In summer 2025, we’re offering three levels of youth kayaking clinics: Introduction to Whitewater, Whitewater II, and Whitewater III. Each clinic includes a module on river safety and kid-friendly rescue skills to promote safe decision-making on the water. Whitewater I focuses on balance, self-rescue, and navigating Class 2 rapids. Whitewater II introduces paddle strokes, hydrology, and rolling in moving current, with an emphasis on building excitement for kayaking. Whitewater III caters to intermediate to advanced paddlers, emphasizing advanced techniques, playboating, and challenging maneuvers. The safety module ensures participants are prepared for unexpected situations.
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!
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.
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
Unsure of which clinic to signup for? Check out our Paddling Skills Self-Assessment page. Have more questions? We can answer most of your frequently asked questions on our website or email us at info@cwwcollective.com for more details.
Lotus California
I, II
1 Day
Kids also need to know what to do when things don't go as planned on the river. This half-day class gives kids the skills and exposure of how to handle themselves and others in case of an unexpected swim, mishap or emergency on the water.
South Fork American River California
II, III
2 Days/1 Night
Are you a teenager or almost a teenager ready to take your kayaking to the net level? For the on-water instruction, the class is divided into 2 groups – Class 2 and Class 2/3.
South Fork American River California
I
2 Days/1 Night
This beginner 2-day clinic on the South Fork American will introduce or re-introduce you to the joys of being a whitewater kayaker in a safe and supportive environment.
© 2025 California Watersport Collective.