Kayak Instruction

Lessons, Classes, and Camps

Join Idaho’s Premier Kayak School

Learn to Kayak on Idaho’s Payette River

Only 1 hour from Boise


Located on the banks of the Payette River, Cascade Kayak School is in the heart of Idaho's famous whitewater. We use a proven teaching progression that quickly develops your competence with the primary goal of promoting safety. Under the direction of Chad Long, our instructional staff brings with them years of experience and a passion for teaching. Our instruction will help you improve your skills at any level of paddling.

Cascade Raft & Kayak Has the Right Class For You

Whether you’re looking to join others in a group class, hone your kayaking skills through private instruction, or send your kids to amazing summer camp, Cascade Kayak School has you covered. All of Cascade Kayak School’s lessons include the necessary equipment, or you are welcome to bring your own gear. 

WEEKEND KAYAK CLASSES

From basic strokes and river maneuvers to more advanced techniques, spend a couple of days with us for a solid kayaking foundation. Our 3-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio ensures personal attention. Choose from an introductory course, or an advanced whitewater class.

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PRIVATE KAYAK LESSONS

If you have a tight schedule or specific learning goals, call us for a private lesson. Private instruction is a great learning value for your time. If have a group of paddling partners or friends, book a semi-private class. Experienced instructors will help you move your paddling skills to the next level.

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KIDS KAYAKING SUMMER CAMP ON THE PAYETTE RIVER

Friends, fun, excitement and more! Youngsters of all kayaking levels will find non-stop action and challenge. Each day is designed to teach kayaking skills and build confidence while the kids have a (well-supervised) blast with other young thrill seekers.

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REVIEWS

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    "A model business in Boise's back yard! My wife and I purchased the 2-day kayak instruction package and enjoyed everything about our experience. The guides, gift shop attendants, cooks and owners were all extremely accommodating. My wife and I are vegan and every employee mentioned above made sure we were given the proper food. I have never had service this great! Who knew it was in my back yard? The instructors made everyone feel extremely safe and every person in the group of 14 left with significant skill improvement regardless of where they started off. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for some outdoor adventure."

    Dustin
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    "Cascade Raft & Kayak is a top-notch place to get on the river. My second year taking a 2 full day kayak clinic. They have great teaching systems, instructors are very safe and aware of your competency and safety and super fun! You will learn loads of skills and grow in competence at your pace and skill level. Highly recommend! My whole experience has been A+!"

    Don
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    "Our Intro to White Water Kayaking was led by instructors who compete in world-class slalom and Red Bull Pro Freestyle events. There was 1 instructor for every 2 kayakers and each session was focused on developing top-notch techniques around forward paddles, bow draws, wet exits, and rudders. The timid beginner will feel completely prepared and the thrill-seeker will enjoy class 3 rapids. I will recommend this course to anyone in the intermountain west who's thinking about trying out or wanting to further their whitewater kayaking experience - thanks again Cascade Raft & Kayak!"

    Chris
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    "My 8 year-old walked away from the 2-day kayak camp stoked and confident about kayaking. Cascade was extremely professional and seemed to strike the right balance between not just instructing kayaking but also developing confidence and letting the kids have fun."

    Barb
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    "My 15 year old daughter just returned from the 4 day kayak camp and she had a ball! I was a little worried because she had never kayaked but they were so professional and welcoming, and accommodate all skill levels. My daughter said she will be doing the kayak camp every summer! Thanks to the staff for making it such a special experience."

    Blaire
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    "Absolutely excellent experience all around. Great training, well organized and super fun. Cascade raft and kayak made the whole experience smooth and rewarding. 

    Great communication, excellent guide to student ratio. Felt safe the whole time. I did the intro to white water kayaking. They made learning a hard sport fun, safe and fairly easy."

    Dawn

Kayaking FAQs

  • Where will my kayaking instruction take place?

    Cascade Kayak School is located in Idaho’s whitewater mecca! Just 1 hour from Boise, Idaho the Payette River is an amazing classroom with sections of whitewater from class I to class V. All classes meet at the Cascade Raft River Center. Where you will kayak depends on which section is best suited to your experience and goals. Introductory classes often take place on the Main Payette starting at the Cascade Raft River Center and heading downstream toward Horseshoe Bend. Located in Horseshoe Bend is the Horseshoe Bend Hydroelectric diversion, locally known as "the gutter." This is a dynamic river environment that is an excellent spot for surfing as well as focused skills development at a variety of levels. The Main Payette upstream of the Cascade Raft River Center is a solid class III run, and class IV sections can be found on the South Fork of the Payette.  No matter your level, there’s a section of the Payette for you!

  • What does my whitewater kayaking instruction include?

    We’ll get you set with everything you need! Kayak instruction includes the necessary equipment (boat, paddle, helmet, life jacket, spray skirt) as well as appropriate gear for the weather and water conditions (wetsuit, booties, splash jacket). If you book a full day class or lesson, lunch from our café is also provided. And, of course, we’ll take care of the ground logistics, like shuttles, as well. If you wish to bring your own equipment, you are more than welcome to.

  • What should I bring for my Idaho kayak instruction?

    It is usually wise to bring sunscreen and water, a hat, and perhaps a towel. If you plan to wear glasses or sunglasses, we recommend a strap to keep them on. We offer Chums glasses retainers as well as waterproof phone cases for sale in our gift shop. Anything you take with you is likely to get wet, so plan appropriately. If you want to bring your water bottle along, you can clip it in your boat, or your instructor would be glad to carry it for you. We have free lockers at the River Center so you can stow anything you need to keep secure and dry. 

  • What should I wear for my kayaking instruction?

    Clothes you don’t mind getting wet – swimsuit, nylon shorts, t-shirt, and river sandals or tennis shoes you can get wet. Except in the heat of summer, it is best to avoid wearing cotton clothing. We have changing rooms with lockers and rest rooms at our river center, so don't forget a change of clothes for after your kayaking session. For full day classes and lessons, we’ll return to our center for lunch, so you’ll have a chance to get dry and relax a bit before heading back out on the river.

  • What qualifications do Cascade Kayak School instructors have?

    Since its inception in 1991, Cascade Kayak School has been well-known for the quality of its instruction and instructors. All instructors are licensed by the State of Idaho, which requires a specific standard of competency and skill as well as first aid and CPR certifications. In addition, Cascade Kayak School instructors complete a rigorous training course to fine-tune their instructional methods and thoroughly understand our curriculum and approach. They are also up to date on river rescue and safety protocols. Many of our instructors come from a whitewater slalom racing background and bring a wealth of technical knowledge. All this comes with top-notch kayaking skills, engaging personalities, genuine enjoyment of the sport, and the desire to share that with you.

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