Lochsa River Kayak Clinic – Class IV Big Water in Idaho
Welcome to THE classic big water run!
The Lochsa in North10 Central Idaho is one of the best big water rivers in the country, and we’re absolutely stoked to return on our 2027 Whitewater Roadshow. Two days of Class IV kayaking on big, bouncy, wave-filled whitewater with our coaching crew. Come for the waves, stay for the boofs.
Whether you’re new to big volume rivers and want to get experience, or want to take your skills to the next level, surf big waves, slice it up or learn those sweet downriver tricks, we have the big water crew for you!
Why the Lochsa
The Lochsa runs right alongside Highway 12 for most of its length, so you get continuous Class III–IV whitewater with easy road access. You can scout, lap your favorite sections and spend more time on the water. In late May, spring snowmelt brings the river up and turns it into a playground of big waves, boils, holes and fast-moving eddy lines. Classics like Lochsa Falls, Pipeline and Grim Reaper are on the menu, depending on flows.
It’s a river that teaches you to read water fast and paddle with intention. That’s exactly what we’ll work on.
What you’ll work on
Every group is different, and our coaches adjust to the crew and the flows. Expect to work on:
- Reading big water. Spotting boils, seams, pillows and the line that actually works.
- Wave surfing. Catching, carving and staying on big, fast waves.
- Boofing and hole management. Clearing the big stuff, and what to do when you don’t.
- Downriver play. Catching waves on the fly, stern squirts and more.
- Big water rescue awareness. Group positioning, communication and keeping each other safe in fast current.
Who this clinic is for
This clinic open to paddlers who are comfortable in Class IV whitewater.
Requirements: Participants must be comfortable paddling Class IV whitewater or higher, with a consistent roll (90% or better in whitewater).
Not sure if this is the right clinic for you? Read through our Paddling Skill Level Self-Assessment or email us at info@cwwcollective.com. We’re happy to help you figure it out.
Dates and details
- Whitewater Kayaking IV | Lochsa River, ID | 2 days | May 22–23, 2027
- Includes: 2 days of professional instruction
- Not included: Travel, camping, food, kayak and paddling gear
- Meeting spot: Meeting location confirmed upon registration
Registration opens November 2026. Join our newsletter below to get first dibs when spots go live.
Add a day of private coaching
Want more time on the water? Our coaches are available Friday, May 21 for 1-on-1 and small group instruction. Email info@cwwcollective.com for details.
Getting there and where to stay
The Lochsa is in North Central Idaho along Highway 12, near Lowell. The closest airports are Missoula, MT and Lewiston, ID.
Campsites are available right on the river at Wilderness Gateway Campground. You can book them online here. Late May is popular with paddlers, so reserve early.
What to bring
- Kayak (with 2 stern floatbags)
- Paddling gear: drysuit, drytop, helmet, PFD, paddle, sprayskirt, drybag, throwbag
- Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, camp kitchen necessities, tarp for rainy weather)
- Rain jacket and warm comfortable clothes for camp
- Food
- Water bottle
Our partners
We’re proud to partner with Three Rivers Rafting on the Lochsa. They operate on beautiful Idaho rivers using permits issued by the Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service.
Good to know
Students under 18, please contact us BEFORE REGISTERING for prior approval. Please review our cancellation policy before booking.