Whitewater Kayaking & Canoeing (School Year)

You came to UMD to paddle. Right?

Kayaking in the pool, exploring Lake Superior and running rivers with the RSOP. Here’s your chance to develop touring and whitewater paddling skills in a warm, comfortable setting with knowledgeable instructors. We will work together to get you ready to paddle the local hot spots!

Whitewater Kayak & Canoe Pool Program Summary

Choose one or more six week Whitewater Kayak or Whitewater Canoe Pass Training Sessions to develop your skills on flatwater and whitewater using our flow pump system. Pass Holders have exclusive access to a St. Louis River trip in early October and late April that is included with your pass purchase.

WHITEWATER KAYAK POOL PASS - WITH RIVER TRIPS

Green Level (Read more about difficulty levels)
This pass is suitable for all skill levels. Learn to control your kayak with your legs, torso, arms and head movements. Develop strokes to maneuver in all directions. Explore bracing, rolling and rescue skills. Practice river maneuvers like ferrying, eddy turns and peel outs in whitewater with our flow pump system. Slalom gates will be used to develop a blend of precision and power. These sessions prepare you for beginner and intermediate level trips on local whitewater rivers in early October and late April. You will receive a lot of instruction and individual feedback to help you prepare for river running! Session 1 and 3 are limited to a total of eight paddlers.

ALL SESSIONS MEET ON THURSDAYS, 7:00-9:00 PM

SESSION 1:
SEPTEMBER 3 - OCTOBER 1 (REGISTRATION OPENS AUGUST 28th AT 9:00AM)

SESSION 3:
MARCH 18 - APRIL 22 (REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 8th AT 9:00AM)

We Provide: kayaks, spray skirts, paddles and life jacket as needed
You Provide: swimsuit, towel and rash guard top if you get cold quickly
Meet: UMD Pool Sports and Health Center Lower Level
Cost per session: $65 UMD Student Members/$125 Others

WHITEWATER KAYAK POOL PASS - OPEN PRACTICE TIME

Green Level (Read more about difficulty levels)
This pass is suitable for all skill levels and helps you meet people who love whitewater paddling. Work on your choice of paddling skills at your own pace. Develop strokes to maneuver in all directions. Explore bracing, rolling and rescue skills. Practice river maneuvers like ferrying, eddy turns and peel outs in whitewater with our flow pump system. Slalom gates will be used to develop a blend of precision and power. You will receive general instruction from staff and more experienced paddlers. Session 2 is limited to a total of 14 paddlers.

ALL SESSIONS MEET ON THURSDAYS, 7:00-9:00 PM

SESSION 2:
JANUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 25 (REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 8th AT 9:00AM)

FALL 2026 & SPRING 2027 RIVER TRIPS SCHEDULED FOR WHITEWATER KAYAK & CANOE PASS HOLDERS

Pass holders who complete the pool skills check-list at the skill level indicated for the day trip can participate. All day trips to the river require check in at the Thursday 7-9pm pool session prior to the trip.

We provide: boats, wetsuit, paddling jacket, cold water paddling accessories and safety equipment.
You provide: a swimsuit, base layers, closed toe shoes that can get wet, water bottle, snacks, eyeglasses strap and sunscreen.
Meet: UMD Pool for loading and departure unless otherwise specified.
Cost: These trips are included in the purchase price of the Whitewater Kayak & Canoe Pass

Green Level (Read more about difficulty levels)
ST. LOUIS RIVER INTRO LEVEL WHITEWATER KAYAK & CANOE TRIP
We will paddle from the UMD Outpost across Thomson Reservoir to the Last Chance and Upstream Downstream Class I-II rapids. This blend of flatwater, moving water and easy whitewater is the perfect way to start the paddling season. Beginner level skills check in the UMD Pool is required. Whitewater Kayak and Canoe Pass Holders Only.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, AND SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 9:00AM-6:00PM

Yellow Level (Read more about difficulty levels)
ST. LOUIS OR MIDWAY RIVER INTERMEDIATE WHITEWATER KAYAK TRIPS
We will make a full run covering 4-5 miles of river featuring Class I- III rapids ending at the UMD Outpost. This is a more committed effort that will feature bigger rapids and requires scouting and portaging of rapids. Intermediate level skills check in the UMD Pool is required. Whitewater Kayak and Canoe Pass Holders Only.

SUNDAY, APRIL 18 AND SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 9:00AM-6:00PM

Red Level (Read more about difficulty levels)
NORTH SHORE KNIFE OR BAPTISM RIVER ADVANCED WHITEWATER KAYAK TRIP
We will be covering 4-5 miles of river featuring Class I- III+ rapids. This is a very committed effort that will feature bigger rapids in a remote setting along with more scouting and portaging of rapids or waterfalls. Intermediate and advanced level skills check in the UMD Pool and previous river running experience is required. Whitewater Kayak and Canoe Pass Holders Only

SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 9:00AM-6:00PM

Yellow Level (Read more about difficulty levels)
This pass is suitable for paddlers who have received previous instruction and want to paddle hard in gates. Join us for a unique flow pump driven strong water skill development and conditioning series. It’s all about paddling fast through slalom gates to get ready for river running. This pass is limited to a total of ten paddlers.

SESSIONS MEET ON FRIDAYS, 2:00-3:45PM

MARCH 19 - APRIL 23 (REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 8th AT 9:00AM)

Flow Pump

Remote video

Tue, 05/23/2023 - 10:00

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