Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking

This is the program for a beginner paddler. Lessons will start out on Boulder Reservoir and will get the students confident with the basics of kayaking. As the group becomes comfortable paddling on the lake, they will progress to moving water and then to Class II whitewater.

Lake:

Gear: We will introduce students to all of the gear involved in kayaking such as kayaks, paddles, helmets, PFDs, spray skirts, and safety equipment. Students will also learn about waterproof clothing and using layers to prevent hypothermia. We will explain and demonstrate all different types of whitewater kayaks and what they are used for, including playboats, river-play boats, river runners, and creek boats. Safety: Safety is the number one concern of the instructors at Downstream Edge. Before getting in the water, students will learn the most important safety skill in kayaking: the wet exit. It is important for all students to know how to get out of their kayak if they tip over. Flipping over is completely safe as long as the paddler can easily get out. This will also develop confidence in the student's ability to escape an upside-down kayak, which is usually the biggest fear for first timers.

Paddle Strokes: Once in the lake, students will first learn how to balance in a kayak. We will teach basic paddling strokes such as turning strokes, corrective strokes, forward and backward strokes, and bracing. Games: Downstream Edge has a myriad of fun games that are designed to help students improve their balance and paddling strokes.

Safety: At this point, students are ready to learn hip snaps and bow rescues. This is a great way to develop teamwork amongst paddlers. Students will flip upside-down and use their buddies' boat to right themselves. The hip snap and the bow rescue are the first steps in learning how to roll.

Rolling: Finally, the students will have become confident flatwater paddlers. They are now ready to learn how to roll. Some people learn the roll quickly, while others take more time. At Downstream Edge, we place emphasis on paddling skills, bracing, and bow rescues. The roll will come eventually. As a beginner, it is more important to learn how to paddle than it is to learn how to roll. Just because a paddler doesn't know how to roll, does not mean that they are not ready to paddle on a river.

River:

Safety: Before progressing to paddling on rivers, students must first understand how to be safe on a river. They will learn about rivers and their anatomy, water flow, rocks, strainers, holes, eddies, etc. We will teach them what to do in case they flip over and swim out of their kayak and how to get to shore safely. They will learn about hazards and how to avoid them. We will also teach them how to use basic safety equipment such as throw ropes and whistles.

Communication: Kayakers use hand signals and verbal communication to pass information to each other on a river. All Downstream Edge students will be familiar with on-river communication. River maneuvers: Students will learn basic river maneuvers such as ferries, peel- outs, and eddy turns. They will also learn proper group organization and teamwork for running rivers. Understanding whitewater: Rivers are all different and constantly changing. Downstream Edge students will learn about and paddle on all types of rivers. They will learn how to scout rapids and recognize hazards. We will also instill a sense of moderation in our students. We feel that it is important that paddlers understand that it is okay to walk a rapid if it seems too difficult or if they are having a bad day. Students will always be encouraged to do their best and to excel at kayaking. We want them to have fun and be safe.

Leadership: Students will also learn how to lead groups down a river safely. At Downstream Edge, we want to develop our students into leaders. Each student will have the opportunity to be in front.