Whitewater Courses
(Click here if you are interested in Kayak Touring)

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Course Descriptions | Advanced Courses

What to Expect
A great time! Jackson Hole Kayak School courses feature a smooth progression of learning with an emphasis on safety and fun. Our ACA certified instructors work closely with you to help build your confidence and skills in a comfortable environment. We are especially sensitive to beginners needs and strive to put you at ease in your new craft. Low student-to-instructor ratios (4-1) ensure you will receive personalized attention.

Courses include lunch, transportation and kayaking equipment. We provide only the best kayaks and gear for your lessons. To get the most from your course we make sure you are matched to the appropriate boat. Comfortable custom outfitting is one of our hallmarks.

We teach primarily on the Snake and Hoback Rivers. The Snake is deep and forgiving and offers some of the best instructional whitewater in the world. The Hoback has a narrower channel and more technical challenges. Other rivers you may paddle include the Green, Greys, Teton and Lower Bitch Creek. With an annual average snowfall of over 400", Jackson Hole has the longest paddling season in the Rockies.

Jackson Hole Kayak School is a permittee of Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Which Course Is Best For Me?
Whitewater kayaking is a strenuous activity. You will get the most from your course if you are in good physical condition. The following guidelines should help you choose the course appropriate for you. Paddling skills build on each other; to participate in a level II course you should have mastery of the skills listed in level I. Please be honest with yourself when evaluating your abilities. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about which course you should take.

Introduction to Kayaking Click here to see dates available
If you have never kayaked or only have minimal experience in a closed-cockpit boat this course is for you. Being a competent swimmer with a taste for water and fun is all that is required.

River Running Level 1 Click here to see dates available

You will need a basic knowledge of paddle strokes, (forward & back paddling, sweeps, braces and draws) the ability to paddle straight on flat water and familiarity with river features. You must also be able to perform eddy turns, ferries and peel outs. A solid roll is great, but if you’re working towards one and willing to try T-rescues that’s okay.

River Running Level 2 Click here to see dates available
You will need a reliable moving water roll and the ability to make clean eddy turns, ferries and peel outs on Class II whitewater. You must have experience paddling Class III whitewater and a basic knowledge of play-boating (front & side surfing.)

Advanced Courses

Freestyle Click here to see dates available

You will need a reliable whitewater roll and have the ability to confidently front and side surf small waves and holes. You must be very comfortable paddling and executing maneuvers on Class III whitewater. get more info

Hairboating 101 Click here to see dates available
You will need a solid whitewater roll and a relaxed attitude. You must be very comfortable executing precise maneuvers and play-boating on Class III+ whitewater and have experience paddling Class IV-.
get more info

Course Descriptions

The following are descriptions of our whitewater courses. The dynamic nature of paddle sports requires flexibility on our part and yours. Courses may differ depending on length, water levels and the individual needs and progress of each group.

Kayak Rolling Click here to see dates available
This introductory two-evening course is taught in warm water and makes learning to roll fun. After a brief gear overview you will learn controlled wet-exits. Being comfortable upside down underwater is an important part of rolling. Our instructors will work with you one-on-one to help you feel at ease.

Next you’ll learn basic paddle and boat handling skills, rolling with a float, the T-rescue and finally rolling. These steps break a seemingly difficult task into fun and manageable skills. This clinic is ideal if you are a first timer or if you’re a more experienced kayaker and you’ve had trouble staying in your boat. If you are a touring kayaker rolling skills are very useful and will improve your brace.

Introduction to Kayaking Click here to see dates available

If you’re a competent swimmer in good physical condition this course will give you a solid background of kayaking basics and allow you to soon have fun on the river. After your instructor gets you acquainted with your equipment, you will kayak on flat water at scenic Slide Lake or on the Snake River. There you’ll learn basic paddle strokes and maneuvers.

Your lesson heads to moving water on day two. Before embarking your instructor will give a "chalk-talk" highlighting river safety, river features and concepts of river running. Then you’ll kayak a six to nine mile stretch of the Snake focusing on eddy turns, peel outs, ferrying and fun.

Every course is unique. Depending on the length of your course, the mornings of days three and four are usually spent learning and practicing rolling. As the course progresses you’ll get to use your new skills and experience the thrill of paddling different stretches of rivers. Our six-day course culminates with an overnight trip on the Green River. Each stretch of river offers unique scenery and challenges. You’ll want to paddle them all. That’s okay, come back for more. River Running Level 1, anyone?

