River Ramblings

Why do we practice so much before we run the river?

Sometimes we are asked by our students “Why do we practice so much before we run the river?” I reflect on this as I watch a momma duck and her 3 ducklings expertly ferrying in and out of current at the bottom of a rapid. They are feasting on nutrients flowing downstream to their eager beaks – all they need to do is position themselves in a way that maximizes their nourishment. The river also asks us to learn how to position ourselves to receive her gifts. Nourishment is ours if we take the time to understand her bends and turns – she does not deliver instant gratification. Therefore, taking the time to ferry, eddy in and out of current, learning how to position ourselves in her flow is an act of meeting the river halfway. By taking the time to understand her power, the river will “flow not past, but through us”, giving us gifts with every dip of our paddle.

~Quote by John Muir.  River Ramblings by Bethany Leonard

Teaching Locations

We are located on one of the best sections of whitewater to learn on – friendly and technical. Discover more about the Madawaska and the other rivers we use to teach.

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Planning Your Visit

We have put together a short checklist of things to bring and suggestions to make sure you come prepared and have a great time with us at MKC.

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Reviews

5 star ratingA great facility for an active family reunion. We are a large family (22 members) and the MKC absorbed our whole gang with
efficiency and excellent service. We had 16 family members guided for 3 days in
white water canoe skills with three amazing guides. They loved it and everyone
could maneuver white water with great skill at the end of three days.
MKC is known for the excellent food it serves and we were all super impressed with every meal served over the three full days. Thanks MKC staff for making us all feel so welcome. You made our family reunion and MOST MEMORABLE ONE. Jackie F.
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621jacquelinef
8/12/2024
5 star ratingA great time. I highly recommend MKC This was my 3rd, five day white water kayaking trip with MKC. It was another fabulous week.

I always choose the all inclusive option. I camp, but there are a number of indoor options for those who prefer that. I select the full meal plan, as I really don't want to do my own cooking before I paddle, or after a long day on the water. Don't let the young cooks worry you. (They're students working the summer months. Some of them are in culinary arts training.) The meals are better that a lot of restaurants. There's always vegetarian options at every meal. I like this because, and I like variety, and sometimes I want a change.

It doesn't matter what your skill level is, you'll have fun and will learn. On this last trip, there was a couple in their 80s, who wanted a new adventure to try out. How great is that. The instructors/guides always give positive feedback. You'll never hear you did anything wrong. (Typically, you all ready figured that out.) The guide will say something like: "Try this technique, and see how you like it." The guide will then demonstrate the technique a couple of times, and watch you trying it, while shouting encouragement to you. Plus, the rest of the people in your group will be cheering you on. When someone in the group does their first practice roll, or any combat roll, the cheers are thunderous. The grin on the person who just did the roll, says it all.

This year I was in seniors week. (I'm 73.) Virtually everyone had their own equipment. No worries if you need gear. MKC has excellent equipment, and will outfit you with everything you need, appropriate to your experience level. If you want to try a performance boat, they'll let you try one.

All in all, it's a great experience. I plan to return next year for my 4th time.

Give it a try!

Alan - Registered Maine Guide in Sea Kayaking
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Sky K Avatar
Sky K
9/08/2024
5 star ratingExciting, fun experience! Great experience. Reagan did an awesome job on our family rafting experience. She along with her partner, Tatiana made us feel safe at all times. My 10 year old grandson had an amazing first time experience and can’t wait to come back to try the Adventure Rafting!
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Marg W
8/16/2024
Wednesday November 27th

Early bird sale.

20% OFF

KAYAK AND CANOE PROGRAMS AT MKC

Please get in touch with us prior, so we can prepare your quote in advance.

early bird sale heron

Must place deposit between 9am and 6pm EST November 27th to receive discount.

We cannot combine discounts.

March 4th - 8th 2024

10% off

5 day kayak + canoe courses

5% of all revenue from this week is donated to your choice of three organizations

We are forever grateful for the support we continually receive from our communities. To say a small thanks, we want to give back.