Welcome to the Bozeman River School! The Bozeman River School is a unique, one-on-one instruction program designed to focus on your river needs in rafts, packrafts, or drift boats. Founded by Whitewater Slalom Olympian, Chris Ennis, with over 3 decades of river and instruction experience to help you improve your skills and comfort on the Yellowstone and Madison rivers near Bozeman, Montana. We provide a safe and fun learning environment for all rowers or packrafters, from novice to expert.

Josh Olsen, Co-Founder Montana Wilderness School

"If you are brand new to paddling and looking to get into the sport, Chris can provide you the with knowledge and confidence to get you safely on the river. Or maybe you are someone like me, seeking to level up your rowing skills to take on more challenging and complex whitewater. Whatever your experience level on swift-moving water, Chris will help you achieve your river running goals."

What I Teach:

Rowing Improvement

Are you a novice or an expert, fishing or whitewater focused? What about family trips?

From the put-in to take-out I can help take the stress out of your day on the water

Reading water and executing your plan are the skills I teach.

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Packrafting

Private instruction with an emphasis on safe whitewater travel + efficient and effective stroke technique.

I teach the same technique I developed over 35 years of paddling from the Olympics to exploratory decents. Lets go paddle and learn!

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Canoeing & Additional River Skills

Are you curious to learn more river technique? What interests you: canoeing, SUP or swiftwater safety?

I have training and practice in many facets of river travel, let's chat about your unique skill needs!

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Where I Teach:

The Lower Madison

The Madison River is an ideal location for learning the basics of river technique. Featuring a mix of moderate current with riffles and bends, it provides the perfect opportunity to practice fundamental skills. The lower Madison is also an excellent location to learn about river etiquette and launch technique, especially mid-summer. For fishermen looking to improve their rowing skills, this iconic stretch of river is an awesome option.

The Yellowstone

The Yellowstone River offers some of the most varied learning opportunities in the region. From the thrilling whitewater of Yankee Jim Canyon, to the scenic floats of the Paradise Valley, and the lower river rapids through Greycliff, the Yellowstone has it all. From big water in the early season, to technical skills as the water drops in late summer and fall, the Yellowstone River has something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are plenty of opportunities available on the Yellowstone River to hone your skills.