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Learn To Kayak
Classes Available in Boulder, Longmont, Golden, and Denver Colorado
Alpine Sports has partnered with Rennaisance Adventure Guides to Offer you the most comprehensive set of Kayak lessons and instruction in Colorado. Whether you are just getting started or are an accomplished paddler looking to up your skills we've got a class for you.
: $50/person
This course is designed for those who haven't ever paddled before but want to get into the exciting sport of whitewater kayaking. Topics covered include: wet exit, paddle strokes (sweep, forward, correction strokes), hip snap, braces, and T- rescue. All gear is provided, just bring a bathing suit and towel.
Lakewood (Feb-May)
Monday 6:30-8:30pm
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Carmody Recreation Center Map
Golden (All Year)
Tuesday 6:30-8:30pm
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Golden Community Center Map
Englewood (Feb-Aug)
Every other Thursday 7:00-9:00pm
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Englewood Recreation Center Map
Longmont (Feb-Aug)
Every third Saturday 5:00-7:00pm. (Feb-May)
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Centennial Pool, Longmont Map
Every other Tuesday 5:30-7:30pm. (Jun-Aug)
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Union Reservior, Longmont Map
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This course is designed both for those who have never rolled but want to learn, and those that have been kayaking for years but want to improve their roll technique. Student to instructor ratios are kept to 5:1, so you can be sure to get individual attention. This course focuses on teaching an effective hip snap, proper paddle placement, and then putting it all together for a bomber roll! Gear is provided if you need it, or you can bring your own.
Lakewood (Feb-May)
Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Carmody Recreation Center Map
Golden (All year)
Thursday 6:30-8:30pm
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Golden Community Center Map
Englewood (Feb-Aug)
Every other Thursday 7:00-9:00pm
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Englewood Recreation Center Map
Longmont (Feb-Aug)
Every 2nd and 3rd Saturday 5:00-7:00pm. (Feb-May)
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Centennial Pool, Longmont Map
Every other Thursday 5:30-7:30pm. (Jun-Aug)
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Union Reservior, Longmont Map
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This course is a continuation of the Intro and Roll courses. Now that you've mastered the pool, it's time to take your newly learned skills to the river. We cover the basics of maneuvering your boat in current: pulling out into eddies, ferrying across the river, and basic river reading. Gear is provided if you need it.
Wednesday Evenings 5:30-7:30pm (Jun-Sep)
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Location varies by river flows (Clear Creek or South Platte River).
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Sign up for the three courses listed above for only $150, a $10 savings off the individually priced rate. Taken together, these three courses give you the basics needed to start exploring river running on your own. Enter the promotional code: TRI when booking the Intro River course online to receive the discount.
During the winter months, if you sign up for a Basics (K101) and two Roll (K102) classes at the same time, you can also get a $10 discount, getting all three classes for $140. Enter the promotional code TRI, or call the office to get this discount.
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Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday evenings at the same time and location as the pool classes.
Four people can sign up in advance for guaranteed slots. If the limit of 4 is reached, call us to be placed on the waiting list. Spots given based on number of students in the class and resulting availability of pool space. We will call you the day of the session to let you know if you are in or not. Waiting list people may be bumped as others sign up for lessons. Gear (boat, paddle, skirt) is available as an add-on for $12 more.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Lakewood (Monday & Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm Jan-May)
Englewood (Thursday 7:00-9:00pm Feb-Aug)
Golden (Tuesday & Thursday 6:30-8:30pm all year!)
Longmont (Saturday 5:00-7:00pm Feb-May)
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This is a course every kayaker should take, as you will learn the basic skills to stay safe on the river. How can you protect yourself from common hazards if you don’t know what they are? We teach you the basics of how to be safe on the river and what to do in the event of an emergency situation. This class does not use lots of rescue gear (that is covered in K303), but it does cover the subjects of foot entrapment, strainers, throw bags, shallow water crossings, and more.
It is offered over two evenings from 5:30-7:30pm or on a Saturday from 9am-3pm.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Location varies by river flows.
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One of our most popular courses, this full-day class combines both of our basics and roll classes at the outdoor setting of the lake. Have fun and play games as you spend the morning learning about paddle strokes, wet exits and the hip snaps. A short break for lunch (not provided, so bring your own) will be followed by an afternoon of learning the roll technique. A great value! No experience needed to join this course.
