Private Kayak Lessons for Beginners

Length: 3 days
Price: $595 ($195 for each additional person)

Kayaking is a skill intensive sport. You need to be pretty good before you're really enjoying it. Sundance's teaching methods lead you quickly and efficiently along the "fast track" to basic competence. Each day's offerings build on skills and abilities developed in previous sessions. Our instructors are highly skilled teachers, who are able to help you learn to kayak safely and enjoyably. You'll spend 3 days with us upstream in the Rogue River accumulating the skills you'll need to become a kayaker.

Hey! These things are tippy!

Your first day introduces you to the boat and gear. The boat is custom outfitted for your use for the entire school. You'll be in the water before lunch, and the fun begins immediately. Be prepared to get wet!

Kayaks are tippy little crafts, tricky to get into even right next to the beach. After learning to get in and out of the boat when it's right side up, we'll move on to getting out of the boat when it's upside down. You'll discover that no matter what you may have thought, you can easily get out of the boat.

We begin to explore the river with a short, easy, Class 1 river run. You'll begin to learn how to maneuver your sleek river craft and be introduced to the mysteries of the Eskimo Roll. The roll is not nearly as difficult as many people make it out to be. We work on it right away so that you'll have plenty of time to explore more kayaking moves after the roll is part of your arsenal of skills.

Well, maybe they're not too bad...

The next morning you'll spend time on the details of the basic strokes and maneuvers, which provides a solid foundation on which to build. This is the morning we really delve into the roll, with one-on-one teaching. We also begin to introduce the high and low brace and the Eskimo rescue. Progress depends on the individual. Even those with some previous paddling experience may be surprised to discover how much more efficiently they can paddle when their technique has been analyzed by professionals.

During the afternoon river run, you'll be introduced to the eddy turn and the ferry, kayaking maneuvers upon which the entire sport rests. We'll stick to easy rapids, but you'll begin to feel the freedom of moving around on the river, going where you want to go.

You know, I think I'm getting it....

By day three, you're ready for some real whitewater. It's fairly mild whitewater, but almost everyone finds the exhilaration of the current and waves irresistible. The skills you have been gaining in more gentle situations begin to come into play. Private instruction means that you'll get the instruction you need.

Of course, we continue to work on rolling. Given the right gear and instruction, just about anybody can learn to roll. It can, however, be a frustrating task. Some people get their rolls and lose them several times in the first few days.

Yeah! This is great!

On the last day you'll work on honing skills in preparation for a real downstream river trip, which can do in our Intermediate School. You can start playing in the rapids, unburdening yourself of self-imposed limitations, risking tip-overs, discovering the fun and excitement of interaction with the river.

You'll continue to work on all the various skills introduced in these three days, and begin to anticipate what's up ahead, rather than react to what's happening.

Please call us at (888) 777-7557 to set up your private beginner lesson!