Advanced L5 Kayak Skills Building - 1 Day
Advanced L5 Kayak Skills Building - 1 Day
This advanced kayak clinic is specifically designed for paddlers with prior experience who are eager to build on their existing skills and take their kayaking to the next level. Focusing on Class III-IV whitewater, this clinic emphasizes refining techniques, enhancing river safety knowledge, and improving water reading and scouting abilities. Participants will gain hands-on experience with challenging maneuvers, group safety strategies, and technical rescues.
What you’ll learn and practice during the clinic:
Boat-based rescues: Develop skills to effectively assist others in real-world scenarios.
Technical maneuvers: Master boofs, catch micro-eddies, and navigate technical lines with precision.
River safety: Build confidence in assessing and managing risks in Class III-IV whitewater.
Group dynamics: Learn to maintain group awareness, communicate effectively, and prioritize safety.
Water reading and scouting: Hone your ability to read rapids, identify hazards, and plan safe routes.
This clinic is ideal for paddlers who are reasonably comfortable in Class III rapids (such as Browns Canyon) and want to expand their technical and safety skills for more advanced river environments.
Prerequisites:
A basic roll in a hardshell kayak is required.
Participants should be prepared to bring their own kayak or arrange a rental from a kayak shop of their choice.
Whether your goal is to confidently navigate Class IV rapids, become a stronger team paddler, or elevate your technical skills, this clinic offers the tools, guidance, and hands-on experience to help you progress.
Offered in 2025:
May 9
July 26
Select date below:
Group sizes are kept small with typically three students and an instructor, allowing for maximum practice time for everyone. Students are encouraged to use their own personal gear such as kayaks, lifejackets, helmets, etc, but CRI can help with needed items except kayaks. CRI will provide transportation to and from the river and our meeting location. Let us know ahead of time of you will need any kayak transportation assistance before or after the class.
Prospective students are asked to have a conversation with the instructor to make sure that this class is appropriate. Please email alan@canyonriverinstruction.com or call 719-398-1180.
Judgment, Safety and Rescue Objectives
This course will use on-the-water scenarios to assess risk, evaluate rapid features and complexities, develop strategies, and nurture good judgment. Course will emphasize use of proactive, aggressive rescue skills stressing self reliance. This course should only be taken by those with a reliable river roll and rescue skills.
Course Prerequisites
Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
Completion of an ACA Level 4: Whitewater Kayaking course or equivalent skills
Proficiency and experience in executing all strokes, maneuvers and techniques needed for paddling on class III whitewater
A reliable roll and the ability to aggressively rescue required
Participation in a Swiftwater rescue course strongly recommended
Please review the Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) and a basic gear list here.