What is Canoe U?

Canoe U is our spring collection of whitewater Kayak and Canoe courses. Courses this year meet one weekend in May and a second weekend in June. See Course Descriptions Page for individual course dates. To register, download a form and mail it in.

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.

Time Commitment?

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.

Who teaches the classes?

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.

Canoe U Weekend - May 22 & 23 Location for this weekend to be announced shortly. Food will be provided from Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch.

Graduation Weekend - June 5 & 6 Last year we stayed at Robinson Park, on the Kettle River in Sandstone, MN.Check back here to for updated information at the actual date nears. Robinson Park is a tent camping only situation. You are responsible for your own meals, with the exception of dinner on Saturday night.

Canoe

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.

New this Year! 
Pool intensive Whitewater Fundamentals -
This year we will be offering a pool intensive Whitewater Fundamentals kayak course as 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) and 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.