How it began…

Whitewater Workshop is here to help you enjoy whitewater rivers in a safe and adventurous way. We believe that you should be able to learn how to paddle efficiently, safely, and confidently in a supportive environment—and with the most experienced instructors around.

We’ve been teaching paddlers for over 15 years, and we know what it takes to teach people who are ready to take it to the next level. Our instructors are professionals who are constantly looking to improve both their own paddling, and their teaching techniques. They aren’t just looking for a summer job before they go back to the ski resorts for the winter. We have small student-to-teacher ratios and primarily teach one-on-one lessons so you can get more individualized time on the water with your instructor.

Our Values

Safety

Stewardship

Patience

Small class size

Integrity

Professionalism

  • "Top notch professionalism and endless amounts of knowledge from an experienced paddler would be enough to give praise, but Nik's ability to convey information and skill to paddlers of varying backgrounds and ability is what makes this class/instruction stand out. Highly recommend to anyone new to paddling or needing to brush up on rescue skills."

    Luke H.

  • "Nik’s instruction was fantastic. My high expectations were absolutely exceeded. After 20 years away from paddling I’m leaving a private roll lesson and a half day private lesson with tremendous confidence. I’m also very excited to have new skills to work with and challenges to meet (with the tools to do so) as I progress in this sport. He’s also a very kind person and there’s a lot of laughter and patience. I couldn’t be happier with my investment in Nik’s expertise."

    Patrick A

  • "I'm at the beginning stages of my paddling career and have had several different instructors at various paddling schools and facilities. Nik is absolutely at the top of the list when it comes to professional kayaking instruction. After 1 hour in a pool session, I was 10x more confident in my paddling and rolling skills. He makes learning fun and is very passionate."

    Sadie C.

  • “Nik's swift water rescue class is fantastic. Practical, hands-on, lots of time in the water, and doesn't get bogged down in technical systems that are rarely useful. I've been boating 20-years, having taken SWR classes before, and it was a fantastic refresher. Highly recommended whether it's your first or fifth SWR class.”

    Mike B.

  • "I switched my roll from a sea-to-sea to a sweep roll as it’s quicker and easier to get up. Nik, the instructor, broke down each step and made it very easy to learn this new roll. I would absolutely recommend Nik as he’s patient and knowledgeable."

    Jodi L.

Nik White, Owner & Lead Instructor

Awarded 2025 National Instructor of the Year by ACA Paddlesports!

Meet Our Instructors

Venues where we work

  • Golden Whitewater Park, Golden, CO

  • Foxton, South Platte, CO

  • Deckers, South Platte, CO

  • Clear Creek Recreation Center, Idaho Springs, CO

  • Green Mountain Recreation Center, Lakewood, CO