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SUP School

Course Options

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).

L1 - The Basics

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.

  • Prerequisite: None
  • 2026 Dates: May 23, June 27, August 1 - 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
Group of paddleboarders on the shore

L1 & L2 - SUP Essentials - Private Instruction

Available any day May 1 - Sept 30. Time and costs vary. See details.

We often find that groups of fewer than five can cover both the L1 and L2 material in a single day. These sessions require a slightly longer time frame than our standard private lessons, but they’re a great option for those eager to get on the river!

SUP instructor

L2 – Downriver SUP

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. We'll 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.

  • Prerequisite: L1 course or comparable experience
  • 2026 Dates: May 24, June 28, August 2 - If these dates don’t fit your schedule, private instruction is available any day during the season—pending instructor availability.
  • Venue: Salida Town Run
  • Time: 9 am - 3 pm. Check-in 15 minutes prior
  • Cost: $225
  • Equipment and lunch included

Private Instruction:

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

Paddleboarding through small rapids

L3 – River Techniques

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.

  • Prerequisite: L2 course or comparable experience
  • 2026 Dates: July 19 - If this date doesn’t fit your schedule, private instruction is available any day during the season—pending instructor availability
  • Venue: Class II – III training venue
  • Time: 9 am - 3 pm. Check-in 15 minutes prior
  • Cost: $225
  • Equipment and lunch included

Private Instruction:

  • Available Any Day May 1 – Sept 30
  • Times and costs vary – See details.
paddleboarding on a river

Advanced Moves

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.

  • Prerequisite: L3 course or comparable experience. Participants should be comfortable in class II/II+ whitewater on a SUP
  • Available Any Day May 1 – Sept 30. Time and costs vary.
  • Venue: Lower Browns Canyon or comparable section
  • Time: 9am - 3pm. Check-in 15 minutes prior
  • Cost: $475/1 paddler, $600/2 paddlers, $275/person for 3 or more
  • Equipment and lunch included

Private Instruction:

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

Person paddleboarding in a rapid

River Shredding w/ Mike T

Learn from the OG Rivershred himself, Mike Tavares. This course focuses mainly on how to have the most fun while traveling downstream. Things like running through bigger features, how to improve edging, better eddy catching techniques, and basic river safety.

  • Prerequisite: L1 – L3 courses course or comparable experience. Should be able to change stances while on board with some comfort. Bracing strokes and draw strokes are essential.
  • Saturday, July 26 9am - 3pm. Check-in 15 minutes prior.
  • Venue: TBD based on water levels
  • Time: 10am - 2pm. Check-in 15 minutes prior
  • Cost: $250/person
  • Equipment and lunch included
Stand up paddleboarder

Learn to Surf

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.

  • Prerequisite: Ability to swim
  • Venue: Salida or Buena Vista River Park
  • Half Day Surf Lesson Duration: 10 am – 2 pm. Limit 2 ppl
    • Half Day Rates: $300/ 1 surfer, $400/ 2 surfers
  • Deluxe Surf Lesson Duration: 9 am-3 pm. Limit 8 ppl
    • Deluxe Lesson Rates: $475/ 1 surfer, $600/2 surfers, $225/person for 3 or more
  • *Peak season rates may apply on Saturdays
  • Equipment included, lunch included on Deluxe Day
  • Half-day not offered on Saturdays
River surfing

Private Instruction:

  • Available Any Day May 1 – August 15
  • Times and costs vary – See details.
Boards provided by our friends at
Badfish

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.

  • 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.
  • Available any day May 1 – Sept 30
  • ACA certified instructor on all courses
  • Deluxe 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 included
3 people paddleboarding