Little Kids Level 1 Kayak Class

The Little Kids Level 1 course is designed to give young adventurers a solid foundation in kayaking while keeping safety, comfort, and fun at the heart of the experience. Perfect for ages 8 to 10, this class introduces the core skills and knowledge needed to paddle confidently on flatwater and begin exploring gentle whitewater. Students will learn river safety, basic river hydrology, proper paddling technique, and how to navigate small rapids.

The class kicks off with a meet-and-greet for kids, parents, and instructors. This helps us get to know each participant and understand their goals before gearing up for the week. Once fitted with the right equipment and taught how to care for it, we’ll move to our on-site pool to learn one of the most important kayaking skills: the wet exit. Mastering this in a warm, controlled environment sets the foundation for safety on the river. Afterward, we’ll head to Lake Nighthorse or the Oxbow section on the Animas River to practice essential strokes, including forward, draw, sweep, and bracing techniques.

After the first few days of building strong flatwater skills, we’ll transition downstream on the Animas River. We’ll begin on an easy, flat stretch to build confidence and introduce basic river maneuvers. As the week progresses, students will run small rapids and practice controlling their boats in moving water, all under the guidance of our experienced instructors.

By the end of the week, paddlers will have learned all the foundational skills of kayaking and will leave with solid technique, improved confidence, and a great sense of accomplishment.

This class includes all gear, transportation, and instructors.

• Prerequisites: Basic swimming skills
• Ages: 8 to 10
• Duration: 5 days
• Time: 8 - 12 or 1 - 5
• Class Size: Maximum 10, minimum 3
• More Class Options: Little Kids Level 2, Little Kids River Skills, Dirt+Paddle