Whitewater Fever

4 Session Class

2025 class schedules are posted!

Book online, call the shop (206) 281-9694 or stop by to register with the class fee to hold each spot. Refundable up to 2 weeks before class start.

Whitewater kayaking is a thrilling and dynamic sport accessible to almost everyone with some preliminary instruction. Over the years we have continually examined and refined our teaching techniques into a top-notch and respected program. All NWOC instructors are patient, thorough and knowledgeable.

We'll get you excited about the sport and give you a foundation that you can build upon for years to come. If you are looking for a new and rewarding experience, take a whitewater class and catch the fever. Also a great class for sea kayakers looking to improve their rough water boat handling skills.

Key Takeaways

Learn by doing with the first two nights on Lake Union to teach forward, turning, lateral and bracing strokes.
During the river days we'll build confidence by putting students in a safe place to learn and have fun. We focus on building a foundation you'll need no matter what difficulty of rivers you aspire to paddle.
By the end of the weekend you may have an incurable case of whitewater fever, where all you can think about is your next chance to paddle.

The four sessions include 2 lake sessions and 2 full river days.

We'll practice the fundamentals of whitewater kayaking which are eddy turns, peel outs, ferrying, river reading skills, wet exits, and self rescue techniques.

We focus on active learning. We teach the skills you need to paddle with others on rivers that match your level.

After this class you will have the basic grasp on how to run class 2 rivers. It is best to stay on class 2 until you can catch every eddy and make every ferry. After that you can move up to 2+ and easy 3.

Knowing how to roll is not required for this class. We suggest starting the process of learning an Eskimo roll to further your paddling after this kayaking course.

Which river we go to depends on flow. The June class is usually held at the Green River in Flaming Geyser State Park. It can also take place at the Snoqualmie River, just below the falls.

In July, we almost always hold it on the Snoqualmie River (Powerhouse).

Students for this class must be 17 years of age or older.

Format

Wednesday and Thursday evenings 6pm-8:30pm: forward, turning, lateral and bracing strokes on Lake Union

Saturday and Sunday on the river: eddy turns, peel outs, ferrying, river reading skills, wet exits, and self-rescue techniques

Cost

$399/person includes boat, wetsuit/drysuit & gear

For class we'll fit you into a whitewater kayak, and have larger fitting options as well, along with a NRS wetsuit or Kokatat dry suit. You are responsible for transportation to and from the river on the weekend days.