turtles, blue herons, and other animals. Bring lunch for a meal on the river. Antietam Creek is just over an hour from the Reston YMCA. No experience is necessary but it is highly recommended that you attend a YMCA kayak course or have basic prior experience. This is a great trip for beginners, but intermediate paddlers will not be bored. All equipment is included. 5+ hours on the river. Full day trip -- an optional carpool will leave the Reston YMCA at 9:00 a.m. and we'll return by 7:00 p.m. Please inquire for specific dates.

Intermediate Kayak

Already have a solid grasp on the basics? In this course we'll go out to the river to further improve your paddling skills. Topics may include river reading, river running, eddy turns, peel outs, ferries, S-turns, surfing, rescue, river hazards, rolling, and more. Class will take place on the Potomac or on another nearby river depending on water levels and student preferences. Use our equipment or bring your own. 2.5 hour class. Prerequisite: Participants must be comfortable paddling Class II whitewater. 5-to-1 maximum student-to-instructor ratio.

Canoeing

Learn all the essentials of canoeing on one of our local lakes. We'll cover strokes, equipment, cap-sizes, obstacle navigation, and more. This course is a fun time out on the lake that will equip you with skills necessary to canoe effectively and safely. Four students/class maximum. 2.5-hour course. Please inquire for specific dates.

Kayaking Private Instruction (PI)

PI programs are designed specifically for you. You can enjoy our PI courses alone, with a buddy, family, or friends. Our enthusiastic instructors will tailor a course to meet your personal goals. This is the perfect option if our program schedule doesn't fit your busy life, you have a special group of friends or family, or you have kids who are younger than our minimum required age on other courses. Use our equipment or bring your own. Please inquire for rates and details by email at YMCAadventure@comcast.net. Discounted rates for PI during weekdays.

  TOP

ROCK CLIMBING

All rock climbing courses and trips are guided by an American Mountain Guides Association-certified Rock Climbing Guide.

Intro to Rock Climbing

Interested in learning to rock climb? Join our climbing experts for an exciting escape to Carderock or Great Falls where you'll learn how to climb, knot tying, equipment essentials, safety, belaying, rappelling, and various climbing techniques. We'll cater to your level of fitness and teach you fundamentals that you will use in all future climbing adventures. All technical equipment is supplied. As always, safety is paramount and the class will not exceed a 4-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 8 hour class.

Intermediate Rock Climbing

Already have a solid grasp on the basics? We offer various intermediate rock climbing courses tailored to meet your needs. Courses include anchor building, climbing techniques, basic rock rescue, and multi-pitch/trad climbing. Please inquire for details.

Guided Rock Climbing Trips

Join our expert instructors for a thrilling guided rock climbing trip to the cliffs of Carderock or Great Falls. You'll learn plenty of skills but the focus of these trips will be to get out and climb -- whether you're seeking fun, a challenge, or a new and exciting way to enjoy nature. All technical equipment is supplied. 6-to-1 maximum student-to-instructor ratio. 5 hours. Inquire for specific dates.

Rappelling

Learn to rappel at the cliffs of Carderock or Great Falls. We'll teach you the basics of rappelling and then you'll be ready to descend some vertical cliffs! This 3-hour trip is guaranteed to be exciting! Inquire for specific dates.

Rock Climbing Private Instruction (PI)

PI programs are designed specifically for you. You can enjoy our PI courses alone, with a buddy, family, or friends. Our enthusiastic instructors will tailor a course to meet your personal goals. This is the perfect option if our program schedule doesn't fit your busy life, you have a special group of friends or family, or you have kids who are younger than our minimum required age on other courses. Use our equipment or bring your own. Please inquire for rates and details at YMCAadventure@comcast.net. Discounted rates for PI during weekdays.

  TOP

HIKING

Map and Compass 101

This course will teach you how to use a map and compass to navigate off-trail to desired endpoints. Topics will include map subtleties, terminology, compass types, declination angles, navigation, tricks of the trade, and the class will conclude with a practical test of your new skills. No experience necessary. All equipment is provided. 4 hour course. 6-to-1 maximum student-to-instructor ratio. Please inquire for dates.

Hiking 101+

This course is a MUST for anyone looking to get into hiking or looking to take their hikes up a grade. The class is designed with multi-day/overnight hikers in mind but is equally valuable for day hikers. We cover the essentials of hiking, including clothing, equipment, emergencies and basic survival, shelters, hazards, fire craft, water purification, philosophies, hikes in the area, and plenty of helpful tidbits, with several hands-on exercises. Even those with previous experience stand to benefit substantially from this course. Many things you'll learn in this crash course you'll use for the rest of your life, both on the trail and off! 3 hour course. Please inquire for specific dates and times.

Dolly Sods Backpacking Trip

Join an experienced guide for a wilderness backcountry hiking trip in pristine Dolly Sods, West Virginia. This trip is not for the faint of heart. It will involve 1.5 days of hiking through rugged, mountainous terrain with one night of camping out on the trail. You'll see wildlife, swim in streams, and have an unforgettable wilderness experience. We'll also make a pit-stop at the beautiful Blackwater Falls. Participants must provide their own gear and be physically fit enough for several hours of fairly strenuous hiking on rough, uneven terrain while carrying a fully-loaded pack. Not sure if you have the right gear or knowledge? Take Hiking 101+ first! Limited rental gear may be available. Six participants maximum. Trip lasts from Saturday morning to Sunday evening. Please inquire for specific dates. An optional carpool will be available for the 3 hour drive to/from Reston.

