2023 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.

The course will conclude during a weekend in May (Flat Water/Moving Water Weekend) where on Saturday, we’ll meet at a lake in the Denver area that allows more time and space to practice the skills you’ve learned at the pool. On Sunday, you’ll get on moving water for the first time and learn about reading whitewater, river features and maneuvering your kayak. The location on Sunday will not be determined until a few days beforehand as it’s dependent on river levels. We hope to keep it in the Denver area, but it may require a drive to a river with the appropriate level of water and difficultly. Students will need to provide their own kayaks & essential gear for this weekend. If you don’t own your own gear, we’ve been able to arrange with area kayaking shops to rent kayaks & gear to students at discounted rates in the past.

*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.

Beginner Kayaking Class Syllabus

Prerequisites: None

Cost: $190 course fee. Rental equipment (boat, spray skirt, and paddle) included for pool lessons but not outdoor classes.

Class Times & Dates:

Please aim to arrive  15-30 minutes before your scheduled session to give you time to change clothes before your class.

• Group A: February 16th and 23rd, 2023. 6:30-8:30pm (Early bird discount to $165 for this group only)
• Group B: March 16th and 23rd, 2023. 6:30-8:30pm
• Group C: March 26th and April 2nd. 4:30-6:30pm (Note different time for Sunday classes!!!)
• Group D: April 13th and 20th. 6:30-8:30pm

Flat Water/Moving Water Weekend is currently scheduled for May 6th and 7th water level and weather dependent.

Please direct any questions to our Instruction Coordinator