Train with Laura

In 2026, I’m diving into teaching Kayak, Canoe and Swiftwater Rescue! Whether you are a beginner, experienced paddler, or a kayaker curious about hopping in a canoe … let’s get on the water together!

I am certified as an ACA Instructor Whitewater Kayaking (L4), as a Solo and Tandem Instructor in Whitewater Canoeing (L4) and as Swiftwater Rescue Instructor (L4). I’m currently certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFA), CPR/AED and have completed the Rescue Alliance’s Psychological First Response (PFR) training.

I also teach with Calleva River School and highly recommend their programs!

Private Instruction is available on the Potomac near Washington, DC and the Lower Youghiogheny in Ohiopyle, PA. Whether you are a beginner or preparing for bigger water, private instruction can help you level up your skills. PSI instructors often use video analysis to help you see and understand your technique. Private instruction starts at $100 / hr with discounts for multiple paddlers.

Contact us to schedule your session!

Private Instruction

Featured
SWR Review and Assessment
May 15
SWR Review and Assessment

$150
Potomac River near DC

Taken SWR before? Been a minute? 1 day review and skills check. Meets Calleva’s SWR requirement.

Women's Swiftwater Rescue
May 16
Women's Swiftwater Rescue

$250

Join SWR instructors Karyna Todd and Laura Kurup for 2 days of hands-on Swiftwater Rescue training. We'll cover the most essential rescue skills: wading techniques for moving water, using throw ropes, boat-based rescue, and more.

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.

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.

Upcoming Courses

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