PASS HOURS
9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Whitewater Paddlesport Instruction
Master the rapids with lessons in whitewater kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Whether you’ve never been in a kayak or you’re looking to sharpen your skills, the Whitewater instructor team will meet you where you are.
By learning paddlesport skills at The Whitewater Center’s manmade, recirculating whitewater river, participants are able to focus on skills and repetitions in a low-risk but challenging environment. And because Whitewater’s mission is to facilitate access to the outdoor lifestyle, participants come out of each class with not only paddlesport knowledge, but also a sense of community and stewardship for outdoor recreation.
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Beginner Group Instruction
The beginner kayak lessons are intended for new paddlers who want to learn the fundamentals of whitewater kayaking.
Two-Day Intro to Whitewater Kayaking
It’s Back: A two-day course designed to equip first-time paddlers with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in a variety of river environments. Not only does this course teach paddlers the core fundamentals of whitewater kayaking, but it also fosters community and guided self-discovery in a group setting.
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.
BEGINNER KAYAK INSTRUCTION 102
Through repetition and feedback, this lesson will strengthen the participant’s comprehension of the essential abilities for paddling whitewater. The kayak roll will also be taught to participants, with a focus on learning optimal body positioning and creating a foundational level of comfort in the water.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Does Whitewater provide gear for paddlesport instruction?
Yes, all gear will be provided, including boat, PDF, skirt, helmet, and paddle.
What should I bring to the lesson?
Bring water, sunscreen, and clothes that can get wet. Sun-protective clothing is recommended. Secure footwear is required.
What is the ratio of students to instructors?
All group lessons have a student-to-instructor ratio of 3:1. Private lessons have a 1:1 ratio.
Do I need to have any prior paddlesport experience?
Experience is not required for Beginner Group Instruction or Private Instruction.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Whitewater recommends paddlesport instruction for people ages 10 and up.