Paddlesport Institute

Jordan Taylor

At the Paddlesport Institute, my mission is to foster joy, resilience, and mastery through expert paddlesport instruction. PSI empowers paddlers of all backgrounds and abilities to meet and exceed their personal goals with confidence, compassion, and poise under pressure. We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for all, especially women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals, recognizing and addressing the barriers that have historically limited access to outdoor leadership and adventure.

At the Paddlesport Institute, you’ll receive personalized support in selecting the level of instruction that best matches your experience, goals, and comfort on the water. We’ll also ensure you have the appropriate equipment to feel confident and at ease in your learning environment.

Our courses are intentionally designed to go beyond simply saying "everyone is welcome" — they are built with diverse paddlers in mind, creating a truly inclusive and supportive community. Every program is crafted with your needs, background, and aspirations at the center.

Finally, we believe great education comes through a variety of learning styles and experiences. You can expect thoughtfully structured courses that engage you through multiple modes — helping you grow as a paddler, leader, and lifelong learner.

Build a strong foundation and grow your paddling confidence with our canoe, kayak, and swiftwater rescue skills development programs. Designed for beginners through advanced paddlers, these courses focus on stroke refinement, boat control, trip planning, and water safety. Our expert instruction meets you where you are — whether you're taking your first strokes or sharpening advanced maneuvers — so you can paddle farther, smarter, and with greater independence.
- Personalized coaching at all skill levels
- Focus on poise, control, and safety
- Empowerment to pursue your own paddling goals
Take your skills to the next level with our advanced training courses. These intensive programs are designed for dedicated paddlers seeking to master complex techniques, leadership on the water, challenging environments, or multi-day trip planning. You'll develop deeper technical proficiency, decision-making strategies, and the resilience needed to thrive under pressure.
- Technical mastery of advanced paddling skills
- Focus on risk management, rescue readiness, and leadership
- Preparation for leading others or pursuing high-level certifications
Become a leader in the paddlesport community through our Instructor Development and Certification programs. These courses prepare you to teach, mentor, and inspire others in kayaking, canoeing, and swiftwater rescue. You'll receive expert coaching in instructional techniques, group management, risk assessment, and skills evaluation — all grounded in a philosophy of compassionate, inclusive leadership.
- Nationally recognized certifications
- Comprehensive training in teaching and leadership
- Emphasis on creating safe, inclusive learning environments

Instructor development and certification will be modeled on ACA standards, and will also draw on extensive experience training faculty in the river program at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Expect to be supported and challenged in: boating skills, teaching/coaching skills, technical knowledge of paddlesports, and risk management/rescue. Here is more information on American Canoe Association standards for courses and Instructors.

Introduction to Paddling

Venues: flatwater and gently moving current.
At this level, instruction begins with a solid review of flatwater fundamentals before moving into dynamic environments, including current and rapids up to Class I–II. Emphasis is placed on developing comfort, control, and composure — even when conditions are less than ideal.
Participants will practice critical skills such as wet exits in moving water, self-rescue techniques, and assisted rescues. The ultimate goal is to foster greater self-sufficiency, confidence, and resilience, preparing you for safe, independent paddling adventures.
Introduction to Moving Water

Venues: flatwater and introduction to rapids.
Instruction at this level begins with a review of fundamental skills on flatwater, ensuring a strong technical base before moving into dynamic environments such as current and rapids up to Class I–II. The primary focus is on developing comfort, control, and composure — especially in moments when conditions become unpredictable.
You’ll practice essential techniques including wet exits in moving water, as well as both self-rescue and assisted rescue methods, all designed to build critical safety habits. We will also introduce strategies for reading water, choosing appropriate lines, and adapting to changing conditions with confidence.
Intermediate Instruction

Venues: drills in easy rapids and running harder rapids.
This level of instruction is designed for paddlers who already have experience navigating rapids and are looking to refine their technique for greater effectiveness, efficiency, and elegance. It is also ideal for aspiring instructors seeking to sharpen their demonstration skills.
Training venues will include a combination of easier rapids, technical features, and flatwater drills, gradually progressing to more challenging rapids up to Class II. Focus areas include rescuing others from your boat, introductory bracing and rolling techniques, and executing precise maneuvers in dynamic but approachable water — all preparing you for more advanced river environments
Beyond Intermediate

Venues: drills in harder rapids, preparing for specific rivers.
This level of instruction is designed for paddlers who have developed a roll and are beginning to apply it in moving water. You'll build technical skills such as surfing waves and holes — both for fun and for functional river navigation — as well as catching micro eddies, utilizing slackwater, and mastering backferrying techniques.
Throughout the course, you'll focus on maintaining composure and precision during more demanding maneuvers and heavier rapids. Drills and skill-building sessions will take place in flatwater, Class I, and Class II environments, with opportunities to run rapids up to Class III as confidence and conditions allow.
Advanced

Venues: training in moderate terrain, in preparation for difficult and expert terrain.
Boaters seeking advanced instruction should have a reliable roll in moving water and the ability to maintain composure in Class II–III conditions, including during extended swims. As with all instruction at the Paddlesport Institute, this course emphasizes building strong habits in flatwater and easier moving water environments before applying them in more complex and demanding sections of rapids.
Depending on conditions and venue availability, we may explore features and runs up to Class III–IV, with a focus on selecting skill-appropriate lines and strategies for challenging terrain.