2025 Beginner Kayaking Class

This introductory course is based on well-established ACA (American Canoe Association) standards and is designed for people who have little or no whitewater or kayaking experience. You will learn about kayaks, essential gear, basic paddle strokes & techniques, river safety, and we'll introduce you to the kayak (Eskimo) roll*, (getting your kayak upright after capsizing).

It begins in the safe environment of an indoor pool during two, two-hour sessions where a kayak, paddle and spray skirt will be provided. You’ll be taught the basic elements & skills of whitewater kayaking before you get on moving water.

*Note: This course will introduce you to rolling but it’s not the focus of this course and its unlikely students will master this skill. Colorado Whitewater offers classes that focus specifically on rolling. These classes would still be appropriate for students who’ve completed the Beginner Course or have previous kayaking and whitewater experience.

Students who attend both pool lessons are invited to attend two additional free events specifically for beginner students:

1. Moving Water Day: Your first day on moving water! Tentatively scheduled for Saturday May 3rd at River Run Park in Englewood, CO. Weather and water level dependent.
2. Beginner Plus Cruise: Come experience a natural class II river. One of the prettiest floats in Colorado and very beginner friendly. Tentatively scheduled for mid-late August near Deckers, CO. 

You are also invited to attend free Monday night meetups (announced on Facebook based on water & weather) with the club starting in April.

Prerequisites: None

Cost: $225 course fee. Rental equipment (boat, spray skirt, and paddle) included for pool lessons.

Class Times & Dates:

Please aim to arrive  15-20 minutes before your scheduled session to give you time to register and change clothes before your class.

• Group A: March 2nd and 16th, 2025. 2:30-4:15pm
• Group B: March 2nd and 16th, 2025. 4:30-6:15pm
• Group C: March 30th and April 13th, 2025. 2:30-4:15pm
• Group D: March 30th and April 13th, 2025 4:30-6:15pm

Please direct any questions to our Instruction Coordinator