Thank you for choosing the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center where outdoor adventure is our passion. We are proud to offer professional SUP 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).
Course List
L1 – The Basics
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 the L1 and L2 material in the same day. We do need a slightly longer time frame compared to our typical private lessons. This is a great option for those who are eager to get on the river!
2025 Scheduled Group Full Day Courses
May 24 June 28
Prerequisite
None
Course Description
A great place to start as well as a good refresher for those who want to review their basic skills. We begin by introducing the necessary equipment. Then we head to the lake to work on strokes, bracing, edging, and stances. Finally put it all together with some dynamic pivot turns.
Venue
Flatwater, Trout Creek Reservoir
Duration
9 am – 3 pm
- Check-in 15 minutes prior
Cost
$225
- Equipment included
- Lunch included
L2 – Downriver SUP
2025 Scheduled Group Full Day Courses
May 25 June 29
Private Instruction
Available Any Day May 1 – Sept 30
Times and costs vary – See details
Prerequisite
L1 course or comparable experience
Course Description
This course will give an overview of basic river hydrology and then it’s time to head downstream and enjoy the beauty of running a Rocky Mountain river. We will cover river running tactics like safety and communication. Also look at how to read water, scout rapids and identify hazards. This is a great course for applying your flatwater skills to the moving water and simply enjoying a downriver run.
Venue
Salida Town Run
Time
9 am – 3 pm
- Check-in 15 minutes prior
Cost
$225
- Equipment included
- Lunch included
L3 – River Techniques
2025 Scheduled Group Full Day Courses
July 13 August 10
Private Instruction
Available Any Day May 1 – Sept 30
Times and costs vary – See details
Prerequisite
L2 course or comparable experience
Course Description
This course is all about how to use river features to your advantage while in the moving water. Basic moves like the eddy turn, ferry and peel-outs are covered as well as how to handle small river obstacles. Learning these fundamentals will surely step up your river game as you learn to anticipate moves and use edges to your advantage,
Venue
Class II – III training venue
Time
9 am – 3 pm
- Check-in 15 minutes prior
Cost
$225
- Equipment included
- Lunch included
Advanced Moves
Private Instruction
Available Any Day May 1 – Sept 30
Times and costs vary – See details
Prerequisite
L3 course or comparable experience
Participants should be comfortable in class II/II+ whitewater on a SUP
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, and advanced strokes. Learn how to make easy whitewater more exciting and challenging by making moves in faster current.
Venue
Lower Browns Canyon or comparable section
Time
9 am – 3 pm
- Check-in 15 minutes prior
Cost
$475/1 paddler, $600/2 paddlers, $275/person for 3 or more
- Equipment included
- Lunch included
Learn to Surf
Private Instruction
Available Any Day May 1 – August 15
Times and costs vary – See details
Prerequisite
Ability to swim
Course Description
Catch a wave on the Arkansas River! There is really nothing more fun on a hot day than carving turns on the local waves. You should see for yourself.
Venue
Salida or Buena Vista River Park
Duration
Half day surf lesson from 10 am – 2 pm. Limit 2ppl
Full day surf lesson from 9 am-3 pm. Limit 8 ppl
- Check-in 15 minutes prior
Cost
Half Day – $300/ 1 surfer, $400/2 surfers
Full Day – $475/ 1 surfer, $600/2 surfers, $225/person for 3 or more
- Equipment included
- Lunch included on Full Day
Boards provided by our friends at-
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
ACA certified instructor on all courses
Duration
Typically, our instructional courses run from 9am – 3pm. We also offer a premiere product that lasts from 8:30-4:30. This is a great option for those looking to cover L1 and L2 curriculum in the same day, or for longer sections of river.
- Check-in 15 minutes prior
Rate
Full Day Rates – $475/1 person, $600/2 people, $225/person for groups of 3+
Premiere Rates – $550/ 1 person, $675/2 people, $275/person for groups of 3+
- Equipment included
- Lunch included
RMOC is an equal opportunity service provider. RMOC operates under special use permits from the San Isabel National Forest. All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.