U.S. National Whitewater Center

The U.S. National Whitewater Center is the world’s premier outdoor recreation and environmental education center offering activities such as Rafting, Biking, Climbing, Ziplines, Eco Trekking and more.

Kayak Instruction

Whether you seek basic or advanced instruction, our professional instructors can guide you in mastering the kayak roll, boat control and perfecting your technique. We offer both group and private instruction and all instruction is catered to each participant’s previous kayaking experience. All kayaking gear is provided by the USNWC.


Classes (Single Sessions)

Class Qualifier: First timers, beginners and returning students are welcome. We cater instruction to each participant’s level of experience.

Packages (Multiple Sessions)

Package Qualifier: Packages are more of a commitment than our classes and are designed for beginners and those that are ready to put more effort into a new sport. We cater instruction to each participant’s level of experience.

Intermediate/Advanced Instruction

Intermediate/Advanced Qualifier: Ability to roll a kayak is strongly preferred.

Notes on Kayak Instruction


Private Instruction

Work one-on-one with our professional instruction staff to boost your skills and build confidence through better technique. Your instructor will cater the lesson to meet your needs and goals.

Instructor ratio: 1 student to 1 instructor
Available dates: Call 704.391.3900 ext. 192 to schedule
Pricing: $80/one person, $140/two person
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Group Roll Clinic

Learn the basics of the kayak roll from our professional staff. Our instructors will work with you to establish the best style of roll and ensure that you can safely control a boat in Class II whitewater.

Instructor ratio: 3 students to 1 instructor
Available dates: Call 704.391.3900 ext. 192 to schedule
Pricing:  $45/person
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Group Kayak Sampler

We make it easy for you to experience this amazing sport. This class is all about getting you on the water with our instructors and learning the basics of kayaking.

Instructor ratio: 3 students to 1 instructor
Available dates: Call 704.391.3900 ext. 192 to schedule
Pricing: $55/person
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Sit on Top Kayak Instruction

This instruction is great for beginners that aren’t comfortable inside a traditional whitewater kayak. Instead of sitting inside the boat, paddlers are perched on top of their kayak, allowing for a unique whitewater experience. Instruction focuses on balance, boat control and paddling techniques.

Instructor ratio: 3 students to 1 instructor
Available dates: Call 704.391.3900 ext. 192 to schedule
Pricing: $40/person
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Pool Sessions

Indoor pools are an ideal setting to safely develop and hone your skills. Our professional kayak instructors will work with all skill levels (must be at least 10 years old). Please remember to bring a swimsuit and the USNWC will provide all other necessary equipment and instruction.

Dowd YMCA Pool Sessions
Available dates: 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, January through March.
Time: 5:30 p.m.  – 7:00 p.m.
Pricing: $30 per session/$25 per session for YMCA Members
Registration: Register through the Dowd YMCA at (704) 716-6100

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Introduction Package

The Introduction Package consists of the following lessons: 1 Group Roll Clinic, 1 Group Kayak Sampler and 2 Private Lessons.

Available dates: Call 704.391.3900 ext. 192 to schedule
Pricing: $250/person
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4 Private Lesson Package

Individual instruction includes 4 sessions covering water roll techniques, how to read whitewater and maintain boat control in Class III rapids. Like our other lessons, this package can be personalized to fit your goals.

Available dates: Call 704.391.3900 ext. 192 to schedule
Pricing:  $288/person
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3 Private Lesson Package

Individual instruction includes 3 sessions covering water roll techniques, how to read whitewater and maintain boat control in Class III rapids. Like our other lessons, this package can be personalized to fit your goals.

Available dates: Call 704.391.3900 ext. 192 to schedule
Pricing:  $210/person
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Kids After School Kayak Program

The After School Kayak Program is designed to teach your kid the basics of whitewater kayaking. Your child will learn to preform a kayak roll, become comfortable reading water and practice stroke refinement. The goal of the program is to give your kid the proper instruction to become a self-aware and self-sufficient paddler in up to Class III whitewater.

Number of sessions: 6 session (1 per week for 6 weeks)
Available dates: Call 704.391.3900 ext. 192 for the 2012 schedule
Pricing: $200/person

  • Thursday Sessions (5 p.m. – 7 p.m.) : May 3 – June 7
  • Saturday Sessions (4 p.m. – 6 p.m.): May 5 – June 9

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Kids Kayak Summer Camp

Over the course of a week, this full-day camp is a perfect introduction course into the adventure of whitewater kayaking. Starting off with basic boat control and building confidence, campers will progress through the week learning more advanced skills, such as rolling.

Available dates: 2012 dates and registration is available on the USNWC Summer Camp page
Camp information for parents: Download the Whitewater Kayak Camp Parent Packet
Pricing: $400/person
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Men’s Group Paddle

Available dates: Every Thursday through August from 5p.m. – 7p.m.
Pricing: $20/person (pay on arrival)

Please select which dates you'll be attending

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Please select which group you'll be attending.
 Men's Group Women's Group

Which date will you be attending?
 6/9 6/16 6/23 6/30 7/7 7/14 7/21 7/28 8/4 8/11 8/18 8/25

Notes:


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Women’s Group Paddle

Available dates: Every Thursday through August from 5p.m. – 7p.m.
Pricing: $20/person (pay on arrival)

Please select which dates you'll be attending

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Please select which group you'll be attending.
 Men's Group Women's Group

Which date will you be attending?
 6/9 6/16 6/23 6/30 7/7 7/14 7/21 7/28 8/4 8/11 8/18 8/25

Notes:


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Kids/Teen Development Program

Coached sessions available twice a week on a monthly basis with an emphasis on slalom, play boating, and river running. Kids in the program have the choice to come to one or both sessions of the week. This program is designed for those who have completed kids after school program and summer camp and must have a roll to participate. $150 per month / $20 walk up fee not including water.
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Notes on Kayak Instruction

  • All lessons are an 1.5 hours on the water
  • All kayaking gear is provided by the USNWC
  • USNWC Kayaking Learning Progression
    • The USNWC recommends that a beginner choose from one of our Class options as an introduction to the sport of kayaking
    • Package options are also available to beginners, but are designed for those who are ready to commit more time and effort to the sport
    • Intermediate/Advance instruction is reserved for those with previous paddling experience
  • Kayak Center Contact Information
    • 704.391.3900 ext. 192

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