Paddling School
The Collinsville Canoe & Kayak lesson program is built on the belief that a proper foundation of skills and techniques will lead to a lifetime of fun and enjoyment. See our current classes below, or contact us about a private lesson!
Our highly qualified instructors will teach the skills you need to build your confidence and pursue your chosen paddlesport. We strive to keep our student-to-instructor ratio low to ensure each student receives one-on-one attention in a controlled and safety-conscious environment. We continue to add classes to our schedule - sign up for our email newsletter at the bottom for updates.
Advanced registration and payment are required and may be made through our website by choosing a class below. Also see our Forms and Waivers webpage for required Liability Waivers and kids' forms as indicated in the class descriptions.
We hold our lessons "Rain or Shine," except in the event of extreme weather. See our complete Cancellation Policy and other policies in the About Us section.
Courses have come to an end for 2023. Check back in early 2024 for an updated schedule.
Our program includes the following courses.
ADULTS
INTRODUCTION TO KAYAKING AGES 16+
This two hour course is the perfect way to learn the sport you have always wanted to try, or to refresh your skills if you haven't paddled in a while. Our experienced instructors will teach you about kayak designs, materials and equipment. Students will practice getting into the kayak, paddling, turning, and safety. Emphasis will be on students feeling comfortable getting started with flatwater kayaking. You will learn on-the-water in the tranquil section of the Farmington River behind our shop using our high quality boats, paddles, and PFDs. Come have some fun on the water at Collinsville Canoe & Kayak!
INTRODUCTION TO CANOEING (SOLO OR TANDEM) AGES 16+
Enjoy an exploration of the original North American public transportation! The course objective is to enable you to paddle a solo or tandem canoe with control on protected waters. You will learn about boat designs, materials and equipment. Students will practice getting into the boat from shore and dock, paddling forward and backward, turning, sideways maneuvers and safety. Emphasis will be on students learning to steer and coordinate with a partner for a fun paddling experience. This class will prove that "tippy canoe..." is a rhyme and not a fact.?You will learn on-the-water in the tranquil section of the Farmington River behind our shop using our high quality boats, paddles, and PFDs.
INTRO TO PADDLEBOARDING AGES 16+
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a new perspective on exploring our waterways. It's also a great way to get a full body workout. Our 1.5 hour basics session will take place on the calm section of Farmington River behind our shop with our high quality paddleboards and gear. We'll cover all the fundamentals: getting familiar with equipment, water entry and balance, proper stance and positioning on the board, efficient paddling technique, safety and etiquette. This is a sport that can be enjoyed in both calm and flat water as well as taken to the next level in the surf or in whitewater.
PADDLEBOARD YOGA AGES 16+
Yoga on a stand up paddleboard (SUP) goes together like happiness and sunshine. Doing yoga on the paddleboard simply enhances your yoga workout. The board on the water requires enough extra balance to invigorate your yoga practice. The gentle rocking of the water only improves the experience. This is unlike any yoga experience you will ever have. Get in touch with your body and nature in this 1.5 hour class.
Work at your own level and progress as you create a connection between water and board. Wear water gear, hats, and maybe sunscreen. We will provide high quality paddleboards, paddles, and PFDs. Some previous paddleboarding experience is recommended, but no Yoga experience is required.
KIDS
KIDS YOUNG PADDLING PROGRAM
Our kids programs are geared towards younger children ages 7- 11 who are at home in the water and are good swimmers. Our programs are designed for fun and learning on the water with an emphasis on safety. Our instructors enhance the learning process with games, team-building exercises, and environmental awareness. Choose from one of our weeklong morning or afternoon sessions which feature kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing.
Our introductory to advanced levels give your child the opportunity to learn and progress in an environment appropriate for them:
- The Advanced Kayaking class is for those who have completed a week Paddling Program.
- The Whitewater Kayaking class is for those who have completed a week Paddling Program and Advanced Kayaking or have additional paddling experience (please inquire).
KIDS ADVANCED KAYAKING
Our kids advanced program is geared towards children ages 9- 15 who are at home in the water, are good swimmers, and have completed a week Paddling Program. Our programs are designed for fun and learning on the water with an emphasis on safety. Our instructors enhance the learning process with games, team-building exercises, and environmental awareness.
Choose from one of our weeklong morning or afternoon sessions which feature kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing (unless otherwise specified).
Our beginner to advanced levels give your child the opportunity to learn and progress in an environment appropriate for them:
- The Paddling Program provides an introduction to kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing.
- The Whitewater Kayaking class is for those who have completed a week Paddling Program and Advanced Kayaking or have additional paddling experience (please inquire).
KIDS WHITEWATER KAYAKING
Our kids whitewater program is geared towards children ages 12- 15 who are at home in the water, are good swimmers, and have completed a week Paddling Program and Advanced Kayaking. Our program is designed for fun and learning on the water with an emphasis on safety. Our whitewater week gives your child the opportunity to learn and progress in an environment appropriate for them. Our instructors enhance the learning process with games, team-building exercises, and environmental awareness.