Flatwater & Moving Water Canoe Classes May 11-12


Come learn how to improve your strokes and other canoeing skills on a lake and then take what you have learned and apply it to moving water.

Essentials of Canoeing: flatwater and moving water

May 11 & 12, 2019

This is a Day and a half class on May 11 and 12. The cost is $40 per person for the entire class (or $25 per person for just the flatwater class on May 11) to be paid before the class. Students can enroll for only the flatwater day if they desire. If you are not a current American Canoe Association (ACA) member, there is an additional $5 insurance fee; if you are a current ACA member please provide that number to the class instructors. Lead instructors are Lynne Carpenter and Debbie Hinde. Please register by emailing Lynne Carpenter at [email protected].

Location depends on the water level and will be announced a couple of weeks before the class. May 18 has been designated as the back-up date in case of bad weather. Maximum number of boats is twelve for the flatwater day and 6 per session (see below) on the moving water day.

Essentials of Canoeing Part I: Flatwater

Saturday, May 11, 2019, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

We will cover canoe equipment, boat outfitting, canoe strokes, water safety, and basic maneuvering. Fun, dynamic drills and games will help you learn basic skills for moving the canoe as efficiently as possible using the following strokes: forward and backward strokes, sweeps, draws, pries, and the J stroke.


This class will be held in a lake or reservoir in the Denver Metropolitan area. May 18 has been designated as the back-up date in case of bad weather. Maximum number of boats for this class is 12.

Essentials of Canoeing Part II: Moving Water

Sunday, May 12, 2019: Two sessions: 8:00am – 12:00 pm OR 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Take your flatwater skills on to moving water in Part II where you will learn skills for paddling in moving water. Skills will include “reading” water, safety considerations on moving water, advanced canoe strokes, and specific canoe maneuvers including eddy turns, ferries, and S turns.
This class will be held in on a river near the Denver Metropolitan area. May 18 has been designated as the back-up date in case of bad weather. Maximum number of boats per session is 6 due to class size limitations in available venues. Please indicate which session you prefer when you sign up – first come first serve. u