Women’s Introductory Clinics Click here to see dates available
Have you noticed differences between men and women? We have! Differences in men’s and women’s learning styles prompted us to design an introductory course for women, taught by women. This course will have you enjoying kayaking in short order. It covers the same material as Introductory Kayaking.

Just For Kids’ Kayaking Click here to see dates available
Please contact us for information about Jackson Hole Kayak Club’s junior programs. This program runs from April through October and is geared for novices to experts. JHKC is a non-profit corporation.

River Running Level 1 Click here to see dates available
You have learned the basics and you’re ready for more. You’re in the right place. Beginning with a thorough review of paddle strokes on flat water, your instructor will evaluate your skills and help improve your technique. On the river you’ll focus on making crisp eddy turns, peel outs and ferries.

While paddling one of the valley’s rivers, your instructor will introduce you to the excitement of play-boating. River surfing is as fun as it gets. Your instructor will coach you to surf friendly waves and holes.

As you continue honing your skills on a variety of whitewater runs your instructor will use "chalk talks" to help you understand the subtleties of river currents, reading water and running rapids. This course will also include time to practice rolling and further lessons in river safety. Whitewater rules!

River Running Level IIClick here to see dates available
If you’ve been having fun on the water and you are ready to paddle at the next level, this is your course. Your instructor will help you break bad habits, sharpen techniques, expand your play-boating and paddle with confidence on more difficult whitewater. Off side rolls, duffecks, precision eddy turns, jet-ferries, enders, spinning in holes, and dynamic surfing are among the skills you’ll learn.

Once on the river you’ll enjoy using your new and improved technique to maneuver and play in whitewater. Play-boating is fun. It is also the best way to learn the boat control needed to paddle whitewater of greater difficulty. Using diagrams and on-river experience your instructor will teach you how to "pick your line," and become more self-sufficient in turbulent water. E=MC2, More action equals more fun!

Main Salmon

Join our team of JHKS instructors as we enjoy the beautiful scenery and rapids of Idaho’s legendary "River of no Return." This six day adventure is the ultimate culmination of a season for paddlers of all skill levels. Novice’s will be challenged by Salmon Falls, Big Mallard and Growler, while more experienced paddlers will enjoy great play boating throughout the canyon. Everyone will appreciate the warm water, white sand beaches and the luxuries of first class food and camping on this raft supported trip. Non-paddlers are also welcome to ride the raft or paddle their very own inflatable kayak.

September 5-10, 2002

Freestyle Click here to see dates available
You are feeling comfortable in holes and surfing it up. You’re ready for Freestyle. In this two-day course you will begin learning the latest rodeo moves from instructors at the forefront of playing the river.
Technology is your friend. To make learning easier you’ll paddle in our cutting edge rodeo kayaks. Once outfitted, your instructor will guide you to many fun play spots. There you’ll receive step-by-step instruction as you enter the world of rodeo moves. Stern squirts, back surfing, pirouettes, flat-spinning waves and cartwheels are all among tricks covered in this exciting course.

Hairboating 101 Click here to see dates available

If you yearn for the excitement of Class IV & V whitewater but are concerned about getting in over your head, we can help. Taught by veteran Class V expeditionary kayakers, this two-day course will teach you how to safely paddle difficult whitewater with proficiency and style.

The key to enjoying tough rapids (big, steep or big and steep) is being confident that you can make the moves. By executing difficult moves on easier whitewater, understanding the mysteries of confusing currents and learning to stay relaxed you’ll begin to build this confidence. Depending on river levels, you’ll get to paddle big stuff or fun, steep creeks.

Private Instruction Click here to see dates available
Whatever your paddling experience or ability, you will benefit from the personal attention of private instruction. If you’re a beginner, private lessons allow you to learn at exactly your pace. For novices and beyond your instructor will help you achieve your goals and move on to the next level. We are happy to customize lessons of any length to fit your schedule. Private lessons are available on a daily basis March through October.

Sit-On-Top Lessons Click here to see dates available
If you have limited time and enjoy being on and in the water, this half-day course will give you a sample of what rivers have to offer. Self-bailing, sit-on-top kayaks offer a forgiving ride and are loads of fun. After learning about river safety and basic boat handling skills you will paddle down a friendly stretch of the Snake River.

