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Whitewater Paddlesport Instruction

Learn the techniques and practice the skills of whitewater kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in a small group setting or private 1 on 1 instruction.

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Programs

Beginner Group Instruction

The beginner kayak lessons at the 100-level are intended for new paddlers who want to learn the fundamentals of whitewater kayaking.

BEGINNER KAYAK INSTRUCTION 101

Participants will learn about whitewater kayaking in a group environment during this introductory course. In order to efficiently paddle and control a whitewater kayak in class I whitewater, participants will be introduced to key techniques, such as how to safely wet exit and how to swim in a flatwater environment. 

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Beginner Kayak Instruction 101

Duration: 3 Hours 

Price: $130 

Max Ratio: 1:3 (Instructor:Student) 

Prerequisites:  

  • Able to swim and tread water unassisted. 
  • Comfortable with being submerged for up to 10 seconds at a time.  
  • Able to fit in whitewater-specific Personal Protective Equipment.  
  • Able to fit in a rental whitewater kayak or provide one of their own. 
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BEGINNER KAYAK INSTRUCTION 102

Through repetition and feedback, this lesson will strengthen the participant’s comprehension of the essential abilities for paddling flatwater. The kayak roll will also be taught to participants, with a focus on learning optimal body placement and creating a foundational level of comfort in the water. 

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Beginner Kayak Instruction 102

Duration: 3 Hours 

Price: $130 

Max Ratio: 1:3 (Instructor:Student) 

Prerequisites:  

  • Completion of 101 group lesson, an intro Private Lesson, or comparable level of instruction from another outfitter. 
  • Ability to perform a wet exit. 
  • Ability to hold breath for at least 10 seconds.
  • Comfortable with being upside down in a whitewater kayak. 
  • Comprehension of basic paddle strokes. 
  • Comprehension of basic paddling maneuvers.
  • Kayak class, Wilderness Channel

BEGINNER KAYAK INSTRUCTION 103

The skills acquired in the initial two classes will be applied in class II whitewater situations in this session. A competent flatwater roll will also be demonstrated to participants, with the goal of achieving at least a 50% success rate. 

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Beginner Kayak Instruction 103

Duration: 3 Hours 

Price: $130 

Max Ratio: 1:3 (Instructor:Student) 

Prerequisites: 

  • Completion of 101 & 102 lessons, a minimum of 3 Private Lessons, or comparable level of instruction from another outfitter. 
  • Ability to perform a wet exit. 
  • Comfortable holding breath for longer than 10 seconds. 
  • Ability to perform river maneuvers using basic paddle strokes. 
  • Understanding of the basic body positioning, mechanics, and motions to perform a kayak roll. 
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BEGINNER KAYAK INSTRUCTION 104

In this course, participants will receive instruction on how to further develop their flatwater roll skills and how to use those skills in moving current – a technique referred to as a combat roll. With the goal of successfully finishing a class II run on the Wilderness Channel down to the confluence, participants will continue to put the core skills they gained up to this point into action. 

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Beginner Kayak Instruction 104

Duration: 3 Hours 

Price: $130 

Max Ratio: 1:3 (Instructor:Student) 

Prerequisites: 

  • Complete Whitewater Center’s 101, 102, & 103 lessons, a minimum of 5 Private lessons, or comparable level of instruction from another outfitter. 
  • Ability to roll in flatwater with at least a 50% success rate. 
  • Comfortable holding breath for longer than 10 seconds. 
  • Comfortable performing basic river maneuvers in a Class II environment. 
  • Ability to demonstrate proper form, body positioning, and mechanics when navigating Class II whitewater. 
  • Guide school

Intermediate Group Instruction

The intermediate kayak lessons at the 200-level are intended for paddlers who have mastered the fundamentals and want to improve their skill set.

INTERMEDIATE KAYAK INSTRUCTION 201

This class is intended to further develop the skills learned in the Beginner Group Lessons or private instruction. As paddlers advance to the intermediate proficiency level, they will refine the skills they have gained previously with the objective of improving their roll, confidently navigating Class II whitewater, and possibly attempt Class III rapids.

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Intermediate Kayak Instruction 201

Duration: 3 Hours 

Price: $130 

Max Ratio: 1:3 (Instructor:Student) 

Prerequisites:  

  • Complete all Beginner Group Lessons, OR a minimum of 7 private lessons, OR a comparable level of instruction from another outfitter. 
  • Able to roll in flatwater with 75% success rate and in whitewater with 25% success rate. 
  • Comfortable with self-rescuing in Class II whitewater. 
  • Demonstrated ability to paddle down the Wilderness Channel to the confluence while showing the following skills: 
    • Ability to read and paddle Class II whitewater. 
    • Ability to navigate the first four rapids on the Wilderness Channel consistently without swimming. 
    • Proper body positioning, mechanics, and form while navigating through rapids. 
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INTERMEDIATE KAYAK INSTRUCTION 202

This class aims to continue developing skills acquired and apply them to Class III whitewater environment. The objective for all participants in the 202 Advanced Paddlesport program is to complete all Class II-III rapids on the Wilderness Channel with an optional portage at M-Wave. 

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Intermediate Kayak Instruction 202

Duration: 3 Hours 

Price: $130 

Max Ratio: 1:3 Instructor: Student 

Prerequisites:  

  • Completion of the 201 Group Lesson, OR 8 Private Lessons, OR a comparable level of instruction from another outfitter. 
  • Ability to roll in mild to moderate current with 75% success rate. 
  • Comfort with self-rescue in Class II+ whitewater. 
  • Demonstrated ability to competently paddle Class II – III whitewater while displaying the following skills: 
    • Understand how to read Class II whitewater and break down segments to paddle in control while catching eddies. 
    • Ability to comfortably navigate the first half of the Wilderness Channel. 
    • Ability to self-rescue in Class III whitewater. 
    • Proper body positioning, mechanics, and form while navigating through rapids. 
  • Kayak class, Wilderness Channel

Private Lessons

Private 1 on 1 instruction is intended for paddlers of all experience levels interested in personalized lessons designed to meet their unique needs.

PRIVATE KAYAK INSTRUCTION

Private kayak instruction offers participants an individualized approach to skill-based instruction and progression at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
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PRIVATE SUP INSTRUCTION

Private stand-up paddleboard instruction offers participants an individualized approach to skill development and progression at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

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