Kayak School

Kayak School

Thank you for choosing the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center where outdoor adventure is our passion. We are proud to offer professional kayak instruction in the amazing Arkansas River Valley! Our legendary paddle school has been teaching paddle sports in this area for over 30 years. All courses are taught by a qualified RMOC instructor who is certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA). Equipment provided.

Course List

L1 – Strokes and Balance

kayak school colorado

Scheduled Group Full Day Courses – 2024

May 24    June 15    June 22    July 6    July 20    August 3

Book Now

Private Instruction

Available Any Day May 1 – Sept 30
Times and costs vary – See details

We often find that groups of less than 5 can cover this material in a half-day private lesson and it can sometimes be combined with level 2 into a full day lesson. Please give us a call if you think you may like this option.

Book Now
Prerequisite

None

Course Description

This is an introduction to paddling skirted kayaks- which are different from the more common sit-on top kayaks. We begin by covering the necessary equipment and fitting you properly in your kayak. Then we head to the lake to work on self-rescue, strokes, bracing, edging, posture, and an introduction to the roll. If you have never been in a boat with a neoprene skirt- start here!

Venue

Flatwater. Trout Creek Reservoir

Time

9:30 am – 4 pm

Details
  • Includes Equipment
  • Includes Lunch
Cost

$200

L2 – Essentials of River Kayaking

kayak school colorado 2

Scheduled Group Full Day Courses – 2024

May 25    June 16    June 23    July 7    July 21    August 4

Book Now

Private Instruction

Available Any Day May 1 – Sept 30
Times and costs vary – See details

We often find that groups of less than 5 can cover this material in a half-day private lesson and it can sometimes be combined with level 1 into a full day lesson. Please give us a call if you think you may like this option.

Book Now
Prerequisite

L1 course or comparable experience

Participants should be familiar with neoprene skirted kayaks and able to perform a wet exit.

Course Description

This course will give an overview of basic river hydrology and how to use river features to your advantage while in moving current. Basic moves like the eddy turn, ferry, and peel-outs are covered, as well as, how to handle small river obstacles. This is a great course for applying your flat water skills to the moving water or tuning up your basic river maneuvers.

Venue

Salida river park. Class II section.

Time

9:30 am – 4 pm

Details
  • Includes Equipment
  • Includes Lunch
Cost

$200

L3 – Basic River Running

kayak school colorado 3

Scheduled Group Full Day Courses – 2024

May 26    June 23    July 6    July 27    August 11

Book Now

Private Instruction

Available Any Day May 1 – Sept 30
Times and costs vary – See details

Book Now
Prerequisite

L2 course or comparable experience

Course Description

Time to head downstream and enjoy the beauty of running down a Rocky Mountain river in Class I+/II. We will cover river running tactics as well as safety and communication. Also, we’ll look at how to read water, scout rapids and identify hazards. Plenty of time is spent on practicing basic river maneuvers as well as an introduction to surfing and playing in small river features.

Venue

Salida or Buena Vista Town Run

Time

9:30 am – 4 pm

Details
  • Includes Equipment
  • Includes Lunch
Cost

$200

L4 – Advanced Kayak Technique

kayak school colorado 4

Scheduled Group Full Day Courses – 2024

July 13    August 18

Book Now

Private Instruction

Available Any Day May 1 – Sept 30
Times and costs vary – See details

Book Now
Prerequisite

L3 course or comparable experience. EX1 (Focus on the Roll).

Participants should have a mostly consistent flatwater roll.

Course Description

So you are comfortable in class II water but are looking to step up your game. This course is designed to take you there. Topics covered will be jet ferries, catching micro eddies, rolling in current, and advanced strokes. Learn how to make easy whitewater more exciting and challenging by making moves in faster current and through slalom gates.

Venue

Salida or Buena Vista River park. Moderate downriver section.

Time

9:30 am – 4 pm

Details
  • Includes Equipment
  • Includes Lunch
Cost

$200

EX1 – Focus on the Roll

kayak school colorado 5

Scheduled Group Courses – 2024

TBD

Book Now

Private Instruction

Available Any Day May 1 – Sept 30
Times and costs vary – See details

Book Now
Prerequisite

Strokes and balance course or similar experience

Course Description

A qualified instructor will walk you through the proper paddle technique and body mechanics to perform this awesome maneuver. A solid roll is one of the most sought after skills to master as a whitewater kayaker. This course is great for newer kayakers looking to get their first roll as well as boaters who would like to improve their current roll. Equipment Provided

Venue

Lake, pool, or calm eddy.

Time

9 AM – 12 PM

Cost

$125

EX2 – River Surf and Playboating

kayak school colorado 6

Private Instruction

Available Any Day May 1 – Sept 30
Times and costs vary – See details

Book Now
Prerequisite

L4 course and EX1 (Focus on the roll). Or comparable experience

Course Description

Make the river your playground with freestyle tricks like cartwheels, flatspins, and loops. Super fun and a great way take your river running and roll to the next level.

Venue

Salida or Buena Vista river park

Scheduled Group Courses

No Group Courses Scheduled for Summer 2023. Please book private instruction.

EX3 – Creeking Clinic

kayak school

Private Instruction

Available Any Day May 1 – Sept 30
Times and costs vary – See details

Book Now
Prerequisite

Proficient Class III Paddler with a solid river roll.

Course Description

If you are looking to start exploring your local creeks this course will help you to prepare. Techniques like boofing, catching micro eddies, and hairy ferries will be covered as well as safety concerns and group communication.

Venue

Brown’s Canyon or Fractions

Scheduled Group Courses

No Group Courses Scheduled for 2023. Please book private instruction.

Private Instruction and Custom Group Lessons

Can’t make it to one of our group courses or prefer to learn in a one-on-one environment?
Take Private Instruction with one of our certified instructors.

Available any day May 1 – Sept 30

Full Day

9:30am – 4pm

Rate

$450/1 person, $525/2 people, $200/person for groups of 3+

Half Day

9am – Noon, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Rate

$275/1 person, $350/2 people, $125/person for groups of 3+

Details
  • All equipment included
  • Lunch included on Full Days
Book Now!