This course is offered at Chatfield State Park, Boulder Reservoir, and Union Reservoir in Longmont on most Saturdays throughout the summer, and some Fridays at Boulder.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
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Spend your Sunday paddling on the river. Learn how to read river currents, catch eddies, peel-out, ferry and graduate to paddling through easy class II whitewater. Another great value, with more paddling for your buck. Pre-requisites: K101/102, K110, or equivalent experience.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Location varies by river flows (Clear Creek or South Platte River).
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This river trip is the natural progression from our novice lake clinic (K110) or pool clinics (K101/102). It is designed for kayakers who have never been on whitewater before, or for those who want to polish up and review their technique. This is also a great follow on course to K103. Our novice lake class (K110), or a demonstration of equivalent ability, is a prerequisite. Minimum age is 12, swimming ability is required.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Location varies by river flows.
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What’s a ducky? That’s river lingo for “inflatable kayak”. These are great little water craft for those who would love to learn to navigate the river and paddle through the rapids in command of their own craft, but are hesitant to try a hard-shell kayak just yet. A ducky trip is the perfect way for you to learn some river basics in the comfort of an open boat. Class II+ rapids.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
Location varies by river flows.
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This course introduces kids to kayaking in the fun and controlled environments of a lake and class I rivers. They will learn all the basic kayaking skills through the use of interactive games. They also learn much about the environment that surrounds kayaking, from how rivers work to the wildlife that depends on them. The main focus is always on having fun and learning about safety. No prior experience required.
The lake portion of the camps are run at either Chatfield State Park, Boulder Reservoir, or Union Reservoir in Longmont. The Union Reservoir camps also include transportation by the City of Longmont from Centennial Pool to the reservoir and rivers and thus cost more ($225/person).
Ages 10-17
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
River locations vary by river flows.
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This camp is the same as the 2-day camp (K121) for the first two days, but includes an extra day on rivers for day 3.
The lake portion of the camps are run at either Chatfield State Park, Boulder Reservoir, or Union Reservoir in Longmont. The Union Reservoir camps also include transportation by the City of Longmont from Centennial Pool to the reservoir and rivers and thus cost more ($350/person).
Ages 10-17
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
River locations vary by river flows.
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This course is longer than K121 and K131 and really allows kids to master basic kayak skills. Progressing on the river, participants will learn how to read moving water and negotiate rapids. More games will assist in the learning process. Again, the main focus is always on having fun and learning about safety. No prior experience required.
The lake portion of the camps are run at either Chatfield State Park, Boulder Reservoir, or Union Reservoir in Longmont. The Union Reservoir camps also include transportation by the City of Longmont from Centennial Pool to the reservoir and rivers and thus cost more ($525/person).
Ages 10-17
Check availability and/or book using the links below based on lake location:
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
River locations vary by river flows.
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You have your roll down on one side, but find that using the other side might come in handy in a pinch. Or you may just wish to forget the paddle altogether and hand roll. Well if this sounds like you come and learn a few skills that really help in improving your whitewater adventures.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | The three basic strokes you learned to get started were great but there are so many more. This course teaches many strokes, from those used to catch technical eddies to those used to play in holes and surf waves. Proper paddle use can make kayaking so much easier and fun.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
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Have you learned to surf and spin on a wave but want to learn how to get your boat vertical? If you answered yes, than head to the pool because learning the basics is easy on flat water. In this class you will learn how to position your paddle, boat and body to go vertical. Muscle memory is the key to fast moving tricks and our drills will get you going in the right direction.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | This course is designed to take your river running ability to the next level. Catching an eddy is a basic skill all kayakers learn. This class teaches you the proper techniques to catch very small eddies (micro eddies) in all types of water. Learning to stop on the river is a must to paddle more challenging rivers.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Playboating is a great way to build skills and exercise, but not knowing some simple rules can make it frustrating. Learn what it takes to maneuver effortlessly on a wave or in a hole. After taking this course you will look at river features in a whole new way.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
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This class is perfect for kayakers who have mastered Class II water and are looking to take their boating to the next level. We will spend two days on the river refining and improving your skills. This clinic will be on on class II and III water. We will practice scouting from shore, boat scouting, eddy hopping, small hole and wave surfing, combat rolls, and reading moving water. We will challenge you with harder moves while on easier water. Participants should have a fairly reliable roll. The exact location of this clinic will be determined by river levels at the time of your clinic. Possible rivers include the Crystal, Roaring Fork and the Colorado – all near Glenwood Springs.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
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This is for those kids who already have some proficiency and experience with whitewater kayaking. A prerequisite is our K151 course or equivalent. We spend the first day doing a refresher on rolling technique and determining the group's paddling ability, then we spend the remainder of the time running local rivers improving river running, surfing, and river safety skills.
