Kayak School

Kayak School

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)

Course Options

L1 – Strokes and Balance

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Scheduled Group Courses – 2025

May 23    June 14    June 21    July 5    July 19    August 2

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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!

Book Private InstructionBook Premiere Lesson – L1/L2
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

9am – 3 pm

  • Check-in 15 minutes prior
Cost

$225/person

  • Equipment included / Lunch included

L2 – Essentials of River Kayaking

Scheduled Group Courses – 2025

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

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Private Instruction

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

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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

9am – 3pm

  • Check-in 15 minutes prior
Cost

$225/person

  • Equipment included / Lunch included

L3 – Basic River Running

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Scheduled Group Courses – 2025

May 25    June 28    July 6    July 26    August 9

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Private Instruction

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

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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

9am – 3pm

  • Check-in 15 minutes prior
Cost

$225

  • Equipment included / Lunch included

L4 – Advanced Kayak Technique

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Scheduled Group Courses – 2025

July 12    August 16

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Private Instruction

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

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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

9am – 3pm

  • Check-in 15 minutes prior
Cost

$225

  • Equipment included / Lunch included

EX1 – Focus on the Roll

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Scheduled Group Courses – 2025

June 29     July 27

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Private Instruction

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

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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

10am – 2pm

  • Check-in 15 minutes prior
Cost

$150

  • Equipment included

EX2 – River Surf and Playboating

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Private Instruction

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

Call to book 719-395-3335
Prerequisite

L4 course and a somewhat reliable combat 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 at this time. Please book private instruction.

EX3 – Creeking Clinic

kayak school

Private Instruction

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

Call to book 719-395-3335
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 at this time. 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

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
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