This inflatable Kayak class allows participants to get on the water fast. Because our IK’s are relatively stable, participants new to river running can get on moving water on Day 1. That stability also makes the IK an excellent craft for overnight river trips.

We begin the class with a briefing on basic river features and river safety. Then we will assign gear, and cover the basics of fitting and caring for whitewater equipment. From there we will head straight to the Animas River! We will start on a slow-moving, flatter section and introduce the basics of posture, balance, paddle position, and strokes. We will practice these skills on some smaller (fun), moving water. We can then introduce water reading and river maneuvers such as the eddy turn, peel out, and ferrying.

Day 2 will begin with a short clinic of the latest techniques and gear for self-support kayaking. You will see how the pros live out of their boats in style and comfort. Once on the river, we will run a longer, and slightly more challenging section of the Animas. We usually have lunch at Santa Rita Park, giving everyone the opportunity to run the whitewater park. While we travel down the river, we will work individually with participants to refine strokes and river maneuvering. Transportation and lunches are provided.

This is a fun and informative class for beginners and experienced whitewater enthusiasts. If you own your own kayak, you can sign up for the class without the cost of the rental.