Whether you are an avid paddler or just looking to start, the midwest has a lot of great options for you to improve your skills. No matter where you live, you’re bound to find something close to you. Be sure to bring your non-paddling friends on your trips and hook them up with one of these many great classes so they can come with you down the river!
Northern wisconsin’s whitewater rivers flow into Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, offering paddlers everything from class 5 waterfalls to kayak fishing; and Northland College in Ashland WI hosts beginner to advanced kayak and canoe lessons to help you advance your skills. Classes are held during the Spring and Fall months and Heather Rickerl has all the information you need, you can reach her at (715) 682-1825 or hrickerl@northland.edu.
If you’re looking for a summer lesson, local outfitters on the shores of Lake Superior offer everything from whitewater and sea kayaking to SUP, (Stand Up Paddleboard) lessons and rentals. Whitecap Kayak and Steep Creek Outfitters, run by the Schroeter Family in Ironwood, MI, is just one of many places here. They are just across the Wisconsin border and do an amazing job of teaching all levels of kayaking and canoeing as well as guiding sea kayaking trips out to the Apostle Islands.
Further south, Bear Paw Adventure Resort offers loads of fun in the middle of the Wisconsin Northwoods. Located on the Wolf River and a short distance from many of the most popular Wisconsin Whitewater Rivers, Scott Berry and his staff know these rivers well and can teach you important techniques on the Class II section of the Wolf, or help you advance through multi day trips exploring the northern class III-IV rivers. They host a kids camp and even offer private lessons.
If your from the south and want to save a little on your drive, Wausau Whitewater has coordinated with both Bear Paw and Whitecap Kayak to bring beginner and intermediate lessons to the Whitewater Park in Wausau, WI! These classes are small groups of 5 students and last about 2.5-3 hours. All equipment is provided for you and the cost is an affordable $40! Ray McLain Intro to Whitewater
Wausau Whitewater also hosts an annual Jackson Freestyle Clinic for anyone interested in learning to play on the river! Colin Kemp and other Jackson Sponsored boaters come to wausau to instruct this 2 day clinic. This sells out FAST so sign up as soon as possible to be sure you get a spot!
Our other neighbor, Minnesota, also offers some great opportunities for learning. The University of Duluth hosts a kayak & canoe institute. while the Rapids Riders club hosts their annual Canoe U bringing together groups of experienced paddlers and beginners for multiple days of experience on the water! No matter what your skill level, there is a spot for you. Also, if you’re interested in getting your ACA certification, you can get this for free through the Rapids Riders Scholarship Program!
As we move to our south, whitewater parks are popping up everywhere and the Geneva Kayak Center, located next to the new Yorkville Whitewater Park in Illinois, offers a wide variety of sessions.
So, No matter what you’re level, the midwest has a river and an instructor to give you the confidence you need on the water to join your friends on all of their paddling trips.
Below are a few videos of the Jackson Freestyle Clinic which is great for both first time and experienced play boaters alike. Enjoy!
http://www.vimeo.com/14457129
