Flatwater - Reservoir Session

Day one in a kayak is geared towards understanding the basics of kayaking. A good foundation of skills and knowledge of equipment will help to set you up correctly for a successful paddling career. This first class is an introduction to paddling your kayak and gets you ready for the river. We will spend the first hour going over equipment and outfitting boats to fit each student. You will then learn paddling strokes and boat control. You will also learn how to keep yourself upright using bracing techniques and your options if you find yourself upside down. Learning to properly wet exit or bow rescue is an important skill to have as a kayaker. This class will also visit the introduction to the roll. This is one of the most coveted skills as a paddler and the process takes time and practice.

3-Hour Flatwater Session:

First hour

Dryland
Equipment
Learn about kayak, gear, safety, and good judgement
Get outfitted to a kayak

Second and Third Hours

Paddle strokes (forward, sweep, bow and stern draws)
Boat control
Safety maneuvers
Wet exit
Bracing
Bow rescues
Hip snaps
Introduction to rolling

Flatwater - Pool Session

A 1-hour pool session is used in place of a reservoir session during the colder months of the year. The same progression outlined above will be covered in this session. For more advanced students, a pool session is a great way to keep in shape and keep skills sharp in off season. Paddle strokes, rolling, and freestyle are all examples of skills we can work on in a pool setting.

River Introduction

Once you have learned the basic skills, it’s time to experience the river! You will learn about hydrology, river features, and how to safely navigate downstream in your kayak through Class 1 and 2 rapids.

Introduction to:

Hydrology
Paddle strokes in current
Bracing
Eddy turns
Ferrying
Peel out
Swimming
Boat recovery

Basic Intermediate Class

This class is designed for those who have had some whitewater experience or have already taken the beginner class on the river. You will put together all the pieces of the puzzle. The goal is to strengthen all of the skills you learned both on flatwater and the first day on the river. Depending on group dynamics and ability, surfing will hopefully be introduced as well.

Key components to work on and develop include:

Review previous classes
Reading the river
Developing a solid roll
Eddy hopping
Bracing
Ferrying with precision
Draw strokes
Surfing

Snake River Trips

We partner with Rendezvous River Sports to offer two-day trips to paddle sections of the Hoback and Snake Rivers may be offered a few times a summer as scheduling and interest allow. These classes are for the individual that already has some experience on the water and is looking to hone in specific skills on Class 3 whitewater, such as play boating, or working towards becoming a strong river runner or creek boater. The goal here is to be paddling with technique and precision to be a better boater. Plan on camping in beautiful Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming.

Key components to work on and develop include:

Surfing
Boofing
River play
Reading rapids

Main Salmon Trips

We partner with Soar Northwest to offer 6-days of kayak instruction on the Main Salmon every summer. Gear boats will carry kayakers’ gear down the river. Students need to have intermediate skills and be comfortable paddling class 3 whitewater with a consistent roll to enroll in this class. There may be opportunities for less-experienced family or friends of students to ride in rafts or paddle sit-on-top kayaks. Contact Soar Northwest with booking and logistics questions, and contact Wasatch Whitewater with kayak instruction questions.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are customized for individual attention and are tailored to your specific needs. Topics are left up to you, whether it be pool sessions to work on your roll, or various trips out on the river. Multiple students can be included for additional fees.  Please feel free to contact us to determine which lesson fits your specific needs.

Sit-on-Top and Inflatable kayak Instruction

Students who are interested in learning whitewater paddling skills, but want another option besides a kayak with a spray skirt, can choose to take lessons in hard shell sit-on-top kayaks or inflatable kayaks. We have a limited number of Fluid Do It Now whitewater sit-on-top kayaks available for students, or you can provide your own inflatable kayak. All watercraft must be rated for whitewater.

We offer both flatwater and whitewater SUP instruction in both private and group settings. Sessions are available for all abilities and can include the following skills:

Flatwater Sessions:

Paddle strokes (forward, sweep, bow and stern draws)
Board control
Safety maneuvers
Bracing

River Sessions:

Hydrology
Paddle strokes in current
Bracing
Eddy turns
Ferrying
Peel out
Swimming
Surfing

We offer packrafting instruction in both private and group settings. Sessions are available for all abilities and can include the following skills:

Learn about packraft, gear, safety, and good judgement
Packraft assembly
Hydrology
Paddle strokes (forward, sweep, bow and stern draws)
Bracing
Eddy turns
Ferrying
Peel out
Swimming