Kids Kayaking Programs
Kids Kayak Camps, Teen Kayak Instruction and More!
All summer, every day are kids’ days here at Endless River Adventures!
Our youth programs provide the opportunity for young paddlers to share time with other kids their age, away from parental oversight, so that they can be their own boaters and learn how to take responsibility for themselves as kayakers. Our instruction is fun, with the intent that kids come away better boaters and are excited about being on the river. Recommended age is 10 – 14. For 15-18 yrs, talk to us about private instruction and custom weekends.
There is so much to choose from! We offer our annual 4th of July week-long camp, weekend learn-to-kayak camps, advanced paddling on the Ocoee River, leadership training and EcoSplash Camps. There is also the option of combining participation in any of our scheduled kids camps with private instruction any day of the summer, as well as custom days for the whole family.
Scholarships are also available through our partner non-profit Need More Outdoors.
Check out the classes below to see which program is best for your young paddler!
KIDS KAYAK INSTRUCTION PROGRAMS
SUMMER 2025
Our Annual 4th of July Week Kids Camp for beginners, intermediate and advanced
Saturday, June 27 – July 05, 2026
Price for each day of camp is $130/day for three or more days. Includes kayak equipment, instructors, lunch and transportation. Each day runs from 9AM to 4:30PM.
What Sessions are best for my young paddlers?
Which dates should I book my paddlers for?
* For beginner paddlers the first 3-day Beginner session with the option of continuing on into the 3-day Beginner Intermediate/Intermediate session. New boaters do not have to do multiple days, but they must do the first day.
* For those who have only done beginner instruction previously or have not been back in a boat since last year, we recommend repeating the first 3-day session with the option of continuing on into the Intermediate session.
* For veteran paddlers who have taken beginning instruction more than once, we recommend moving up to the Intermediate session. If they not have been in a boat since last year, it is advisable to start with the 3rd day of the first session. The option of continuing on into the Strong Intermediate session following.
* Veteran paddlers comfortable on rivers like the Nantahala/already dabbling on Class III, we recommend the Advanced session.
Our sessions are all day camps, running from 9AM to 4:30PM.
Beginner/Adv Beginner Session: June 27, 28, 29
Let’s Learn to Kayak!
This session is for new boaters, as well as those who have taken beginning instruction but have not been back in a kayak since then.
We have the ability to be flexible and both nurture new paddlers while encouraging those who have already spent time in a boat but need a refresher on the basics to get comfortable and move forward.
Any boater who needs an introduction to the wet exit / comfort wearing a spray skirt needs to start with the first day.
For boaters who need a little “refresher” before starting the advanced beginner or intermediate sessions can come in for the first, second or third day of this session.
Those wishing to continue for another set of sessions can add on the Advanced Beginner Session.
Advanced Beginner: June 30, July 1 , 2
This 3-day session is for new boaters who are continuing from the beginner session, or for boaters who are not yet comfortable with the wet exit with a sprayskirt, but are ready to work through that and develop more paddling skills. We will work on confidence with solid Class II moves and with being upside down on the river.
Intermediate Session: June 30 , July 1 , 2
This 3-day session is for paddlers who are ready to start pushing their Class II skills working up to the Nantahala, and working on rolling and skills that will make each one a more confident paddler on the river. Paddlers must be wearing a sprayskirt and be ready to start having fun on more challenging rivers.
Strong Intermediate 2 Session: July 3, 4 , 5
This 3-day session is for young paddlers who have spent time on rivers like the Nantahala and are ready to really push their Class II-III skills. We will spend quality time on the roll – with a goal of achieving a whitewater combat roll. River rescue skills will also be incorporated into the session. This is a great opportunity for paddlers who are still intimidated by rapids like Nantahala Falls – or have no fear, but are still not running this type of rapid with skill.
Advanced Session: July 3, 4, 5 2026
This 3-day session is for boaters who are comfortable rolling in whitewater, run rapids like Nantahala Falls regularly, and are either paddling the Ocoee or ready to get on the Ocoee. Options include playboating, slalom gate training, river rescue skills and decision making. All this and leading up to/spending quality time paddling the Ocoee River makes for a great session.
We have camps all summer!
Weekend Camps that include Learn to Kayak Beginner Camps, Ocoee Boot Camps and more!
Price for the 2-day camp is $300 and includes kayak equipment, instructors, lunch and transportation. Each day runs from 9AM to 4:30PM.
Learn to Kayak Weekend: June 6 & 7, 2026
Let’s Learn to Kayak!
The weekend is an intro to everything about kayaking: wet exits, strokes, rolling, river maneuvers and some good old fashioned kid fun as well. This is a great opportunity for those who have never been in a kayak, to those who have tried kayaking and want to really spend the time to learn more!
2-Day Camp
$300 Includes instruction, gear, transportation and lunch
Learn to Kayak Weekend: July 18 & 19, 2026
Let’s Learn to Kayak!
The weekend is an intro to everything about kayaking: wet exits, strokes, rolling, river maneuvers and some good old fashioned kid fun as well. This is a great opportunity for those who have never been in a kayak, to those who have tried kayaking and want to really spend the time to learn more!
2-Day Camp
$300 Includes instruction, gear, transportation and lunch
Learn More Skills Intermediate Weekend: July 18 & 19, 2026
This weekend is for young paddlers who are ready to really push their Class II into Class III skills. We will spend quality time on the roll – with a goal of achieving a whitewater combat roll. This is a great opportunity for paddlers who are still intimidated by rapids like Nantahala Falls – or have no fear, but are still not running this type of rapid with skill.
