Learn to Kayak

Kayaking Lessons in Colorado

Rocky Mountain Adventures kayaking lessons provide you with the opportunity to learn the dynamic sport of kayaking in a controlled environment and supportive atmosphere. Kayaking in Colorado can provide a lifetime of excitement, fun, and exercise. Our skilled and experienced kayak instructors teach a variety of kayaking courses from beginner, intermediate, to advanced, both on and off the river.

  • Summer and Winter Kayak Roll Classes
  • On River Classes
  • Two Day Comprehensive Beginner Classes
  • Playboating Classes
  • Inflatable Kayak Classes
  • Private Instruction (for individuals or groups)

Call us at 970-493-4005 to learn more about our current course offerings or to book your class today.

Kayak Roll Class

Kayak Roll Class

The centerpiece of the sport of kayaking is the Roll. Our kayak school offers classes aimed at teaching you this important technique.  These kayak instruction classes are primarily focused on the sweep roll. Sessions include a one-hour session in the classroom and two 1.5-hour separate pool/pond sessions.

During the winter these sessions are held at Epic Pool. In warmer weather, we teach these sessions on a nearby pond. In addition to regularly scheduled classes, private
instruction is also available.

Season: February to August
Cost: Scheduled Group Class $130 (includes classroom & pool/pond sessions)
  Equipment Rental Included!
  Private Instruction $250 (3.5 hours) (Share the Class – Price is for 1 or 2 students)

Meeting Location: RMA Fort Collins Store

Winter Class Schedule:
In order to Register for Winter sessions please follow these steps :
1. Setup an account and register with the City of Fort Collins by clicking here:
Fort Collins Recreator Registration
2. Once you have created your account go to “Activity Search” then “search all activities”.
3. Enter the “Activity #” listed below for the class you wish to register for in the “Activity Number” search field.
4. Proceed to checkout.

Sign Ups for Winter Kayaking Lessons begin Jan. 12th, 2023

Classroom Session 1st Pool Session 2nd Pool Session
Pool Roll Class – Activity #101358-01 Feb 5
1:30 – 2:30 PM		 Feb 5
3:15 – 4:45 PM		 Feb 19
3:15 – 4:45 PM
Pool Roll Class – Activity #101358-02 Feb 26
1:30 – 2:30 PM		 March 5
3:15 – 4:45 PM		 March 5
3:15 – 4:45 PM
Pool Roll Class – Activity #201358-01 May 7
1:30 – 2:30 PM		 May 7
3:15 – 4:45 PM		 May 14
3:15 – 4:45 PM

Summer Class Schedule: Held at River Bend Natural Area

Classroom Session On-Water Pond Session Book Now
Pond Roll Class – 1 June 10
1:00pm – 2:00 PM		 June 10
2:00 pm – 5:00 PM		 Book This Class
Pond Roll Class – 2 July 8
1:00 pm – 2:00 PM		 July 8
2:00 pm – 5:00 PM		 Book This Class
Pond Roll Class – 3 July 29
1:00 pm – 2:00 PM		 July 29
2:00 pm – 5:00 PM		 Book This Class
Pond Roll Class – 4 August 12
1:00 pm – 2:00 PM		 August 12
2:00 pm – 5:00 PM		 Book This Class

Call us at 970-493-4005 for more information or to reserve your class.

Two-Day Fast Track Class

TWO DAY FAST TRACK CLASS

Schedule doesn’t permit you to take multiple classes at your leisure? Want to speed things up and get on the river right away? Then consider enrolling in our Two Day Fast Track program. By combining a sampling of our kayak roll, paddling techniques, and on-river instruction into one intensive class, we will have you navigating fun class II rapids in short order. We offer this two-day class on the Poudre River and a nearby Natural Area pond. Bring a packed lunch each day so we can optimize learning time. In addition to regularly scheduled group classes, private instruction is also available.

Season: Late May – August
Cost: Scheduled 2 Day Instruction $400
  Equipment Rental Included
  Private Full Day Instruction $450 (Share the class – Price is for 1 or 2 students)

Meeting Location: RMA Fort Collins Store

Classes Session Date and Time Book Now
Two-Day Fast Track – 1 June 17-18

8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

 Book This Class
Two-Day Fast Track – 2 June 24-25

8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

 Book This Class
Two-Day Fast Track – 3 July 15-16

8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

 Book This Class
Two-Day Fast Track – 4 August 5-6

8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

 Book This Class
Two-Day Fast Track – 5 August 19-20

8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

 Book This Class

Call us at (800) 858-6808 for more information or to reserve your trip.

Advanced Skills

Advanced Skills

These classes are designed for the Intermediate to Advanced paddler looking to take their paddling skill set to the next level.  All of our Advanced Skills classes have prerequisites and require previous kayaking experience. If you have any questions before signing up for one of these classes, please call our knowledgeable staff at 970-493-4005 before registering.

