Whitewater Kayaking Instruction
Why Should I Take a Kayak Lesson?
Learn the thrill of paddling a whitewater kayak on a roaring river in Southern Oregon and Northern California. At Kokopelli River Guides kayak school, we feel that learning to kayak from a friend can be fun, but is not usually the best method for long-term success. Learning correct techniques the first time around not only makes kayaking safer, easier and more enjoyable, but helps you save time and money. Kokopelli River Guides kayak school promotes an accelerated learning curve and teaches kayak safety so you have more time for fun. Aspiring paddlers will learn more in Kokopelli's kayak instructional program than they could on their own in an entire summer. Our small kayak class size and individual attention will help your confidence grow the very first time out!
I am "rolling in my kayak" thanks to the great instruction by Matt Dopp and supervised river time provided through the Kokopelli sponsored Kayak Paddle Club." Matt and Leslie have been excellent teachers and have assisted me in selecting the appropriate gear to keep me comfortable on my river outings in all conditions.
-Mark Spector, Ashland, Oregon
See calendar for current class schedule.
REGISTER for your lesson on-line now.
Once you've taken a beginner whitewater kayak lesson you can be part of our weekly Whitewater Kayaking Paddle Club! Come meet new friends to paddle with, hang out, laugh and progress your skills. Instructors will be along on the outing to give pointers and assist in rescues. Our weekly paddle club is popular so call us if you need to rent equipment.
WHITEWATER KAYAKING COURSES
The Level I Beginner Whitewater Kayaking is our introduction to this incredible sport. Level I is for those who have never been in a whitewater kayak or those who have done some kayaking on the river (such as with inflatable kayaks or sit-on-top kayaks). Some of the skills learned in this course can be used in any other type of kayak. Level I is a 2 day course. The first day is spent on Emigrant Lake and the second day is spent on the Klamath River. Recreational kayakers who want to learn to kayak on slow moving rivers may also join in.
Level II is for those who have taken Kokopelli River Center's Level I kayak class, a beginner class from another ACA certified kayak school, or those with some class 2 whitewater kayaking experience. Take the next step beyond being just a beginner kayaker. Master ferrying, eddy peel outs, learn to read the river, learn river safety and allow your confidence to grow! This is a two day class spent paddling on the Klamath River.
Come on, Jump in! The water's nice! Immerse yourself in the exciting sport of whitewater kayaking! This beginner course teaches the American Canoe Association's (ACA) entire whitewater kayaking beginner progression. It is offered as either a four day Ashland based course or a five day camping and kayaking course on the Lower Klamath River in Northern California. Immerse yourself in learning beginner kayaking skills progressing to class 2-3 rapids. Plenty of time is spent learning and practicing the roll. No previous kayaking experience required.
If you want to learn how to roll a kayak or if you need to brush up on your existing skills. In the summer months a three-hour session at Emigrant Lake will have you ready to hit the river, lake, or the surf on your own. Roll classes are offered in the winter at Southern Oregon University.
Kokopelli River Center's private kayak lessons are the best value for you and your friends! Spend a day with your own private instructor and become the best you can be!
Our kayak classes are small and fill quickly so sign up early. (4:1 student to instructor ratio)
GROUPS
Learn to kayak with your friends! Groups of four or more receive a 10% discount off any Level I, Level II, or Whitewater Kayaking Immersion course.
Out of our control: A 5% river/lake usage fee will be added to the cost of all kayak lessons and inflatable kayaking trips.