  TOP

BIKING

Intro to Mountain Biking

This course is designed for both beginners and intermediate riders to enhance their mountain biking ability by learning the core techniques of mountain biking: ascending, descending, cornering, obstacle navigation, weight shifting, and other techniques. Additional topics include differences in mountain bike features, what to bring on your rides, and places to go. Our instructors will provide plenty of feedback and tips to drastically improve your riding. Bring your bike, helmet, and water and be ready for practice on the trail. No rider will be left behind. This class will meet at a trail in Reston. Five students/class maximum. 4 hour course. Classes take place regularly. Please inquire for specific dates.

Intermediate Mountain Biking

This course is designed to take riders with a good foundation of the basics to the next level. We'll solidify basic and intermediate skills and work on some advanced skills as well. Topics may include drop-offs and ledges, steep climbing and descending, bunny hops, technical riding, advanced cornering, and more. Our instructors will provide plenty of feedback and tips to improve your riding. Bring your bike, helmet, and water and be ready for practice on the trail. This class will meet at a trail in or near Reston. Five students/class maximum. 4-hour course. Please inquire for specific dates.

Bike Maintenance 101

Learn the essentials of bicycle maintenance. Whether you're riding a road bike, mountain bike, or just a town cruiser, you'll learn the skills necessary to keep your bike running smoothly, fix problems on the fly, and increase your bike's longevity. Topics include chain care, flat tires, brakes, gears, cables and components. 1.5 hour course. Courses are held regularly. Please inquire for specific dates.

  TOP

FLY FISHING

Fly Casting

Learn the beautiful and relaxing art of fly casting! You'll leave this course with the ability to perform an effective fly cast. There is no substitute for hands-on instruction and practice with a seasoned expert. All equipment is provided. Four student/class maximum. 2 hour course. Please inquire for specific dates.

  TOP

KIDS AND FAMILY PROGRAMS

Kids' Kayaking (ages 9-12)

This class is a great introduction to kayaking for kids. We'll start the class on a flat section of the Potomac to learn and practice basic skills and safety. Then we'll move on to some mild current and riffles where they can safely put their new skills to use. Kids are guaranteed to have a good time and come away with basic kayaking skills and water safety knowledge. 4-to-1 maximum student-to-instructor ratio. 4 hour class. Please inquire for specific dates.

Kids Rock Climbing (ages 8-12)

This is a fun class designed for kids to have an exciting and safe rock climbing adventure at Great Falls or Carderock Park. They'll also learn about our local environment and safety in the outdoors. The climbing routes will be un-intimidating with the option of more challenging routes for the ambitious. 4 hour course. Please inquire for specific dates.

Family Rock Climbing

This program is designed to provide an exciting and safe rock climbing experience to families with children ages 6-12. You will spend your time at the cliffs of Carderock or Great Falls where everyone will get a chance to climb and possibly even rappel and belay as well! Our expert instructors will select climbing routes that are un-intimidating and there will also be more difficult climbs available for those wishing to have a challenge. This will be an exciting and unique adventure for the whole family! 4 hour trip. Trips available regularly. Please inquire for specific dates.

Family Hiking 101

This course covers the essentials of hiking most relevant to family hiking with children. The course content will revolve around planning and carrying out day hikes and easy overnighters with children. Topics include the basics of clothing, equipment, safety, emergency situations, special considerations, and ensuring that it's fun! You will also learn about some local hikes and resources. 2 hour course, Please inquire for specific dates.

Family Day-Hiking Trip at Difficult Run

Join us for a family hiking trip on a well-maintained trail beside the cascading water of Difficult Run. The mileage will be modest and we'll learn about our local environment while enjoying the scenery, playing a couple games and making new friends. Pack a lunch for a bite on the trail. Great for stay-at-home parents. Recommended for children ages 6-10. Up to 3 hours of easy hiking with breaks. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Family Canoeing

This is a fun course that instills the essentials of canoeing, allowing you to plan and carry out your own trips in comfort and safety. We'll address strokes, capsizes, equipment, maneuvering, and emergency situations, among other things. This is an excellent course for the whole family. All equipment is provided. 2.5 hours. 4-to-1 maximum student-to-instructor ratio.

  TOP

GROUP PROGRAMS

We cater to all sorts of groups: Adults, kids, churches, clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, groups of friends, birthday parties, and more. We offer custom-tailored courses in paddling, climbing, biking, hiking, navigation, environment, wilderness survival, improvised shelters, fire craft, and other areas. If you are looking for a program for your group, let us know!

  TOP

INSTRUCTORS

Hunter Post, Head Instructor
hunterpost@comcast.net

Hunter has been working at the YMCA Fairfax County Reston since 2000. He is certified as a Whitewater Kayak Instructor, American Mountain Guides Association Rock Climbing Guide, and Water Safety Instructor. He also holds certifications in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.

  TOP

CONTACT

Email: Yadventure@comcast.net

  TOP

*This document requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Click on the icon for a free download.

 YMCA Fairfax County Reston
12196 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, VA  20190
Telephone: (703) 742-8800     Fax: (703) 742-6241