Kids Whitewater Kayaking Clinics | South Fork American River | Lotus, CA
Give your kids the skills and confidence to have fun and stay safe out on the river this summer!
We are excited to offer 3 levels of youth kayaking clinics in the summer of 2025 – Introduction to Whitewater, Whitewater II and Whitewater III. There will be a module on river safety and basic kid-focused rescue skills throughout the clinic. Making good decisions when out on the water is important for paddlers of all ages.
Whitewater I – Introduction to Whitewater – We’ll cover balance and control of the kayak, self-rescue and safety fundamentals while learning to navigate rapids up to Class 2. We progress at a safe pace to ensure you have a great time learning on the river and want to come back for more!
Whitewater II – Beginner/Advanced Beginner Whitewater – We’ll go over the basics, including the essential paddle strokes needed to effectively maneuver the kayak, basic hydrology and reading the water in Class 2 rapids. This class is an introduction to surfing and a focus on the roll in moving current. We’ll give them the tools to have fun and feel excited about being back on the water!
Whitewater III – Intermediate-Advanced Whitewater – This clinic is designed for intermediate through advanced paddlers with the instruction focus on technique, making harder moves and catching challenging eddies, surfing, the boof and bomb-proofing the roll. This class will also focus on downriver play – stern squirts, rock splats and other playboating moves.
Safety & Rescue – It’s important to know what to do when the unexpected happens out on the river. This youth-focused safety and rescue module is designed to help kids develop skills and decision making while out on the river.
If you are unsure of which clinic you should sign up for, please read through our Paddling Skill Level Self-Assessment.
The cost of the clinic includes instruction and all the gear you’ll need – kayak, paddle, personal flotation device (PFD), sprayskirt helmet, wetsuit and paddle jacket. This gear will be there ready for you when you check in to this clinic. Camping at our site on the river available. Chaperone required to camp.
- Kids Whitewater Kayaking Clinics | South Fork American River | Summer 2025 Dates TBA Soon!
All Prices are per person and subject to an 8% Government Use and Service Fee. Students under 18 years of age please contact us BEFORE REGISTERING for prior approval. Tent and camping gear rental available. Please review our cancellation policy PRIOR to booking. We understand things happen, so we highly recommend purchasing trip insurance. Contact us at info@cwwcollective.com for policy details and options.
Confidence
The best way to enjoy those hot summer days is on the water! With the use of games and other engaging techniques, our instructors teach your kids paddling skills to have fun and excel in whitewater kayaking.
Building skills means building confidence. Over the course of our youth kayaking programs, kids develop the tools to be safe and have fun on the river. Your child will make friends for the summer and a lifetime in one of the most exciting sports on earth!
Safety
All of our instructors are full time river professionals with years of experience guiding and teaching on the water. They are trained Swiftwater Rescue Technicians, as well as having emergency wilderness medical training. Your children will learn about water safety, basic river hydrology and environmental stewardship in addition to developing paddling skills. They’ll also get some great swim practice in, as well as what to do in case of an emergency.
Fun
Our junior kayak program is based around the American River drainage, depending on student skill and experience levels. Meeting location is in Lotus, California, about 1 hour east of Sacramento and 3 hours from the San Fransisco Bay Area.
One-on-one and private group classes available ages 7 & up. Email us at info@cwwcollective.com for more information