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Canoe U is our spring collection of whitewater Kayak and Canoe courses. Classes that include a pool session meet May 6. On the water sessions meet May 19 & 20, plus June 2 & 3. See Course Descriptions Page for individual course dates. Online registration will open in January so check back here later and sign up.

Anyone interested in learning how to handle a canoe or kayak on whitewater. We offer courses for people who have never paddled a boat and courses for paddlers who would like to tune up their skills. Previous whitewater experience is not a prerequisite to enroll in a Rapids Riders fundamentals class; however, comfort on and in the water is a plus.

People can learn whitewater boating at any age! However, courses are geared toward adults. Students under 18 will be accepted when partnered with a parent or guardian, or at the instructor's discretion.

Plan on full days. Classes vary from 6 to 40 hours in length. Most of your time will be on-water. Classes build skills progressively, so plan to participate in all instruction days. Several classes require two full weekends of your time.

Each course is lead by at least one instructor who has been certified by the American Canoe Association. Instructors also have training in CPR and First Aid. They are also people who love to paddle! Instructors are volunteers and don't get paid to teach - they love it that much.

Introductory Classroom/Pool Session - May 6

Most classes include this four-hour session. You will go over a few whitewater fundamentals in a class room situation before spending some boat time in the pool. This session is held at the Brooklyn Center Community Center.

Canoe U Weekend - May 19 & 20

We will be staying at St. Croix State Park, Norway Point Group Camp on Friday and Saturday nights. Shared cabin lodging is available on a 'first come' basis. There is also an area for pitching tents. Food will be provided from Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch.

Graduation Weekend - June 2 & 3

We will stay at Robinson Park, on the Kettle River in Sandstone, MN - again on Friday and Saturday nights. Robinson Park is a tent camping only situation. We provide the meal Saturday night otherwise you are responsible for your own food.

Below are short descriptions of this year's offerings. See Course Descriptions Page for additional details, course costs and dates. To register, check back here in January for a link to online registration.

Please note that not every class listed here will actually be held. If there isn't enough interest in a particular class then it won't be taught. If you have paid in advance for a class that does not occur you will get a full refund. Or, at your option, you can join a different class.

Canoe

Whitewater Fundamentals

If you want to learn how to paddle a solo or tandem whitewater canoe, this is the course for you. You progress from a warm pool on the first night, to a lake, to moving water, and graduate on Class II whitewater.

Moving Water Tandem and Solo

Teaches fundamental canoe skills. Starts with an indoor pool session then progresses through flat water onto moving water. Learn basic and compound strokes, techniques for boat control, eddy turns, peel outs, river reading, trip planning, how to choose gear and much more. Also covered, river safety and rescue.

Canoe Tripping

The focus of this class is preparing yourself for canoe trips on lakes and rivers up to Class I.

Kayak

Whitewater Fundamentals

This is our keystone whitewater kayak course. You progress from a warm pool on the first night, to a lake, to moving water, and graduate on Class II whitewater. This is not just for people who have never paddled before. If you are a self-taught paddler, this course will give you a solid foundation in paddling skills and concepts.

Pool intensive Whitewater Fundamentals

The warm water alternative to learning Whitewater Fundamentals. This kayak course is an alternative for those who would prefer to participate only in the first weekend of Canoe U.  The course will consist of 5 pool sessions (must attend at least 4.) The goal of the pool sessions is to learn safety skills, the basic strokes, as well as the eskimo roll in preparation for a great weekend on the river for Canoe U.

Whitewater Refresher & Whitewater Continuum

The Refresher and subsequent Continuum courses are for paddlers who have taken paddling instruction and paddled whitewater several times in the past year. You should feel comfortable on Class II water.

What if I need a boat or gear?

If you don't have a boat, we will provide you a discounted rental rate from Midwest Mountaineering. If you don't find what you need, don't worry we will do our best to find you a boat. You will need to supply your own PFD, helmet and clothing.

What if I don't take a class, but just want to hang out?

If you plan to paddle in the area and want to camp and eat with us, you are more than welcome. Join us at the St. Croix State Park Group Camp site on Canoe U weekend ( May 19 & 20). It will cost you $60 to cover camping and meals.

The cost to join us for camping and the Saturday meal on Graduation Weekend (June 2 & 3) at Robinson Park is $25. For either weekend you must register by May 6! Registration is not open yet but online registration will be available soon.

How do I get more information?

Feel free to e-mail us at training@rapidsriders.org