Advanced/Honors Placement

An Exciting Academy...

...and that has made all the difference

The Kowalskis Wanted to Prepare Katie for University

Katie Kowalski- OKS Instructor, Canada Jr. National Champ and New River Academy Gapper

Joe and Sue Kowalski realized Katie worked and trained hard in high school as a star student and 3-time Canada Kayak Team member. But was she ready for college?

“Sue and I wanted a year for Katie to mature to ensure her success at university. Learning a second language, traveling with a team, mastering logistics and communication skills were where we agreed with Katie. A kayak gap year abroad would be both productive and an exciting opportunity. Investing in her success is an easy decision. Choosing New River Academy was just as easy.”

-Joe Kowalski, owner Ottawa Kayak School’s Keeners Youth Kayak Camps

A gap year abroad kayaking helps students discover career direction, safely explore the world, learn communication skills, and fulfill their adventure needs. You dreamt of giving your child the best. Now is the time to invest in your child. You can still apply.

"Click here to read about Gap Year Chile."

“And that has made all the difference.”

New River Academy Kayak School News and Updates

“What can students expect for the fall semester?”

This document is designed to answer your last minute questions regarding the commencement of school on the Ottawa River.

Calendar Page- This is where you can find a consistent list of dates and events. Use this as your source for booking reservations.

Arrivals: Below you have several options for your arrivals:
A. Fly to Charleston, WV
8/27 Charleston, WV Airport Arrivals- 8/27 between 4:00 to 6:00 pm
B. Drive or carpool to Fayetteville, WV
8/ 27 Fayetteville, WV Base Arrivals- 8/27 between 4:00 to 6:00 pm
C. Meet school en route from WV to Ottawa. Contact David Hughes to arrange meeting point. Route is: I-79 N to...

Ten Reasons to Consider Applying to Gap Year

By now you have heard about gap year and you have to admit you are intrigued. But is taking a gap year just before you goto college the right choice for you? Here are a few reasons.

Spend a week at the Seven Teacups Waterfall Camp. There are more than 70 clean waterfalls in the area. Your parents are going to love your photos and videos. Wahoo!!!

10. Taking a break may make you more productive? It’s not actually a break but it is a change from the “school system.” Research has shown that gap students are more likely to graduate college. The semester off kind...

Am I Good Enough?

After seeing kayak videos and photos, and looking over the list of national and international accomplishments, you may wonder if your kayaking skills qualify for New River Academy.

Learning safety and kayaking with friends is part of the fun. Now you are living life.

The answer is not in your kayaking skills but in your heart. If you love kayaking and being active, you’re ready to start. As all Huge Experiences students discover, it’s not how good you are before you begin, but the enthusiasm and dedication you put into it after you’re there that makes a difference.

Ninth grade student Zoe...

A Year in Photos

This has been an amazing year and we have had many opportunities to take beautiful photos. We’ve been given assignments that involve us taking portraits, abstract things, leading lines, and many other things. Our most beautiful landscape photos definitely came from Chile though. This photo essay takes us through our whole school year. Where we first met all these new faces, some seemed nice right away and others a little crazy. Then, it continues on on our first adventures together in Canada. Afterwards, it moves us onto second quarter in Chile where we began to experience even more mind-blowing things. All these things drawing us closer together, helping us begin to become a family instead just a bunch of individuals. All the...