Program Description
No previous experience is required! This course is designed for those of you interested in learning to kayak, or those of you interested in refining your basic skills.
Perhaps you have taken a beginner kayak course before but still need to hone those basic skills. If you have little or no on-water experience and are looking to refine your technique and improve your strokes, this is the course for you!
You will spend your days playing on the river and perfecting new skills, with evenings luxuriating in the riverside accommodations of the Historic Riverhouse Lodge.
This 4-day course is based on a twelve-mile stretch of the Rogue River near the lodge and immediately upstream from the wilderness section. Morning and afternoon classes are held on these easy stretches, to introduce students to whitewater river kayaking basics like paddling strokes, eddy turns, ferrying in current, and the roll. The on-river teaching sessions are supported by our infamous “chalk talks” and classroom presentations.
Throughout the class, students are challenged by exciting yet forgiving Oregon whitewater. The Rogue’s warm water, friendly pool-drop nature, and deep channels provide the perfect environment to learn in.
The day’s section of the river is chosen to provide just enough challenge while keeping you in your comfort zone. It’s your choice when to push yourself and with watchful instructors close at hand and ready to assist, you can feel free to experiment and try new things. You will learn how to scout a rapid and determine the safest path through.
Go at your own pace. Many opportunities exist to play on features and surf waves so you’ll have the choice to add additional challenge!
Length: 4 Days
Prerequisites: No previous skill needed!
2024 Start Date:
September 2nd – 5th
(FD Alumni receive a $70 discount for themselves and one additional guest)
Includes: Meals, lodging, world-class instruction, shuttles, and required gear
Cost: $1895
All prices per person are subject to a 3% Government Use and Service fee. Guide Gratuity not included in the price.
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Itinerary
Day 1: The first day, you will be introduced to whitewater kayaks and paddling gear. You’ll discover you CAN easily get out of the boat, and we’ll learn a few basic strokes to put you in control. Before lunch you will gain the confidence to take an afternoon trip down a short, easy section of river!
Once on the river, you’ll begin to learn how to maneuver your sleek river craft and be introduced to the mysteries of the T-Rescue – a cool method for coming right back up if you tip over.
Day 2: The next morning your instructor will introduce basic skills and maneuvers, such as forward strokes, high/low braces, eddy turns, and finally the Eskimo roll. These skills will form a strong foundation on which to build throughout the class. The afternoon will be spent on the river, applying such skills, testing abilities, and gaining confidence on the water. While we will stick to the easy rapids, you’ll begin to feel the freedom of moving around on the river, going where you want to go!
Day 3 & 4: By day 3, you’ll continue to hone the basic skills learned in days 1 and 2, as well as start playing in the rapids, learning your limits of stability, risking tip-overs, and discovering the fun and excitement the river holds. Before long, you will begin to anticipate your next move, reacting to each and every wave. By the end of day 4 you’ll have the skills and confidence you need to start running rapids!
Kayaking is soul food: Kayaking is one of the best ways to enrich your life and relieve stress, and you will be surprised by how fast you gain skills and confidence on the river. By day 4 of your beginner kayak class, rapids you wouldn’t have dared a few days ago will now seem do-able. The crazed pace of the real world becomes distant and inconsequential. You notice that your life is more in tune with the nuances of the great outdoors. In addition to the song of the river, you hear the strum of a distant chord that now includes you in the workings of nature.
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Additional Information
We love kayaking!
The thrill and reward of accepting the challenge of learning how to kayak in whitewater, mixed with experiencing the fun, majestic beauty, and timelessness of a wilderness river trip are the reasons people come to Sundance Kayak School. Come join us for 4 days of fun, challenge, and relaxation on the Rogue River!
Why Sundance? Maybe you've heard of us? Sundance Kayak School has been in business for over 50 years!
Our roots run deep in the culture of wilderness River Trips. Nestled on the edge of a wilderness canyon, Sundance has spent decades honing our craft, providing wilderness multi-day retreats and world-class kayak instruction on the Wild and Scenic Rogue River.
Our recipe is simple, Bring adventurous people from all over the country, provide a cozy riverside lodge with a deck overlooking the magnificent Rogue River, eat delicious, healthy meals courtesy of our private chef, Learn to kayak with happy professional River guides, have fun, play games, stories around the campfire, star gazing...