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
Scheduled Group Courses – 2025
May 23 June 14 June 21 July 5 July 19 August 2
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!
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
Private Instruction
Available Any Day May 1 – Sept 30
Times and costs vary – See details
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
Scheduled Group Courses – 2025
May 25 June 28 July 26 August 9
Private Instruction
Available Any Day May 1 – Sept 30
Times and costs vary – See details
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
Scheduled Group Courses – 2025
July 12 August 16
Private Instruction
Available Any Day May 1 – Sept 30
Times and costs vary – See details
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
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
Playboating w/ Mike T
Prerequisite
L4 course and a somewhat reliable combat roll. Or comparable experience
Course Description
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.
Venue
Salida River Park
Sunday, July 27 9am-3pm
- Check-in 15 minutes prior
Cost
$225
- Equipment included / Lunch included
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.
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+ * Peak season rates may apply on Saturdays.
Premiere Rates – $550/ 1 person, $675/2 people, $275/person for groups of 3+ * Peak season rates may apply on Saturdays.
- 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.