Kayak Instruction

Kids Kayak Day Camp
Two, Three and Five Day Clinics

Kayaking is a great sport to help kids grow up strong and healthy.

Kayak course just for kids
The Renaissance Adventure Guides is offering kayak courses just for kids. The Kids Kayak Day Camp is a two, three or five-day program that will progress through the basics of kayaking. Kids will spend two days on a reservoir learning basic paddle strokes, bracing, self-rescue, Eskimo rescues, and the Eskimo roll. Once the basic strokes are learned we will play kayak games developed by the crew at the RAGuides. The games are fun and improve paddling skills. Lunch will need to be brought to this class. Lunch will be followed by soccer, kickball, volleyball, and whatever other fun games we want to play before getting back in the water.

Our three and five day camps progress to the river after the lake portion is complete. On the river, the kids will learn how to control their boat in current and to maneuver from one part of the river to another. Maneuvers include: in and out of eddies, ferries across the river, surfing waves and negotiating a slalom course. We will encourage teamwork, respect for the river, and self-reliance. River safety, scouting, self-rescue, and reading whitewater will be practiced throughout the class. Your kids will learn how to respect the rivers and have fun at the same time.

What Rivers?
We have several options of rivers to paddle this summer. The rivers include Boulder Creek in Boulder, Clear Creek in Golden, St. Vrain in Lyons and the South Platte River in Denver. Each of these rivers will be utilized depending on water levels. The meeting place each day will depend on which river we are running.

The Guides
The river guides at the RAGuides are all ACA certified kayak instructors. They are trained in CPR, first aid and river rescue. The guides are experienced whitewater kayakers and love to spread knowledge on to others. We want to encourage young paddlers to lead the sport into the next generation.


Kids Kayak Camps Boulder, Colorado:

Boulder Reservoir Map

Novice Kids 2 Day Camp

Dates: (To sign up online, click on the trip/clinic of your choice.)

Jul 07 - Jul 08, 08

Fee: $195.00

Novice Kids 3 Day Camp

Dates: (To sign up online, click on the trip/clinic of your choice.)

Jul 07 - Jul 09, 08

Fee: $295.00

Novice Kids 5 Day Camp

Dates: (To sign up online, click on the trip/clinic of your choice.)

Jul 07 - Jul 11, 08

Fee: $495.00


Kids Kayak Camps Longmont, Colorado Union Reservoir:

The class meets at the Centennial Pool on the first two days of the class, transportation is provided from the pool to where we are boating.
Centennial Pool, Longmont Map

Novice Kids 2 Day Camp

Dates: (To sign up online, click on the trip/clinic of your choice.)

Jun 09 - Jun 10, 08
Jul 28 - Jul 29, 08

Fee: $225.00

Novice Kids 3 Day Camp

Dates: (To sign up online, click on the trip/clinic of your choice.)

Jun 09 - Jun 11, 08
Jul 28 - Jul 30, 08

Fee: $350.00

Novice Kids 5 Day Camp

Dates: (To sign up online, click on the trip/clinic of your choice.)

Jun 09 - Jun 13, 08
Jul 28 - Aug 01, 08

Fee: $525.00


Kids Kayak Camps in Littleton, Colorado at Chatfield State Park:

Map to Chatfield State Park, meet at the gravel pond at Chatfield State Park. Enter through the main entrance to the park off of Wadsworth Blvd ( $6.00 per vehicle ). Go right at the T-intersection. Follow the road south for about 1 mile. The road will turn to the left, and on the right you will see a body of water. This is the gravel pond. Take a right on the first dirt road and go 200 yards to the parking lot at the end. This is where you will be met by your instructor.

Novice Kids 2 Day Camp

Dates: (To sign up online, click on the trip/clinic of your choice.)

Jun 23 - Jun 24, 08
Jul 21 - Jul 22, 08

Fee: $195.00

Novice Kids 3 Day Camp

Dates: (To sign up online, click on the trip/clinic of your choice.)

Jun 23 - Jun 25, 08
Jul 21 - Jul 23, 08

Fee: $295.00

Novice Kids 5 Day Camp

Dates: (To sign up online, click on the trip/clinic of your choice.)

Jun 23 - Jun 27, 08
Jul 21 - Jul 25, 08

Fee: $495.00


Intermediate Kids 5 Day Boulder Camp

Boulder Reservoir Map
Prerequisite: Our 5 day kids camp or equivalent.

Dates: (To sign up online, click on the trip/clinic of your choice.)

Aug 04 - Aug 09, 08
Aug 11 - Aug 16, 08

Fee: $495.00

Times: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm each day.

Kids River Class


Typical Schedule:
Day 1 - Intro to kayaking. Today we teach about boat design and all of the other equipment necessary for whitewater kayaking. We teach and practice flat water paddling techniques (forward, sweep and correction strokes), the wet exit, hip snaps, T-rescues, bracing and an intro to the roll.

Day 2 - We work some more on rolling technique in the morning, then move to the river in the afternoon to get a feel for moving water and how a boat handles in it. This is all done in a close and controlled environment, working on small sections of water with close supervision.

Day 3 - We spend a full day on the river today, learning ferrying, eddy turns, and basic safety skills for moving water. This is our first big day on the river! Not only do we teach kayaking, but we also teach students about the natural environment in which the rivers flow, teaching respect for all other people and animals out there enjoying the river with us.

Day 4 - We put the individual techniques learned over the past 3 days together to learn how to navigate basic rapids (class I-II) while moving down river. More advanced safety techniques are also taught.

Day 5 - Now that we've learned the basics of moving down river in a kayak, we spend today having fun! We do more river running in rapids, with a focus on learning to play in the rapids as we down river, including an introduction to play moves. This is usually at a local whitewater park, and parents are encouraged to attend to see how their children have progressed during the week.

*The 2-day camp covers days 1-2, 3-day covers days 1-3, etc. (hint: the 5-day camp is the best value!).
Bring your own lunch, water, sunscreen, clothing, etc.

Ages:
10-17 years old

Refund Policy
Classes cancelled 48 hours or more in advance are able to be rescheduled (subject to availability) without penalty. Within 48 hours of the class start time, funds are committed and you will be charged for the class. Refunds will only be given if RA Guides is unable to provide the class as described.

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Novice Lake Class


More Clinic Information

Kayak Schedule
Pricing

RAGuides Logo
The Boulder Outdoor Center is now booking kayak classes for Renaissance Adventure Guides.

Requirements:
This clinic is for kids 10-17 years of age, over 65 pounds and are comfortable with their swimming ability.

What to Bring:
You should bring...
bathing suit/shorts
towel
sunscreen
a bike water bottle or equivalent
sunglasses with eyeglass straps
nose plugs
You will also want a polypro, Capilene or fleece/pile to be worn while on the water.
Boulder Reservoir has a gate fee of: $2.50/Kids, $4.00/Teens, $6.00/adults or have a Season Pass. If the reservoir in gate is closed, drive in the out gate for free.
If you are camping, remember your tent, sleeping bag, pad, food, stove and any cooking utensils.

Equipment provided with RAGuides kayak clinic:
kayak
paddle
helmet
wetsuit
paddle jacket
life jacket
flotation
sprayskirt
booties
If you are providing your own kayaking equipment you must bring these items.


Renaissance Adventure Guides
2109 S. Wadsworth Blvd.
Lakewood CO 80227


Questions?
Please call the BOC at:
303-444-8420



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