The class is designed for the Intermediate paddler who is stepping up to Class III runs and wants to improve their down river skills. This instructional class has just the right combination of moving water and rapids to ensure ample learning time and excitement. In addition to learning the basics of boat handling and river safety, this course will teach essential river reading skills and maneuvers like eddy turns, peel outs, and ferrying. In addition to regularly scheduled group classes, private instruction is also available. Prerequisites for Registering for this Class: • Must be able to demonstrate a flatwater roll • Must be able to demonstrate a wet-exit from kayak • Comfortable Paddling in Class II whitewater *Inflatable kayaks are welcome to register for this class. Prerequisites will vary from the above list.
Season: Late May – August
Cost: Scheduled Group Class $165
  Equipment Rental 20% Discount
  Private ½ Day Instruction $250 (3 ½ hours) (Share the class - Price includes 1 or 2 students)
  Private Full Day Instruction $450 (7 hrs) (Share the class - Price includes 1 or 2 students)
  Meeting Location RMA Fort Collins Store
Class Schedule:
 
Poudre River Classes Session Date and Time Online Booking
Intro. to River Running - 1 July 30 8:30 – 3:30 pm Book This Class
Intro. to River Running  - 2 August 13 8:30 – 3:30 pm Book This Class
Our most advanced class, designed for the Intermediate paddler stepping up to Class IV runs who wants to improve their creek boating skills. This class will focus on making hard moves in low consequence water as well as scouting and running harder whitewater. By strengthening existing skills sets such as foundational strokes, dealing with larger river features and rapids, technical maneuvers, and safety skills, each student will gain confidence and comfort in technical whitewater. In addition to regularly scheduled group classes, private instruction is also available. Prerequisites for Registering for this Class: • Must be able to demonstrate a roll in moving water • Must be able to demonstrate a wet-exit from kayak • Must be able to demonstrate peeling in/out of eddies • Comfortable Paddling in Class III whitewater
Season: Late May – August
Cost: Scheduled Group Class $200
  Equipment Rental 20% Discount
  Private ½ Day Instruction $250 (3 ½ hours) (Share the class - Price includes 1 or 2 students)
  Private Full Day Instruction $450 (7 hrs) (Share the class - Price includes 1 or 2 students)
  Meeting Location RMA Fort Collins Store
Class Schedule:
 
Poudre River Classes Session Date and Time Online Booking
Intro. to Creek Boating - 1 July 9 8:30 – 3:30 pm Book This Class
This class is designed for the Intermediate paddler interested in taking their first self-support overnight trip. This class will include classroom time learning how to properly pack and organize a kayak for a multi-day mission. River time will include 1 to 2 nights on a Class II/III section of whitewater. RMA will provide all food and group essentials. Participants are asked to provide their own camping equipment (i.e. tent, sleeping bag, etc.). This course will focus on developing skills such as navigating intermediate whitewater in a loaded kayak, logistical and safety considerations of self-support, and working with your team in a multi-day setting. In addition to regularly scheduled group classes, private instruction is also available. Prerequisites for Registering for this Class: • Must be able to demonstrate a roll in moving water • Must be able to demonstrate a wet-exit from kayak • Must be able to demonstrate peeling in/out of eddies • Comfortable Paddling in Class III whitewater
Season: Late May – September
Cost: Scheduled Group Class TBD
  Equipment Rental 20% Discount
  Private ½ Day Instruction $250 (3 ½ hours) (Share the class - Price includes 1 or 2 students)
  Private Full Day Instruction $450 (7 hrs) (Share the class - Price includes 1 or 2 students)
  Meeting Location RMA Fort Collins Store
Class Schedule:
Poudre River Classes Session Date and Time
Intro. to Self-Support Call 970-493-4005 for Availability
This class is designed for the existing river runner who wants to learn how to throw down at the playpark. In this class, we will focus on the fundamentals of freestyle, such as the use of edges, trim and balance, and surfing different types of features. In addition to regularly scheduled group classes, private instruction is also available. Prerequisites for Registering for this Class: • Must be able to demonstrate a roll in moving water • Must be able to demonstrate a wet-exit from kayak • Must be able to demonstrate peeling in/out of eddies • Comfortable Paddling in Class III whitewater
Season: Late May- August
Cost: Scheduled Group Class TBD
 Equipment Rental  20% Discount
 Private Instruction  $250 (3.5 hrs.) (Share the Class - Price includes 1 or 2 students)
Meeting Location RMA Fort Collins Store
Class Schedule:
Poudre River Classes Session Date and Time
Playboating Class Call 970-493-4005 for Availability

Private Instruction

Private Instruction

For the Beginner to Advanced paddler, our private sessions are a fully customizable experience. Each private session includes a meeting with the instructor to define goals and ability level as well as a dedicated shuttle service to avoid many of the common logistics of being on the river. This creates an efficient and carefree environment to focus on the specific goals of the student and maximize time on the water.

Share Your Private Session: As a bonus, our private sessions can be shared with one other student creating a much more affordable option. We limit these sessions to two people total to ensure the participants receive the one-on-one attention and experience of a private session. It is advised that the skill level of both participants is taken into consideration before committing to sharing a private lesson as the more similar the skill level, the more productive your experience will be.

Season: May 13 – end of August
Cost: Half Day $250
 Full Day $450
 Equipment Rental 20% Discount

Meeting Location: RMA Fort Collins Store

Private Instruction Session Date and Time
Half Day / Full Day Available Mondays and Fridays each week of the season. Call 970-493-4005 for Instructor Availability.

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