ACA Instructor Development Click here to see dates available
This three-day workshop thoroughly covers the skills required to become an ACA certified instructor. It is an excellent learning experience whether or not you intend to instruct kayaking. Progression of skills, paddle strokes, river currents, river safety, group dynamics and communication are among topics covered. If you are confident paddling Class III whitewater you are welcome to participate. This course does not include lunches.

ACA Instructor Certification Click here to see dates available

You must have completed a development workshop to attend this two-day course. You will receive a valuable assessment of your paddling skills. Flat, moving and whitewater certifications are available. Participation does not guarantee certification. This course does not include lunches.

River Rescue Clinics Click here to see dates available
If your boat was pinned in the middle of a rapid would you know what to do? Take our rescue clinic and you will answer "yes" to this and many other questions. This clinic is designed specifically for paddlers with minimal equipment who are faced with challenging rescue situations.
Through lecture and demonstrations you’ll learn specific knots and how to set up rescue systems. You will also get on-river experience. Strong swimmer rescue and retrieving pinned boats are among the skills practiced. You must be comfortable paddling Class II water to participate. Lunches and transportation are not provided with this course.

Our guides are outdoor professionals with extensive wilderness kayaking experience. We provide the highest quality touring kayaks, gear and camping equipment. The food is "backcountry gourmet", at its best. Tours kayaking and camping gear, transportation, shuttles and meals. You need only bring your camera, personal clothing, toiletries and a sleeping bag. We provide sleeping bags for additional fee.

Custom tours are also available. If you have your own group we are happy to create a tour to fit your needs. Please call for rates and information. Click here to send us a comment/inquiry

Touring Kayak Basics on Slide Lake Click here to see dates available
Learn to paddle a touring or recreational kayak on scenic Slide Lake. Slide Lake was formed in 1925 by the cataclysmic collapse of the north slope of Sheep Mountain. The slide path and debris are still clearly visible as you travel up the Gros Ventre River to the lake.

With views of surrounding forest, the red rock of the Gros Ventre Range and the peaks of the Grand Tetons, Slide Lake offers the perfect venue for learning to paddle. Basic stroke technique and kayaking safety are all covered in this fun and informative half-day course. More importantly, your guide will soon have you gliding across the water in your new craft. This course is a must for beginning recreational or touring kayakers.

Introduction to Kayak Touring-Lewis Lake Day Tour Click here to see dates available
If you don’t have a lot of time, this trip will give you a taste of kayak touring. Before embarking your guide will teach you the basics of handling your kayak. Lewis lake tours travel the west shore exploring thermal features and the entrance of the Lewis Channel. After this taste of kayaking you’ll want to return for a full serving. Try one of our multi-day tours.

Yellowstone Lake 3-Day Tour Click here to see dates available

Cradled gently in the bowl of a high plateau, Yellowstone Lake’s 110 miles of shoreline bisect some of the most remote wilderness in the lower 48. Even if you have never kayaked you can enjoy this unique backcountry experience.

Traveling by motorized shuttle boat from Bridge Bay Marina, you and your guide will cruise to the southern arms of the lake and into the wilderness. After setting your camp, your guide will teach you the basics of paddling a touring kayak amidst this serene corner of the lake.

Your kayak will take you deeper into the wilderness and waters open only to paddlers. Wildlife sightings, snow capped mountains and verdant forest will all compete for your attention. You will also have time to hike, fish, take photos and enjoy the peacefulness of the backcountry before the shuttle arrives to return you to civilization.

Lewis & Shoshone Lake 3-Day Tour Click here to see dates available
If you are in condition to paddle longer distances and willing to line your kayak upstream you will enjoy the rewards of this tour. Pristine Shoshone Lake is in the backcountry and is open to paddlers.

Your guide will lead you up Lewis Lake and through the clear flowing waters of Lewis Channel. While paddling keep your eyes peeled for birds of prey, water fowl, trout, moose and other creatures that like to cruise this waterway.

Once on the Shoshone Lake you’ll have time to swim, fish and relax on the beach while your guide sets camp and cooks hearty meals. For most, the highlight of the tour is exploring the wonders of nearby Shoshone Geyser Basin. After experiencing the peacefulness of Yellowstone Backcountry it is hard to leave. At least its downhill most of the way back.