If you really want to commit to learning how to whitewater kayak, this class is for you. After decades of teaching, we’ve found this format will make you excited about exploring rivers and feeling confident to continue boating for years to come.

Four full days of instruction with a small group of students. We start on flatwater where no experience is necessary. Then each day we increase the challenges and build up your skills to help you feel confident on the water. By the last day, you take over and plan your own day of boating with the instructor so that you feel capable of boating rivers safely on your own.

At the end of the class you’ll receive:

• Discounts on equipment at local paddling shops

• Discounts on future rolling or swiftwater rescue lessons with Whitewater Workshop

• Continuing access to expert instructor Nik White to help answer any questions you have about paddling. What gear is good? Where can I meet other boaters? What river sections would be a good fit for me?

Time: 9am-3pm ish, Thursday through Sunday

Location: Each day is subject to change due to water levels, but most options are within an hour drive of Denver. Littleton, Englewood, and Golden often work well but we may choose to go to the Upper South Platte near Deckers, CO. Your instructor will email you a couple days before the class to confirm exact location.

Cost: $995 per person, rental equipment included.

Day 1:

• Gear

• Wet exits

• Paddle strokes

• Carving boats

• Rolling 101

Day 2:

• Reading moving water

• Ferrying across current

• Moving in and out of eddies

• Run some rapids

Day 3:

• On-river safety skills

• Throw ropes

• Swimming rapids

• Wading

• Advanced ferrying and eddy catching

Day 4:

• You plan Day 4

• How to plan your own day of boating

• Where to get information about rivers

• How to manage safety on your own

• Group management

• Swimsuit

• Closed-toe shoes that can get wet (open-toed sandals are ok but not ideal)

• Tight fitting synthetic sports shirt like an Underarmor shirt aka rash guard (recommended)

• Board shorts (recommended)

• Water to drink

• Lunch and snacks (I have drybags you can put them in)

• Sunscreen

• Any medications you need to keep with you

Included for free:

• Helmet, life jacket, paddle, skirt, boat

• Splash jacket/wetsuit (weather dependent)