Arkansas River Inflatable Kayak Lesson (Group) - 1/2 Day

Rental • Lesson

Duration: 3.5 hours

Buena Vista • Nathrop • Salida

Features

Beginner Friendly

Instant Book

Shuttle Included

Locally Owned

$110 Adult

(Ages 12+)

Description

Group Half-Day Inflatable Kayak Lesson - Arkansas River

Ready to dive into the world of whitewater kayaking? This guided inflatable kayak lesson is the perfect way to build your skills, gain confidence on the river, and gain experience navigating rapids on your own. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to refine your technique, our expert guides will tailor the experience to your ability level and ensure a fun day on the Arkansas River.

Situated in the Heart of the Rockies, the Arkansas River threads its way through a vacationer’s paradise. From the river’s source in the snowy peaks of the Saguache Range to the bottom of the Royal Gorge near Canon City, the Arkansas has all levels of whitewater from beginner to intermediate.

Your inflatable kayak lesson begins at the base, where you’ll check in, meet your guide, and get fitted with all necessary gear, including a life jacket, helmet, paddle, and splash gear. After a safety briefing and land-based instruction, we'll head to the put-in. You'll learn paddling techniques, how to read the river, and key self-rescue skills.

After paddling and instruction, we'll load up the gear and shuttle back to the base. You can revisit your day’s events with your instructor and view photos taken, on some sections of the river, of you or your group that day. Whether you're new to kayaking or looking to refine your skills, this guided lesson is the perfect way to experience the Arkansas River’s legendary whitewater!

Duration

3.5 hours from start to finish, 2-2.5 hours on the water

Location / Where to Meet

17921 U.S. Hwy 285
Nathrop, CO, 81236

Our location is easily accessible from Buena Vista and Salida, making it an easy and exciting addition to any Colorado vacation.

Ages & Requirements

Ages 12+

Experience level and river section will be determined by your group's ability. We reserve the right to choose the level of whitewater appropriate to the guest’s ability and age.

What's Included

All river equipment and gear: Single or double (tandem) Inflatable kayak, Paddle, Life Jacket, Helmet
Splash jackets/pants
Shuttle to and from the river

Not Included

No lunch is provided on 1/2 day trips unless arranged prior to your trip. Additional costs (rental gear etc.) will vary for custom requests.
Wetsuits (available to rent)
Neoprene booties (available to rent)
Gratuities are not included in your trip cost. While tipping is done at your discretion, tipping is one of the gauges we use in terms of customer satisfaction. If you are ever not satisfied, please let us know so that we can adjust our expeditions in the future.

What to Bring

You may bring snacks for the trip stored in dry bag with your guide.
Nylon shorts and non-cotton shirt or poly propylene top (fleece top)
Light water-resistant jacket
Pair of tennis shoes – tie-on preferred (NO sandals) or wet boots
Wool socks will help keep feet warm in tennis shoes
Sunglasses with loss protector/keeper, with UV protection
Sunscreen (you'll be at over 8000′ altitude – lots of UV exposure)
Hat for sun protection (tie-on)
Personal water bottle that can be secured (with a clip)

Podcast

About the Outfitter

Bill and Jaci Dvorak have been outdoor educators together since their marriage in 1969. They have taught in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and England, where they have worked for several outdoor leadership courses, such as NOLS and Outward Bound. Proud to be a family-run outfitting business, Dvorak Expeditions offers rafting and custom fishing trips, instructional courses for youth organizations, and certified rescue swift water and rope training. Their world-renowned adventures have been featured in ESPN, National Geographic, the Chicago Tribune, travel books, Backpacker Magazine, Outside, television specials, local publications, and chambers of commerce.

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Dvorak Expeditions

FAQs

When does the Arkansas River run?

Great question! Kayak lessons are available from May through September. Check out our guide to the seasonality of Colorado rivers for an overview of when rivers are running, difficulty, locations and more.

Can I bring my own inflatable kayak?

Yes, if you have your own equipment, you're welcome to bring it. At checkout, select this option and your booking will be discounted. In the comments, please be sure to list all of the personal gear you will be bringing.

Do I need prior kayaking experience?

No prior experience is required! Our guides will assess your skill level and choose an appropriate section of the river. Beginners will start with fundamental instruction before hitting the water.

What is the difference between an inflatable kayak and a hardshell kayak?

Inflatable kayaks (also called "duckies") are more stable, forgiving, and easier to maneuver than traditional hardshell kayaks, making them perfect for learning whitewater paddling.

What class rapids will we paddle?

The section of the Arkansas River is chosen based on your experience level. Most beginner-friendly sections feature Class I-II rapids, while more advanced paddlers can tackle Class III whitewater.

What happens if I flip over?

Our guides will teach you self-rescue techniques before you hit the water. Inflatable kayaks are designed to be stable, but if you do flip, your guide will be nearby to assist you.

Should I tip my guide?

Gratuities are not included but are always appreciated! If you had a great experience, tipping your guide is a great way to show your appreciation.

Do I have to paddle?

Yes, you'll be expected to paddle your own inflatable kayak and be an active participant in the lesson.

What happens if there is an emergency on the river?

We have long-standing relationships with medical support teams serving our rivers and fortunately, rarely have had to rely on them. Our staff is professionals with trip leaders qualified EMTs, and all staff has first aid and CPR certifications. DVK requires all guides to be certified Swiftwater Rescue Technicians.

What safety training do your guides receive?

We have long-standing relationships with medical support teams serving our rivers and fortunately, rarely have had to rely on them. Please call us for specific information about the local facilities for your river trip. Our staff is professionals with trip leaders qualified EMTs, and all staff has first aid and CPR certifications. DVK requires all guides to be certified Swiftwater Rescue Technicians.

What if the weather is bad?

Mother Nature is still in control out West, so please realize that we cannot control her weather patterns or the water flows. But we can recommend all things to make your trip a well-prepared and comfortable experience regardless of the changes that may occur. We reserve the right to change river sections, move to adjacent rivers, or postpone the trip if water levels, weather conditions, or circumstances arise beyond our control. The client's river skills and abilities can also determine whether a particular river or trip is substituted.

Is there a minimum number of guests?

A minimum of two guests is required for this adventure.

What should we do with our keys and valuables while on the water?

You'll want to make sure that you have left your keys at the front desk with the attendant and locked your valuables into your car. Your things are safe on our private property. On return from the trip, you’ll have your keys ready for you to change into dry items, shower, etc.

Will there be photos available?

Yes, there will be photos available for purchase through our photo partner, Whitewater Photography, after the trip.

Cancellation Policy

When a cancellation is made more than 48 hours before departure, all monies are refunded LESS a $25 per person fee. A reschedule fee of $20 per reservation may apply. With less than two days’ notice, no money will be refunded.

Our cancellation policy is firm. We operate under stringent federal regulations, restricting the number of guests per trip and the number of trips per season. We incur substantial expenses before each trip departs. In the event of late cancellation, Dvorak Expeditions cannot recover costs, nor can we make refunds. *ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING or EMAIL.*