Ages 14-18
The lake portion of the camps are run at Boulder Reservoir. Participants need to bring their own brown bag lunch, and parents will need to transport their kids to/from the river locations each day.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
River locations vary by river flows.
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Small volume, tight and technical rivers are prevalent in many parts of the country, especially here in Colorado. If you are looking to expand your paddling menu here then this course is for you. This clinic is taught by our instructors who have a passion for the stuff – you’re gonna love creekin’!
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | It’s the beginning of the season and you have butterflies in your stomach, thinking about high water. No need to be afraid! High water can be just a fun as other levels. Spend the day learning skills and mental techniques to make your large volume/high water boating days a real pleasure. Pre-requisite: Proficient class III boater with solid and reliable roll.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Time to increase your river rescue skills just a little further? Here you will learn rope systems such as the Z-drag and Tyrolean. Practical scenarios will assist in you learning the more technical aspects of river rescue in this full day course. Pre-requisite: Class II boating ability and some basic river rescue knowledge, such as course K104.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Do you enjoy surfing and spinning on a wave. Wait until you get your first loop. For some people trying air moves seems beyond their abilities. However, with some simple instruction and determination, anyone can do a loop - and much more! Pre-requisites: K203 or similar experience.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | This course is the first two days of the instructor level clinic, where you learn the skills needed for swiftwater rescue.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | This four day intensive course is for those looking to become a certified whitewater kayak instructor. The American Canoe Association is the governing body for kayak instruction in the USA. Candidates must first be members of the ACA (we provide you with the information on how to join). Must be a solid class III paddler with a good roll.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
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Spend one classroom evening and 2 days of practical instruction and drills on the river as you earn a certification in Whitewater Rescue. Different than Swiftwater Rescue courses that are designed for agency personnel, this course focuses on boater-specific skills incorporating only the equipment that you might have with you on the river. Taught by Kevin Bird, who has more than 15 years as a Rescue 3 instructor.
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Similar to our four day Whitewater Instructor course, here you will learn and have the chance to become certified as a Swiftwater Rescue instructor. Kayakers should have 2-3 years of experience and have solid class III to IV boating skills and have attended a Swiftwater Rescue Course.
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This course is for those who are already certified as an ACA Whitewater Kayak Instructor, but need to complete an update course to maintain and renew their certification. Includes 2 days on the river.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
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This course is for those who are already certified as an ACA Flatwater Kayak Instructor, but need to complete an update course to maintain and renew their certification. Includes 2 days on the lake.
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Every kayaker should have the basics of First Aid and CPR to help them in the event of a river emergency. Learn the basics of river first aid and CPR in this Red Cross certified class. No experience necessary.
Course dates for 2007 TBD.
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The Wilderness First Responder course has become the industry standard for those wishing to learn medical skills for backcountry medical emergencies. This intensive course is for anyone who might find themselves paddling in areas that are not accessible by road. No experience necessary.
Course dates for 2007 TBD.
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Private courses can be arranged for individuals or groups. Topics covered are completely up to you and can range from one on one instruction in the pool for improving roll technique to guided trips on various classes of rivers. Call us so that we can create a program that fits your needs. Below are our rates for 2 hours, 1/2 day and full day. We can customize courses for any length of time.
Call Us 303-325-3231 To Check Availability and/or Book
| No. of students |
2 hours |
1/2 Day |
Full Day |
| 1 |
$150 |
$180 |
$275 |
| 2 |
$90 |
$135 |
$175 |
| 3 |
$80 |
$115 |
$145 |
| 4 |
$70 |
$115 |
$145 |
| 5+ |
$60 |
$115 |
$145 |
*Above rates are per person
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