2026 Summer Programs

 
 

we Offer beginner, intermediate and advanced paddling opportunities for athletes ages 9 and up…

From never been in a kayak, to being ready to take skills to the next level; we offer programs for everyone in 1 week camps and 3-5 week long progression sessions.

We had great feedback with our simplified groups last summer. Please reach out to us at director@jhkayakclub.org with any questions.

Learn to Paddle - Ages 9+

True beginners, no experience in a kayak.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This program is for first time paddlers with a focus on FUN and SAFETY while working on basic paddling instruction. In a safe and fun environment, we introduce the skills necessary for future development in moving water and river running. Athletes should be able to swim and have some comfort level in the water. Emphasis is placed on games and technical drills on flat-water days and free paddle & river safety/awareness on moving water days. We will use area pools to gain comfort getting out of the kayak, followed by flat water sessions at Slide Lake and R Park, and will practice moving water skills on Flat Creek and the Snake River.

Specific Skills Focus

On-water safety; exiting a kayak with/without a skirt; maintaining a strong, balanced body position; learning edge control and boat stability; proper paddle strokes; paddling straight; practicing eddy turns to enter/exit a river current; swimming in moving water; and stronger understanding of river ecosystem and environment.

DATES - Monday - Thursday 9am-5pm

  • Week 1 - 6/15-6/18

  • Week 2 - 6/29-7/2

  • Week 3 - 7/13-7/16

  • Week 4 - 7/27-7/30

  • Week 5 - 8/10-8/13

  • Week 6 - 8/17-8/20

  • Week 7 - 8/24-8/27

*paddlers can register for multiple week camps or try the beginner camp and then move up to the Intermediate Learn to River Run Camps.

Learn to River Run - Ages 9+

Experienced in class II water and wet exits

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This program focuses on mastering the roll and becoming completely confident in class III whitewater. We will focus on more challenging eddies and ferry moves, and begin to introduce more freestyle oriented moves, like surfing, spinning, enders, and squirts.

Specific Skills Focus

Focus River safety and awareness; rolling in moving water; swimming in whitewater; advanced paddle strokes and boat control techniques; perfecting eddy turns; basic river rescue scenarios; surfing and freestyle; and basics of slalom racing.

DATES - Mondays - Thursday 9am - 5pm

  • Week 1 - 6/22-6/25

  • Week 2 - 7/6-7/9

  • Week 3 - 7/20-7/23

  • Week 4 - 8/3-8/6

*paddlers can register for multiple week camps or move up to the groups listed below.

Intermediate 3 Week Session: Monday, Wednesday 10AM-2PM, Friday 9-5

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This program focuses on mastering the roll and becoming completely confident in class III whitewater. We will focus on more challenging eddies and ferry moves, and begin to introduce more freestyle oriented moves, like surfing, spinning, enders, and squirts. Specific Skills Focus River safety and awareness; rolling in moving water; swimming in whitewater; advanced paddle strokes and boat control techniques; perfecting eddy turns; basic river rescue scenarios; surfing and freestyle; and basics of slalom racing.

Dates: Monday, Wednesday 10AM-2PM, Friday 9-5

  • Session 1 - 6/15-7/3

  • Session 2 - 7/6-7/24

  • Session 3 - 7/27-8/14

Advanced Paddlers - Ages 11+

Experienced in class III water and a reliable roll

Three day/week sessions and weekend trips.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Advanced group is often called the Explorers and are the highest level paddling group in the JHKC. Depending on the year and the group of athletes, the focus of the program will shift to match athlete demand. In general, being confident in class III, a bomber roll, and a strong desire to progress are the prerequisites for this group.

A major focus is travel. Weekend trips and competitions provide an opportunity for the JHKC athletes to explore new regions, compete in a large variety of disciplines, and meet other teenage paddlers throughout the intermountain west. Many of these trips will allow athletes to compete in freestyle, downriver, and slalom competitions. Other trips will focus on exploring new rivers to further develop paddling techniques and especially the ability to read and assess new whitewater. Since the trips are a focus of this group, there will not be make-up days for when we miss regularly scheduled paddling to go on trips (trips are always priced to reflect this).

Specific Skills Focus

Freestyle kayaking and competition on a variety of features; Multiple categories of downriver racing, including, creek, giant slalom, and marathon events; Introductory slalom boating; intermediate and advanced river running and river safety techniques; intermediate and advanced scouting and river exploration; Wilderness and front country camping.

DATES - Sessions - Tuesday & Thurday - 2:30-7:30 and Fridays 9-5

  • Session 1 - 6/15-7/3

  • Session 2 - 7/6-7/24

  • Session 3 - 7/27-8/14

Register Today