This 2-day introductory kayak class is taught by certified ACA (American Canoe Association) instructors. Our goal is to provide you with a solid foundation to the sport of whitewater kayaking and make you a self-sufficient paddler.

This foundation includes:

Kayak outfitting
Wet exits
Body positioning
Beginner stroke progression
Boat control and edging
Hip snaps
T-rescues, swimming and self-rescue
Reading rivers and hydrology
Basic safety precautions
Eddy turns, peel-outs and ferrying
Scouting rapids
Paddling through class I-II whitewater
Our clinics begin at Frenchtown Pond or Sandy Beaches where we start with an equipment overview and underwater comfort. We introduce the class to basic whitewater kayaking skills such as the wet exit, stern draw, reverse/forward sweep, rudder, forward stroke, hip snaps, and T-rescues. In the afternoon, we head to the river and paddle a Class I section of either the Blackfoot or Clark Fork River, depending on water levels. On the river we focus on river safety/awareness, boat control, eddy turns, ferries, and the Eskimo roll. The following day we apply everything we have learned and paddle a section of the Clark Fork or Blackfoot River. Missoula Montana offers some of the best instructional rivers in the world.

June 30-July 1. $200