Private Instruction
Learn Faster with Private Whitewater Kayak Instruction
It is all about you. Private whitewater kayak instruction is like having your own personal coach. Designed to fit your schedule — one day or a full week. Whether you’re looking for beginner, intermediate or advanced kayak instruction, a private course assures you get the most out of your time and a tailored learning experience.
Our hand-picked group of instructors are a group of coaches, able to adapt teaching techniques to accommodate your specific learning style. They are committed to working with you in your quest to become a better boater with:
- Progressive techniques to improve your rolling
- Playboating and surfing as a mechanism to gain more boat control
- River running as the basis for improving your overall skills
- Classes on the Nantahala River, Tuckasegee River, Little Tennessee, Ocoee River, nearby beautiful lakes, and many other options!
Full Day
Group of 1–2- Private instruction is perfect for individuals who prefer a tailored coaching learning experience. Available 7-days/week, we can start with the basics, or use time together to advanced your paddling skills, gain confidence on a river you really want to feel comfortable on, and/or focus on the skills needed to reach a new goal.
Full Day
Group of 3-4- Ideal for a family or group of like minded individuals interested in quality instruction from beginner to advanced level instruction. We can tailor instruction to the group and can be flexible with slightly varying skill levels. We offer group instruction options for experienced boaters looking to spend time together working on specific skills.
1/2 Day
Group of 1–2- Half day instruction is a great choice for those who have limited time, want a shorter tune-up, need help with rolling, or are looking to tweak stroke technique or a river skill that is needs work. A half day can also be used for working at a specific rapid, like Nantahala Falls, and for boaters interested in slalom work to improve skills.
1/2 Day
Group of 3-4- Half-day instruction is available for a group of experienced kayakers who understand that time will be limited. For a group of 3-4, we highly encourage a full day of instruction and can recommend one of our groups instruction options for a group wanting to take instruction together who are looking for a specific coaching session.
2-Hour
One-On-One Roll Work- This session is to tweak a roll that is just not working, has mysteriously disappeared, or just needs a tune-up. If you are a beginner interested in learning to roll and need more than a “tweak,” we suggest a 1/2 day or full day of instruction, where we can add in some additional technique work and/or do both flat water and moving water work.
5-Day
Coaching Series- Full five days of instruction/coaching for 1-2 people. This is the perfect opportunity for fast tracking your boating to the next level. Scheduling is flexible and can run consecutive days, or spread out over the season, but must be used within the calendar year. You will also get “homework” recommendations for in between sessions.
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 lunch to keep your energy going for the day.
TRANSPORTATION of you, your instructor and all your equipment is included in the price of instruction. With private instruction, we can also meet you at a specific river if it saves travel time (this does not apply to beginning instruction).
Check our Plan Your Trip page for a link to waivers, directions to the river, and a trip prep checklist.
We offer kayak instruction year round, seven days a week. Full day and half-day options are available. Half Days lessons are are scheduled M-F, from 9-12:30 or 1:30-5pm and are not available for beginning students. 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.