Experiential learning is unavoidable in the outdoor field as I discovered during our Whitewater Boating class in the Spring of 2006. While we were required to read and study proper canoeing techniques and white water flow patterns, there's only so much classroom work can do when it comes to preparing one for canoeing! It wasn't until we actually got out on the water that we began to catch on...if you misjudge the current flow and get sucked down a raging rapid directly headed for a tree, the next time you will learn to slow down, pull over, and properly assess the situation. Pictured above are the results of a less than successful attempt by Tim Powell and Patrick Dunnagan to navigate through Class III whitewater during our three day canoeing trip.