Meet the Team

Nik White, Owner & Lead Instructor

Nik has been instructing whitewater kayaking for over 15 years. He is a certified ACA Instructor in Whitewater Kayaking, Packrafting, and Swiftwater Rescue. He learned to kayak at Wilderness Voyageurs on the Yough River outside Pittsburgh and has kayaked and rafted rivers all over the world, including trips to Alaska, Mexico, France, and Peru. He consistently does over a month of overnight boating trips on multi-day rivers every year (which unfortunately means he might be out of service for a couple weeks here and there every year!)

Nik was the ACA National Instructor of the Month in October 2023. He presented at the 2023 National Swiftwater Rescue Conference. He is on the curriculum committees with the ACA for Whitewater Kayaking, Packrafting, and Swiftwater Rescue. All in all, he is one of the most experienced and prolific instructors in the US.

Awarded the 2025 Excellence in Instruction Award by ACA Paddlesports!

Sandi Bednarz

Sandi has been an ACA instructor since 2022, mainly focusing on beginners and supporting other female whitewater enthusiasts. She learned to kayak at the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center in Nathrop, CO and continued her whitewater education through rowing lessons and raft guide school. When she's not in her kayak "Tutu", she can be found paddling her double ducky "Felicia" with her sister likely somewhere on the Arkansas.

Sandi also volunteers extensively with Colorado Whitewater (CW) and is the founder and manager of See Jane Paddle, the women’s club within CW.

Favorite dinosaur: Ducky. Yep, yep, yep!

Instructor

Devon Bajoras

Devon is an ACA Level 4 Certified River Kayaking Instructor with 10 years of paddling experience. He brings a strong safety background, including Colorado EMT, Wilderness First Responder, and Swiftwater Rescue Training PRO-I certifications. Devon especially enjoys teaching river-running fundamentals, boat control, water reading, and decision-making, and he likes helping students build confidence and composure in moving water. He is particularly drawn to technical Colorado river running and thoughtful progression on the water.

Favorite dinosaur: Dino the Snorkasaurus. Because every adventurer needs a loyal family pet.

Instructor
Office Manager

Lauren Bader

With over 15 years of experience in program management and operations, Lauren does her best keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. While she’s newer to boating compared to other team members, she does get out on the water when she can. She may not always be the one guiding the raft, she’s excellent at sitting on one, carrying gear, and providing colorful commentary.

Outside of work she’s usually dabbling in various stereotypical Colorado activities: rock climbing, biking, hiking, skiing, and hanging out with her dog.

Favorite dinosaur: Stegosaurus

Instructor

Brock Kopp

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Our Values

Safety

Safety is my paramount concern at Whitewater Workshop. I meticulously plan and execute every aspect of my courses to ensure that participants experience the thrill of whitewater adventure in a secure and controlled environment. From rescue training to comprehensive safety protocols, your well-being is my priority.

Environmental Stewardship

Environmental stewardship is not just a value; it's our responsibility. I am dedicated to actively participating in river conservation initiatives. Through education and example, I aim to cultivate a community of paddlers committed to preserving our natural waterways.

Technical Excellence

Teaching whitewater skills is my career, not just a part time job. Every course at Whitewater Workshop reflects the highest standards of excellence. My goal is to not only impart technical skills but to elevate each paddler's experience, fostering a deep passion for whitewater.

Small Class Sizes

I believe in quality over quantity. Small class sizes ensure that each participant receives personalized attention and ample opportunity for hands-on learning. Most of my lessons are private or small groups so that you can learn quickly and effectively.

Continuing Education

My students inspire me with their willingness to seek professional instruction for the activities they love. I seek out instruction opportunities for myself, both for my teaching methods as well as my own technical skills. By staying at the forefront of industry standards and embracing innovation, I ensure that my courses evolve to meet the changing needs of paddlers.

Inclusivity

Everyone, regardless of background or experience, should have the opportunity to safely explore the breathtaking landscapes we navigate at Whitewater Workshop. I am committed to creating an environment where individuals from all walks of life can share in the joy of experiencing nature's wonders from the unique perspective of a river.

  • "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.

Venues we work at

  • Waterton Canyon near Deckers, CO

  • Lions Whitewater Play Park in downtown Golden, CO

  • Clear Creek Recreation Center in Idaho Springs, CO

  • Arkansas River in Salida, CO

  • Bear Creek Lake in Morrison, CO