2024 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 Sunday May 5th 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 Thursday night meetups with the club starting in April and you'll receive a discount on Training Camp, our biggest event of the year! (ACA membership required for both). You will need to register separately for those events. 

Prerequisites: None

Cost: $225 course fee (Early Bird discount to $195 for Group A). 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: February 5th and 12th, 2024. 6:30-8:30pm (Early bird discount to $195 for this group only)
• Group B: March 4th and 11th, 2024. 6:30-8:30pm
• Group C: March 17th and March 24th, 2024. 4-6pm (Note different time for Sunday classes!!!)
• Group D: April 15th and 22nd, 2024 6:30-8:30pm

Please direct any questions to our Instruction Coordinator