ACA Level 1: Intro to Kayaking Workshop

Cook Forest State Park will be conducting an entry level American Canoe Association (ACA) kayaking course for kayak enthusiasts. The following subjects will be covered: equipment, loading & unloading, rescues, and strokes. In order to participate, each participant must satisfy essential eligibility criteria. All participants will be required to complete a wet exit.

Day 1 will consist of instruction within the river at the River Pavilion. On Day 2 we’ll apply these skills along a stretch of the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River.

Remember to bring sturdy river sneakers (flip-flops are NOT permitted), and change of clothes. Participants should have a drybag that is large enough to house all their necessities while on the river. Refreshments provided both days. Lunch provided the second day. Those with specific dietary requirements will have to provide their own meals. Kayaks, appropriate gear, snacks & water provided. Everyone WILL GET COMPLETELY WET, so please dress appropriately.

Participants must pre-register by contacting Dale Luthringer, environmental education specialist, at (814)744-8475 or dluthringe@pa.gov with check received by 6/19. Cost is $75/participant payable by check or money order to the ‘Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’. We’re accepting only 12 participants for this course. Children 14 years and up permitted with participating adult. Those who successfully complete this course will receive an ACA Skills Course Completion Card, and 50% discount on future canoe & kayaking programs sponsored by Cook Forest State Park.

Thursday, June 27 at 9:00am to 5:00pm

More dates through June 28, 2024

Related upcoming events

  • 24-07-26 All day

    Cook Forest & Clear Creek State Park will be conducting a 7.3mile interpretive float down the National Wild & Scenic Clarion River from Clear Creek’s boat launch to Cook Forest’s   4-mile launch.  Odds are pretty good we’ll see plenty of otter sign.  Along the way we’ll go past remnants of the old bridge, dam, and raft building sites at Clarington, go through the ripple and past rock cliffs of the Hogback, and talk about the rafting tragedy at Maze Gap.  Fishing is good along this stretch, don’t forget your poles!  Only experienced boaters permitted.  Please meet at the Clear Creek canoe launch near the playground.  Participants must pre-register by 7/20 by contacting the Cook Forest Park Office at (814)744-8407.  Registration limited to 10 boats.  Cost is $50/boat payable by cash, check, or money order made out to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  All boats, gear, and lunch provided.  Prior Cook Forestkayak training participants receive a 50% discount.  Register early, available spots go fast.  See you on the river!

     Friday, July 24, 2026 8:30am to 4:30pm

  • 19-09-26 11:00 - 19-09-26 15:00

    Come celebrate America’s 250th birthday as you walk back in time in our to observe, and possibly sample, historical cast iron cooking from our nation’s past.  State park educators from North Central and Western PA will be dressed in period clothing preparing period dishes that relate back to their park from our nation’s founding to the late 1800’s.  This is a one-time-only new park event that you will NOT want to miss!  Located at our River Cabin area, just upstream from our new River Pavilion along River Road about 1 mile up-river from the RT36 Cooksburg Bridge.

     Saturday, September 19, 2026 11am to 3pm

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