Paddle Sports

This class for 3rd-8th graders is a full day of fun-packed adventure and learning on the river with Canyon River Instruction's certified instructors. During a day of paddle rafting on the Arkansas River, kids will learn the basics of river safety, such as how to safely swim through rapids, how to pull themselves back in a raft, recognize and avoid hazards, and how to help rescue their friends!

Registration Opens: May

Date: July

Location: Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center at 410 W. Rainbow Blvd., Salida, CO.

Join us! FIBArk, and Salida Parks and Recreation have teamed up to bring you this beginner kayaking course as part of FIBArk's Community Paddling Program. Participants will learn the basics of whitewater kayak outfitting, fit, and maneuvering. This course is taught by a certified whitewater kayak instructor. 

Please note that adults will have to provide their own whitewater equipment for our Level 1 class, while everything will be provided for, for youth participants. For more information, click on the registration link.

Registration Opens: January 

Dates: January, February and April

Location: Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center located at 410 W Rainbow Blvd, Salida, CO 81201 

FIBArk and Salida Parks and Recreation present this intermediate kayaking course as part of FIBArk's Community Paddling Program.

Instruction is provided by Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center's certified instructors. This course will give an overview of basic river hydrology and how to use river features to your advantage while in moving current. Basic moves like the eddy turn, ferry, and peel-outs are covered, as well as how to handle small river obstacles. This is a great course for applying your flat water skills to the moving water or tuning up your basic river maneuvers.

Next we will head downstream and enjoy the beauty of running down a Rocky Mountain river in Class I+/II. We will cover river running tactics as well as safety and communication. Also, we’ll look at how to read water, scout rapids and identify hazards. Plenty of time is spent on practicing basic river maneuvers as well as an introduction to surfing and playing in small river features.

Equipment is provided, including all kayaking gear and dry equipment/wetsuits. Participants may bring their own kayak, PFD, and helmet and are allowed to use them if they meet the instructor's standards.

Registration Opens: July

Dates: August to September 

Location: Salida's Whitewater Park (Coors boat ramp) next to the Steamplant Event Center at 220 W. Sackett Ave

Kayak roll sessions are available to the public to practice water-based kayak skills during the winter months! Bring your canoe or kayak and work on rolling, tricks, or basic maneuvering. Kayak roll sessions are NOT instructed and helmets, PFDs, and the ability to demonstrate a wet exit are required.

Registration Opens: December 

Dates: January to April

Location: Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, located at 410 W Rainbow Blvd, Salida, CO 81201 

Depending on availability and need, additional classes offered are... (Dates and classes are all subject to change.)

Playboating Progression Classes: 

Participants in this course will work on the fundamentals of playboating with specialized instruction in advanced techniques. A certified whitewater kayak instructor and an excellent playboater teach this course.

Registration Opens: February 

Date: March 

Location: Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center located at 410 W Rainbow Blvd, Salida, CO 81201