Whitewater Paddling School

Whether by yourself or with the whole family, whitewater river kayaking and canoeing is a wonderful way to explore and enjoy the water!

Open the door to explore awesome Texas rivers including San Marcos, Hidalgo Falls on Brazos River, Buffalo Bayou and other beautiful rain-dependent rivers and creeks!

This 2-day course is designed as a comprehensive program emphasizing safety, enjoyment, and skill acquisition for controlling and maneuvering whitewater kayaks and canoes in up to Level 2 river conditions.

This class is for beginners who have never paddled a whitewater kayak or canoe in moving water/whitewater conditions, or for intermediate-skill paddlers who need a refresher because they last paddled a long time ago, fewer than 10 times, or have experience paddling only in calm water conditions.

In this whitewater paddling school, participants will master kayaking and canoeing on moving waters through hands-on instruction and progressive skill development.

Over two days, we will cover equipment needs and safety on dry land for about 2 hours each day, then go paddling for 5+ hours daily.

We will teach proper techniques for launching, landing, paddle strokes, and kayak/canoe maneuvers on the go.

No previous experience required! No equipment necessary! We bring all the gear needed for successful completion of this course.

CLASS OUTCOME:

This is a super fun hands-on class. By the end of this two-day school, you will be a more skillful, confident, and safe paddler with increased specific knowledge and appreciation for whitewater kayaking and canoeing. We help plant the seeds for a lifelong hobby, environmental consciousness, and an active lifestyle.

CURRICULUM:

Unseen danger/reading the river and your concerns

Introduction to basic equipment

Launching and landing from a bank

Introduction to how body, boat and blade work together

Basic body mechanics and efficiency of stroke

Forward and reverse paddling

Sweep strokes

Draw strokes

Turning on the move

Communication

Progressive skill practice over two days

Duration: 2 days (May 15-16, 2026)

Paddling Time: 5-6 hours per day

Paddling Distance: 4-5 miles per day

Inclusions:

Awesome destination. Safe adventure. High chance of witnessing wildlife. Small group size. Family and beginners friendly. Local expertise. Experienced trip leader. Friendly, professional instructor.

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PERSONALIZED ACA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTION PROVIDED.

LUXURY PADDLING EQUIPMENT INCLUDES:

Whitewater Kayak (creek boat or play boat) or Whitewater Canoe, Adjustable Lifejacket, Lightweight Paddle, Helmet, Spray Skirt (kayak), Dry Bag (small size, for car keys, phone, wallet, etc.).

We will start with on-land instruction and safety briefing, adjust the gear to your stature, and be on the water soon thereafter.

This activity requires a moderate fitness level. Our whitewater kayaks and canoes come in sizes and can accommodate paddlers up to 250 lbs. and 42-inch hip/pants size. Please let us know your approximate height and weight for us to bring you the correct size kayak/canoe and life jacket.

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ACCESS TO GROUP EQUIPMENT INCLUDES:

VHF Marine Radio, Paddle Float, Bilge Pump, First Aid Kit, Throw Bag, Tow Belt, Lights

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WHAT TO BRING AND HOW TO DRESS

Bring several 33 oz. / 1L water bottles and energy drinks to take with you in the kayak/canoe; granola bars and a small thermos would be nice. Dehydration and heat management are important considerations when paddling. Leave a cold-water bottle and snacks in the car for you to have ready at the end of each day when you will probably be hungry, tired but happy!

Bring with you but leave in the car a full set of dry clothing to change into at the end of each day, should that be needed, and a large towel to cover your car seat for a comfortable ride home.

We will take meaningful precautions to avoid unintended capsizes, however, small crafts are unstable and water dripping off the paddle into your lap is possible. Dress for immersion by dressing with clothes made of synthetic materials that are comfortable and dry out quickly. Avoid any cotton clothing. Dress with a long sleeve shirt and long pants to avoid insects and sunburns. For exposed skin, bring sunscreen and plan to apply often. Your feet will get wet up to knee. Water shoes, closed-toed sandals, or old sneakers are great paddling choices. Crocs, flip-flops, hiking boots and rain boots are not good options. Bring a large brim hat with under-chin strap and sunglasses. Bring paddling gloves or cycling/workout gloves to prevent blisters and sunburn.

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Paddling is a wonderful, lifelong, low-impact, human-powered sport. It's a form of soul therapy, an awesome mode of transportation to remote destinations, and a stealthy way to intimately experience wildlife and nature. Hiring us, you will learn about equipment, proper strokes and correct paddling technique, basics of water safety, trip planning, and how to have an enjoyable time on the water. This is a great way to build a new skill set or improve upon what you already know about paddling. Thank you for signing up!

WE WANT YOU TO HAVE A FUN LEARNING EXPERIENCE WHILE BEING COMFORTABLE AND SAFE!