Rapid Progression Beginner Kayak Course

Learn to Whitewater Kayak!

This course is the first two days of our 3-Day Beginning Kayak instruction. It is designed for the beginning kayaker who does not have time to commit to three consecutive days and feels comfortable moving at an accelerated pace, with the option to return for Day 3 at a later time in our Beginner Refresher Course.

The goal of the course is to provide first-time kayakers with the fundamental skills to begin kayaking on Class I and II whitewater. This includes:

• Outfitting a kayak
• Wet exits
• T-rescues, swimming, and self-rescue
• Body positioning
• Strokes, edging, and bracing techniques
• Reading rivers and hydrology
• Eddy turns, peel-outs, and ferrying across the current
• Scouting rapids
• Basic safety precautions
• Paddling through Class I-II whitewater

Please refer to our kayaking skills overview to determine if this is the appropriate course for you.

Participants between the ages of 13-15 must be accompanied by an adult.

What Happens During the Rapid Progression Kayak Course?

The course is based out of our riverside headquarters in the Columbia River Gorge and on the Klickitat River. On the first day, we introduce students to kayaking gear and assist them with equipment selection and boat fitting. Then, we head to flatwater to learn how to exit a hardshell kayak with a spray skirt, how to T-rescue, and the four keys to running rivers. We also explore edge control, balancing, and the various types of paddle strokes.

The second day of the course is spent on one of the rivers of the Columbia River Gorge, developing fundamental paddling skills. Progressing from slow-moving water to Class II whitewater, we will practice basic boat handling, eddy turns and peel-outs, ferrying, water reading, self-rescue techniques, scouting, and safe paddling techniques. Our instructors conclude the course with a personal summary of your progression over the two days. They will review skills learned and highlight areas to work on in the future. We will also provide you with resources to continue this incredible sport on your own, including suggestions for gear and lists of local clubs and organizations.

This course includes all equipment necessary (unless you want to bring your own), lunch, and transportation.

Our Instructors

Quality instruction is the key to success for new kayakers. We maintain a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:4 or less to allow for plenty of individualized attention. Our passion for teaching and sharing the love for kayaking shows in our classes. We are proud of our instructors’ ability to pinpoint challenges new students face and find solutions in various learning styles. We believe an instructor can make or break a beginning kayaker’s experience, so we only hire the best. Importantly, we want to share our passion and enthusiasm for whitewater kayaking with you.