WEEKEND INTENSIVE KAYAK SCHOOL:
What to expect:
Our weekend intensive kayak school is one evening (Friday) and two full days (Sat/Sun) designed to take your kayaking to the next level. We offer two programs: a beginner and intermediate level course, running different sections of water in the Moab area.
Classes will have up to a 4:1 student:teacher ration with a maximum of 8 per class.
Dates: Classes run Friday evening, Sat. and Sun. every other weekend April - October.
Price: $500 per student. Lodging not included. Lunch is included on the Sat. and Sun. full day classes.
Beginner Level
This weekend intensive course will progress you through the kayak basics from little to no hardshell experience up to confidently running class 2-3 river. You'll gain all the skills and safety knowledge to prepare you to kayak independently.
If you have little to no experience kayaking but are looking to get started, this is the course for you!
*Pre-requisites: Ability to swim.
Day 1: Kayak essentials
This is an introduction to kayaking in hardshell kayaks with skirts in flatwater Ken's Lake. We will begin by reviewing equipment and how to fit properly into your kayak. Then we will practice wet exits, self-rescue, paddle strokes, edging, and posture. Learn the essentials of safety and communication before you enter the dynamic river environment.
Length of time: ~2 hours in the water
Time: 5:00 - 7:00pm
Please arrive at Ken's Lake parking lot 15 minutes early and be water-ready. Bring snacks, warm/dry layers, and anything else you need to be comfortable.
Day 2: Intro to River Kayaking
It's time to apply what you learned on day 1! We'll cover basic river knowledge, hazards, and safety protocol. Then we'll apply lesson 1 skills in moving water. Basic moves such as the eddy turn, ferry, and peel out will be taught, as well as handling small river obstacles. Students will have the opportunity to refine paddle strokes, play games, and increase comfort in your boat. This section of river includes small rapids and slow moving smooth water. We will encounter several class 1-2 rapids where you learn to t-up, charge waves, and control your edges.
Length of time: 6 hours
Time: Meet at Paddle Moab office at 8:45am, prepare to be ready to go at 9:00 sharp!
Class will complete by approximately 4:30pm. Bring snacks, water, and warm/dry layers. Lunch will be provided.
Day 3: Refining Skills
We will continue reinforcing safety protocol and understanding river hydrology. Continued practice and coaching on the skills learned on days 1 and 2 will help you hone in understanding of the maneuvers and practice the skills. The stretch of river will be similar to day 2 with both rapids and smooth water sections, but these rapids will be bigger than those encountered on day 2.
An introduction to rolling techniques will be included as well as self-rescue and buddy-rescue options.
Length of time: 6 hours
Time: Meet at Paddle Moab office at 8:45am, prepare to be ready to go at 9:00 sharp!
Class will complete by approximately 4:30pm. Bring snacks, water, and warm/dry layers. Lunch will be provided.
Intermediate Level
This course will take your kayaking skills to the next level. Whether it's practicing your combat roll, tightening up your eddy turns, or controlling your edges, our instructors will give you the feedback to help you tune your skills and build your confidence.
*Pre-requisites: Beginner level course or 200 river miles in a hardshell kayak. You should know how to wet exit and basic paddle strokes.
Day 1: Skills Review
Our first day will be about our instructors getting to know you, your current skill level, and your goals. We'll start on a fun class 2 area where we can review paddle strokes, eddy turns, peel outs, ferrying, and rolls.
Length of time: ~2 hours in the water
Time: Meet at Paddle Moab at 4:30 and return by 7:30pm
Day 2: Refining Skills and New Techniques
We'll fine-tune the forward stroke form and efficiency, and focus on edging and control. We'll get into bracing and practice eddy turns, as well as an introduction to surfing and playing in small river features. This river section will be class 2 rapids.
Length of time: 6 hours
Time: Meet at Paddle Moab office at 8:45am, prepare to be ready to go at 9:00 sharp!
Class will complete by approximately 4:30pm. Bring snacks, water, and warm/dry layers. Lunch will be provided.
Day 3: River Safety and Independence
We’ll get into greater depths on how to read water, scout rapids, and identify any hazards that may be in the river. We’ll continue to practice skills that will prepare you for bigger water. Jet ferries, catching micro eddies, rolling in current.
Length of time: 6 hours
Time: Meet at Paddle Moab office at 8:45am, prepare to be ready to go at 9:00 sharp!
Class will complete by approximately 4:30pm. Bring snacks, water, and warm/dry layers. Lunch will be provided.
Private Lessons
3-4 hour session tailored to your needs. Our ACA certified, experienced whitewater kayak instructor can help you improve your skills and confidence through proper body mechanics and paddling techniques with personalized observation and coaching toward your individual goals. You will also have the one-on-one time needed to learn or improve your roll. A solid roll is extremely important to advancing as a whitewater kayaker, and private lessons are the best way to learn.
Price: $200 Call to Book: 435-210-4665
