No matter your skill or craft, there is always something new to learn on the water! My goal is to increase your confidence by teaching efficient paddling techniques and safe river travel. You’ll feel more confident when you can paddle effectively and navigate hazards with less stress. Understanding the river’s flow and recognizing potential hazards earlier will also improve your comfort. My ultimate goal is for you to have more fun on the river!

 

Before our session:

• Short phone call to set goals and expectations

• What do you want to learn during our time together, and your long term aspirations?

 

Begin the day at a local pond:

• Analyze your current technique or start from the beginning

• Teach proper posture for safety, power, and efficiency

• It’s not about how powerful you are, it’s the technique you use that moves the boat!

 

At the put in:

• Choose our section of river based on goals, weather, and current flow conditions

• Discuss how to manage the launch and arrange shuttles

• Safety talk covering egress routes, possible hazards, and best practices for safe river travel

 

On the River:

• Ongoing and constant discussion of river reading and tactics

  • What do you see and how do you respond?

• Skills progression

  • Finding challenging moves in manageable water

  • Utilizing the technique practiced in our AM flatwater session

• Find your comfort level in a dynamic environment!

 

This basic daily outline applies in all of the boats I teach; packraft, raft, or driftboat. It’s easier to learn new stroke technique without the extra distraction of river currents. Once on the river we’ll find appropriate challenges to expand your horizons and find where fun lives for you. Whether you want to fish more, float day trips with your family, or have an epic multi-day whitewater trip in mind, spending time at the Bozeman River School will help you accomplish your paddling goals. 

​
​

• Rowing instruction only, due to permitting we cannot allow fishing equipment on the boat

• Option to use my 14’ NRS Equipped raft or your boat

• Alpackaraft V3 Valkyries and Wolverines are available for lessons