Private Whitewater Kayak Lessons

One-on-one or small group lessons

Why Choose a Private Kayaking Lesson with Cascade?

Private and small group lessons allow you to learn at your own pace and focus on specific skills to quickly advance your kayaking.

Our Curriculum

For over 30 years, Cascade Kayak School has developed and refined the most effective instructional concepts and methods to help you learn and advance in this exciting sport.

Our Instructors

Top level kayakers in their own right, our instructors are also excellent teachers and communicators who are passionate about sharing the sport of kayaking with you.

Our River

The Payette River features ALL levels of whitewater within one hour of Boise, Idaho. It’s the perfect place to learn, practice and advance your kayaking skills.

Request a private lesson

WHY JOIN A PRIVATE KAYAKING CLASS?

Customized instruction and focused practice time can shorten your learning curve and establish a solid foundation of kayaking technique that you can build on as you continue your kayaking progression.Capitalize on prior experience and refine your kayaking with private instruction.

REVIEWS

  • Title

    "Can’t say enough about private kayak lessons with Cascade Raft and Kayak. I’ve worked with several instructors and each has an uncanny knack of determining what you need to work on, and delivering that instruction in a way that is very productive and always fun. You are never forced to cover something you mastered 2 years ago, or thrown into something way over your head. Plus no other company is as diligent with safety and logistics. Everything is always done on time, professionally, and with good taste… even lunch!"

    Kim
  • Slide title

    "The first year I took rowing lessons, Shane introduced me to the river. We went over each rapid and discussed how various flows would affect them. Shane was a wealth of knowledge. His decade on the Payette taught me in a day what would have taken me weeks to learn on my own. I was able to get a cheat sheet of what to expect this summer and continue boating in both high and low whitewater. Shane is very patient and confident."

    Erica
  • Slide title

    "I have been taking private and semi-private lessons from the Long family for most of two decades.  They have helped me learn the Eskimo roll many times over.  They have helped me to slowly and steadily stretch my comfort levels in a variety of settings.  Their instruction techniques, their use of video, and their patience are all fantastic. You will not find better kayak instruction."

    Kenny
  • Slide title

    "Kayaking with Cascade Raft & Kayak, is about the best you can get! They are highly skilled, safe, instructors and staff.  They teach, at a totally different level. I have taken multiple lessons with a lot of companies, and no one compares, no one. You are drilled on 4 concepts, and work on those skills, which you never hear from most other. They are simple in their teachings, and they are always watching over your safety.  No matter what level you paddle, you will gain more knowledge and experience, and feel more confident in your padding."

    Tammie
  • Slide title

    "I have used Cascade Raft and Kayak for private instruction and trip guiding for almost two decades.  They teach and guide for all levels of kayaking.  Their instructors are highly trained in safety and rescue.  They have generations of knowledge and experience which have crafted instructional programs that are always challenging, safe, and guaranteed to improve anyone’s skills.  And they are a bunch of nice people, too! They are simply the best."

    Teresa
  • Slide title

    "I would recommend Cascade Raft and Kayak to anyone looking to grow as a boater. The team has enough experience that any skill level can benefit. I loved that the private lessons were tailored to me and my goals. It revolved around my comfort zone and giving myself the opportunity to make mistakes with professional staff to discuss the process while it was occurring."

    Erica

PRivate Kayak Lessons FAQs

  • Are your kayaking lessons for hardshell kayaking only, or can I learn in an IK or packraft?

    Cascade Kayak School teaches the skills for all these crafts! Many of the foundational kayaking techniques are the same, but we have developed some specific approaches for successful river-running in inflatable kayaks as well as packrafts. A private or small group kayak lesson is a great way to boost your kayaking skills and confidence, no matter how you like to kayak.

  • What makes a private kayaking lesson a good value?

    Flexibility and focus. A private or small group lesson with Cascade Kayak School can be customized to meet your schedule and kayaking goals. Available as half day or full day instruction, these lessons can be booked any day of the week. Whether you have previous experience or are just starting out, you can learn at your pace and focus on the specific skills you need to meet your kayaking goals. 

  • I have previous kayaking experience. Can Cascade Kayak School help me with a specific goal?

    Absolutely! A half-day or full-day private or small group lesson with one of our instructional team can address exactly what you would like to learn. Whether it’s safety and guidance for a new run, increasing precision, learning to surf, tweaking that roll, really sticking those eddies, or staying upright in the big waves, a private or small group lesson will capitalize on the kayaking experience you already have and focus on getting you to where you want to go next. 

  • Can I learn to roll in my private kayak lesson?

    Sure thing! We can work on rolling during your private lesson. We have a pool at our center to work on rolling before or after the river portion of the lesson, or we could stop on the river for a little work on the roll. It takes a lot of energy, so short, focused sessions are usually the best way to learn or reinforce the roll. For all private lessons, the curriculum is tailored to the skills you’d like to address, so let us know how we can help you meet your kayaking goals. If you’re not sure, our instructors can give you a quick evaluation of your kayaking skills and make some suggestions to get you to the next level. 

  • I’m already a class IV kayaker—how would private instruction help me?

    You’ve put in a ton of work to get this far and we admire and respect that. The best in any game are always looking to learn and refine, and our experienced instructors have the background to give you that extra edge. Our instructional team is led by former US Slalom Team member, Chad Long and features slalom racers, freestyle team members and North Fork Championship racers. If you’re looking to boost your South Fork precision or are preparing to run the North Fork, consider tapping into the expertise of Cascade Kayak School’s instructional staff with a private lesson.

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