2-Day Camp
$300 Includes instruction, gear, transportation and lunch
Learn to Kayak Weekend: August 1 & 2, 2026
Let’s Learn to Kayak!
The weekend is an intro to everything about kayaking: wet exits, strokes, rolling, river maneuvers and some good old fashioned kid fun as well. This is a great opportunity for those who have never been in a kayak, to those who have tried kayaking and want to really spend the time to learn more.
2-Day Camp
$300 Includes instruction, gear, transportation and lunch
Learn More Skills Intermediate Weekend: August 1 & 2, 2026
This weekend is for young paddlers who are ready to really push their Class II into Class III skills. We will spend quality time on the roll – with a goal of achieving a whitewater combat roll. This is a great opportunity for paddlers who are still intimidated by rapids like Nantahala Falls – or have no fear, but are still not running this type of rapid with skill.
2-Day Camp
$300 Includes instruction, gear, transportation and lunch
Ocoee Boot Camp Weekend: July 25 & 26, 2026
These are two-day camps for kids and teens ready to spend time on the Ocoee or who want to boat the Ocoee with kids their own age.
Prerequisites: A whitewater roll, confident eddy catching, successful runs at Nantahala Falls. This is for new Ocoee boaters as well as experienced Ocoee boaters. We will work on mentorship during the weekend.
2-Day Camp
$300 Includes instruction, gear, transportation and lunch
Ocoee Boot Camp Weekend: August 08 & 09, 2026
Your young paddler is turning into a hot shot, and suddenly summer is almost over. Not yet!! This weekend is for those who have earned the chance to hit the Ocoee, as well as young paddlers who need some time paddling with those their own age. Prerequisites: A whitewater roll, confident eddy catching, successful runs at Nantahala Falls. We will work on mentorship between newer Ocoee boaters and skilled Ocoee boaters. We can also mix up the days between river running and playboating.
2-Day Camp
$300 Includes instruction, gear, transportation and lunch
3-Day Leadership Camp for paddlers of all skill levels: Sept. 5,6 & 7 2026
What a great way to finish off the summer! A three-day workshop for kids of all skills levels before school gets in the way. This weekend is orientated to Advanced beginner/Intermediate paddlers who are looking to develop their whitewater skills, as well as for Advanced young paddlers who are interested in building their leadership skills through hands-on instructor training. The focuses of the three day weekend will be rolling and moves that will help you become a better boater, with leadership work and team building skills part of the weekend. Most importantly, this is an opportunity for kids to paddle with those their own age before the end of the season.
3-Day Camp
$450 Includes your instructors, all necessary kayaking equipment, lunch and transportation.
What if my child is not a kayaker – or even interested in kayaking?
Then have them join us for an ECOSPLASH CAMP.
Our EcoSplash Camps are all about getting kids outside, on the river – and exploring the biology and ecosystems in the river. EcoSplash is for kids ages 6 – 12 who want to spend time outside, exploring nature on the water and in the water. Price for our 2-Day EcoSplash Camps is $200. This includes equipment, instructors, lunch and transportation.
Because all kids need to spend time outdoors!
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
If you need scholarship help, consider applying for a scholarship through our partner non-profit Need More Outdoors.
Besides professionally trained kayak instructors, we provide:
ALL GEAR and EQUIPMENT you will need for the day. In addition to the five essentials needed to kayak (boat, sprayskirt, PFD, paddle & helmet) we also offer wetsuits and paddle jackets to assure your comfort on the water. The only items you will need are a pair of nose clips and shoes (sandals, water socks, etc.), as well as water and and any snacks to keep your energy going for the day.
TRANSPORTATION: of the kids, their equipment and the instructors is included.
KIDS CAMP LUNCH is provided, along with snacks to keep energy levels up. We can accommodate special dietary needs for health reasons.
Check our PLAN YOUR TRIP page for a link to waivers, directions to the river, and a trip prep checklist.
You can find our reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google and Facebook
We had an absolute blast on an Endless River Adventures trip to Ecuador. It was so fascinating to see the country with their decades of experience operating there. ... read more
seanbC330TDJanuary 4, 2023
Had a blast rafting down the Nantahala in mid-December with our fantastic guide, Neal. With the included wetsuits the cold was not a problem and the trip exceeded our expectations.... read more
December 13, 2020
ERA is so dope! Me, my girl, & my girl's friend were searching for a place to raft on a Sunday at the last minute. All the other places were... read more
May 1, 2021
Questions? Call us at 828-488-6199
We offer kayak instruction year round, seven days a week. Full day and half-day options are available. Call us at 828-488-6199 to reserve your trip specifics today. Please call with any questions you may have regarding instruction, as well as to reserve the dates that are best for you.
Special Group rates and custom day itineraries are available. If you are the planner for special group, please call us for assistance with the logistics of your trip planning.
Payment Policy: We ask that all reservations be paid in advance. Full payment is due 14 days before the trip. Payment may be made by check or credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
Cancellations: Our instruction courses go rain or shine! Cancellations more than 14 days in advance receive a 100% refund. Any reservation cancelled less than 14 days before the trip is ineligible for a refund.
Need More Outdoors offers scholarships for local individual or WNC-based organizations.