Intro to Whitewater Kayaking

Intro to Whitewater Kayaking

Program Description

Interested in learning to whitewater kayak? Join us for our 2 Day Intro to Whitewater Kayaking class. You will learn a lot of kayak basics over these two days so come ready to spend full days on the water!

No previous experience is required! This intro to whitewater kayak class on the Rogue River 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!

Topics Covered:

  • Gear Needed for Kayaking
  • Basic River Safety
  • Wet Exits (Getting out of the kayak is easier than you think!)
  • Hydrology and Reading Water
  • Strokes: forward, reverse, draw and sweep
  • Bracing and Edging
  • Maneuvering the Kayak: eddy turns, ferries, peel outs
  • Swimming and self-rescue

Length: 2 Days

Prerequisites: No previous experience is required!

2025 Start Dates:
TBD Please contact us to be added to the list

 

Includes: World-class instruction and required gear. (food and lodging not included)

Cost: $459
All prices per person are subject to a 3% Government Use and Service fee. Guide Gratuity not included in the price.

Itinerary

Day 1:
You’ll spend the first part of the day learning the basic mechanics of whitewater kayaking. You’ll practice paddle strokes, wet exits, and basic river safety on a calm section of the river. We’ll practice the skills you learned by kayaking a short section of river in the afternoon.

Day 2:
This day will focus more on maneuvering the kayak using the paddle strokes you learned on the first day. It’s all about building your skills and progression, practice makes perfect! You’ll kayak a section of the Rogue River practicing and applying your skills to different river features.

Don’t Take Our Word For It. Hear What Our Guests Have To Say!

My family loved every moment of our week long kayaking school. Not only did the wonderful and fun guides teach us how to kayak and roll, but we also established friendships and memories that I know will last for a lifetime. Thank you, Sundance! We can’t wait for our next trip.

Lauren K., San Francisco, CA

In my years as a river guide and in my own trials at learning to kayak I have seen many go through the progression and take up a paddle. But learning how to kayak is not easy and can involve overcoming some very innate fears. Of all the teachers I have encountered none have so effectively turned that fear into fun as Sundance Kayak School.

Aaron B., Denver, CO

The experience was the highlight trip of my summer. I had been “making” it down the river, but that’s it. I felt like I was kayaking a bunch, but reached a point that I wasn’t getting any better. The instruction I received from your great group of instructors has been so helpful. They gave me so many techniques/paddle strokes to work on and they helped me with the bad habits I had developed. There wasn’t a single instructor that I didn’t think was great and enjoyable to be around, both on and off the water.

Angela W., Olympia, WA

I recently spent a week on the Rogue River with Lori and JR from Sundance Kayaking school and it was AMAZING!!!! I’m looking forward to going on another kayaking adventure soon and hope to be able to learn more from them again!

Megan S., Los Angeles, CA
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The guides and others created a FUN and safe environment that allowed me to get out of my comfort zone.  JR’s teaching is a combination of silly, serious and encompassed in a positive energy and a can-do spirit.

Charlie, Berkeley, California
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My instructors make maneuvering through challenging cross currents look effortless, but I have learned that there are no short cuts to doing so myself. Every time I enter a new rapid, I know a community of paddlers supports me.

Zoe L., Berkeley, California
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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.

Why Sundance? Maybe you've heard of us? Sundance Kayak School has been in business for over 50 years!