Canoe Instruction

Canoe instruction at Paddlesport Institute spans the full spectrum — from your first strokes on flatwater to running technical whitewater in solo or tandem boats. Whether you're new to paddling or looking to refine your technique in moving water, our courses emphasize strong fundamentals, efficient body mechanics, and the kind of river-reading skills that make you a more confident, self-sufficient paddler.

Courses are available in both solo and tandem canoe, progressing through flatwater fundamentals, moving water introduction, and beyond. Our instructors bring deep experience in canoe technique. You'll build a foundation that holds up whether you're crossing a lake, ferrying through current with a loaded expedition canoe, or scouting your next big drop.

Upcoming Canoe Courses

Featured
CCA Canoe the Lower Yough
Jun 3
CCA Canoe the Lower Yough

$150 CCA members only ($20 annually)

The CCA has invited guest Canoe Instructors Jordan Taylor and Laura Kurup of PSI for a day of Open Boating the Lower Youghiogheny! Participants should already have Class 2-3 experience, and if paddling tandem should arrive with a tandem team that has already paddled together.

Canoe Instructor Trainer Development Workshop
Jun 5
Canoe Instructor Trainer Development Workshop

$650

Erwin, TN on the Nolichucky RIver

This transformative 3-day workshop prepares you to train the next generation of ACA instructors, guided by two of the most passionate leaders in the industry: Jordan Taylor and Trey Moore.

Canoe Skills Assessment Course
Jun 8
Canoe Skills Assessment Course

$350

Erwin TN, Nolichucky River

This L3-4 Skills Assessment Course is perfect for any open boater looking to level up their skills or check their comprehensive knowledge of the ACA’s Canoe curricula. Hosted by Trey Moore’s Eddyhopper Workshop.

Canoe Instructor Certification Workshop
Jun 10
Canoe Instructor Certification Workshop

$850

Erwin, TN Nolichucky River

This is more than just a workshop; it's a chance to expand your teaching toolkit, refine your leadership, and grow alongside a community of like-minded professionals. Hosted by Trey Moore’s Eddyhopper Workshop.

Canoe Instructor Certification Workshop
Jun 16
Canoe Instructor Certification Workshop

This is more than just a workshop; it's a chance to expand your teaching toolkit, refine your leadership, and grow alongside a community of like-minded professionals. Geared for canoeists wanting to instruct or flat and gently moving water (L1-2). In Maryland on the Potomac or other waterways near Harpers Ferry.

Intro Lower Yough!
Jun 27
Intro Lower Yough!

$250 1 day, $450 both days

Instructor: Student ratio 3:1

Come join us on this hallmark eastern river! Clear cool water runs through Class 2-3+ rapids nestled in some of the most biodiverse forest in the mid-Atlantic.

Main Salmon Expedition
Jul 30
Main Salmon Expedition

$3100

Six days. 82 miles. The deepest canyon country in North America. The Main Salmon flows through the largest contiguous wilderness in the lower 48, and it's as challenging as it is beautiful - clear water, white sand beaches, and world-class rapids.

Gates of Lodore Expedition
Aug 9
Gates of Lodore Expedition

$2500

One of the most iconic multi-day river trips in the West. This remote expedition travels 44 miles on the Green River from Colorado to Utah, through Dinosaur National Monument.

Middle Fork of the Salmon (2027)
Jul 29
Middle Fork of the Salmon (2027)

$3500

Permits for this stretch of river are scarce! The Middle Salmon offers some of the most celebrated whitewater and stunning canyon scenery in the American West. Clear, cold water, granite walls, hot springs, and Class III-IV rapids make this an incredible trip.

Private Canoe Instruction

Private coaching offers the fastest path to breakthrough moments because every minute is focused on you — your technique, your questions, your next level. Whether you're working through specific technical challenges, preparing for bigger water, or simply want instruction designed entirely around your source of boating joy, one-on-one guidance delivers results that group classes simply can't match.