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Kayak School

Course Options

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)

L1 - Strokes and Balance

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!

  • Prerequisite: None
  • 2026 Dates: May 22, June 6, July 18 - If these dates don’t work for you, we offer private instruction any day of the season, based on availability.
  • Venue: Flatwater, Trout Creek Reservoir
  • Time: 9 am - 3 pm. Check-in 15 minutes prior
  • Cost: $225
  • Equipment and lunch included
person in a yellow kayak

L1 & L2 - Kayak Essentials - Private Instruction

Available any day May 1 - Sept 30. Time 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!

kayak instruction

L2 – Essentials of River Kayaking

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.

  • Prerequisite: L1 course or comparable experience. Participants should be familiar with neoprene skirted kayaks and be able to perform a wet exit.
  • 2026 Dates: May 23, June 7, July 19 - If these dates don’t work for you, we offer private instruction any day of the season, based on availability.
  • Venue: Salida River Park. Class II section.
  • Time: 9 am - 3 pm. Check-in 15 minutes prior
  • Cost: $225
  • Equipment and lunch included
A kayaker practicing his grip in a kayak

L3 – Basic River Running

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.

  • Prerequisite: L2 course or comparable experience
  • 2026 Dates: May 24, June 20, July 25 - If these dates don’t work for you, we offer private instruction any day of the season, based on availability.
  • Venue: Salida or Buena Vista Town Run
  • Time: 9 am - 3 pm. Check-in 15 minutes prior
  • Cost: $225
  • Equipment and lunch included
hardshell kayaking

L4 – Advanced Kayak Technique

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 include 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.

  • Prerequisite: L3 course or comparable experience. EX1 (Focus on the Roll). Participants should have a mostly consistent flatwater roll.
  • 2026 Dates: June 21, July 26 - If these dates don’t work for you, we offer private instruction any day of the season, based on availability.
  • Venue: Salida or Buena Vista River park. Moderate downriver section.
  • Time: 9 am - 3 pm. Check-in 15 minutes prior
  • Cost: $225
  • Equipment and lunch included

EX1 - Focus on the Roll

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.

  • Prerequisite: Strokes and balance course or similar experience
  • 2026 Dates: June 28, July 12 - If these dates don’t work for you, we offer private instruction any day of the season, based on availability.
  • Venue: Lake, pool, or calm eddy.
  • Time: 10 am - 2 pm. Check-in 15 minutes prior
  • Cost: $150
  • Equipment included
kayak roll underwater

Playboating with Mike T

Make the river your playground by learning how to playboat. Learn how to enter and exit the feature, side surf, back surf, flat spin, and cartwheel. It’s super fun and a great way take your river running and roll to the next level. This guest course is taught by your favorite local park rat – Mike Tavares.

  • Prerequisite: L4 course and a somewhat reliable combat roll. Or comparable experience.
  • Sunday, July 27, 9am - 3pm. Check-in 15 minutes prior.
  • Venue: Salida River Park
  • Cost: $225
  • Equipment included / Lunch included
Kayaker surrounded by a splash

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. This is also great for folks that want a professional to show them the lines on a new section of river, like Browns Canyon or The Numbers.

  • 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.
  • Available any day May 1 – Sept 30
  • ACA certified instructor on all courses
  • 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+
  • *Peak season rates may apply on Saturdays.
  • Equipment and lunch include
Two kayakers