Whitewater

The promotion of whitewater kayaking is one of the main goals of the Los Angeles Kayak Club. Whitewater kayaking is fun! Splashing through waves, carving a boat through rapids, and enjoying beautiful river scenery are some of perks of whitewater kayaking. California’s incredible array of rivers of all levels of difficulty makes it an ideal place to paddle. Like snowboarding, beginner-level whitewater kayaking can be learned in just a couple of days, though it’s important to learn basic safety information and techniques. Get on the river! The LA Kayak club makes it easy for you to learn and to get on the water!

Beginner trips

Twice a year, the LA Kayak Club organizes a weekend dedicated to teaching beginners to kayak! The fun weekend takes beginners through a tried-and-true learning progression that culminates in running fun splashy rapids! Our beginner weekends are operated as fund-raisers for the club and so are fun and relaxed cooperative adventures. Instructors for the weekend volunteer their time and typically bring over 50 years (in total) of whitewater experience. For more information on dates for the trips, contact us.

Leaders and seconds

Once a year, the LA Kayak Club organizes a “leader-training” weekend for kayakers who want to improve their abilities to lead new kayakers down the river and to teach basic kayak skills. We use scenarios, simulations, and discussions to hone our abilities and learn the key teaching, leadership, and communication skills. Many of our leaders or seconds (assistant leaders) help lead the beginner trips. For more information on dates for the Leaders and Seconds course, contact us.

Rescue classes

Swiftwater rescue courses are important skills for whitewater kayakers. Though you may never need them, swiftwater skills ensure that trained kayakers are ready for some of the potential rescue classes that can occur in whitewater kayaking. For information on Rescue classes, contact us.

Whitewater Czar:

Alex Morris, the LA Kayak Club’s “Whitewater Czar” has paddled rivers from the US down to Ecuador, but specializes in paddling Southern California’s Kern River.  Alex has 10 years of paddling experience (sea, whitewater, and kayak polo), and honed his whitewater skills while managing parts of the Outdoor Adventures program at UCLA.  On some weekends, Alex is a class V paddler, but on most weekends, Alex enjoys helping folks get on “classic” whitewater runs wherever possible.  Onward!