Kayak Clinics on the Front Range
  As testimony to our reputation for kayak instruction excellence, Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center is the official paddle school of outdoor retail giant REI, and also enjoys partnerships with Front Range YMCA's and the City of Golden Recreation Center.
RMOC's menu of Front Range-based kayak lessons run the gamut from pool rolling sessions to beginner clinics. We also created a University of Whitewater (UWW) graduate program for past students who want to do some homework during the off-season. The graduate program includes roll sessions and stroke drill clinics. Please refer to our course schedule for dates and times.
Swimming pools provide the perfect place to learn to roll a kayak or polish that roll you've been working on so diligently. Our various pool clinics around metro Denver and Colorado Springs will help you hit those combat rolls when you need them this spring!
We designed the Stroke Drills graduate program for previous kayak instruction students, but the program may also be used as a refresher for those at the Novice level and above. The class includes an informal session with our instructor on a Front Range lake to work on those ever so important technique drills. Your dedication to Stroke Drills will result in maximum improvement!
Two evenings and one full day of kayaking instruction cover the basics of paddling. Be forewarned: Whitewater addicts are created here!
Two evenings and one full day of instruction cover the basics of canoe paddling. The Beginner Canoe Clinic provides a great introduction to open boating.
The REI Basic Paddling Technique is THE paddle basics course for any paddle-powered craft: Canoe, sea kayak, and recreation boats. We focus on teaching paddling technique which will be useful on whatever type of white water, flat water; fresh or salt water. This two evening, and one full-day course will help introduce you to the amazing world of paddling!
Please check our for scheculing and pricing. January through April, RMOC will be offering three different types of programs in the pool: Introduction to Kayaking, Roll Tune-Up, and Open Pool.
General Information
Location:
Golden Community Center
1470 10th street, Golden, CO, 80401
Main pool on the south deck
General phone number: 303-384-8100
What to bring:
General pool stuff (towel, swimsuit/trunks, etc.)
Athletic swimwear (some people like an additional layer to keep warm like poly pro or neoprene)
Other good things to have:
Nose plugs (helps keep the water out of the sinuses) available for purchase poolside
Swim goggles (lets you watch under water)
Bringing kayaks:
If participants are going to bring their own kayaks they need to be completely clean inside and out.
Getting in the pool with gear:
Enter the pool at the southwest corner of the building through the metal patio gate. Cross the patio and go up four stairs, then make a left into the pool. Change rooms and showers are available to RMOC class participants during schedule instruction times.
Directions from I-70 heading west:
Take the Golden exit (Hwy 58) heading west to the Washington Ave exit. Turn left (south), go three blocks to 10th street and turn right (west). Continue up 10th until the road curves north and into the parking lot of the Community Center.
Directions from 6th Ave heading west:
Take 6th Ave west past I-70 and Colfax. Continue following 6th Ave as it curves around to the north. Turn right (east) at 19th street and then left (north) at Washington Ave. Proceed through town 9 blocks turning left (west) at 10th street. Continue up 10th until the road curves north and into the parking lot of the Community Center.
Making a Reservation
To make a reservation call 303-936-5194.
RMOC has tried to streamline this process over past years by offering a local Denver phone number dealing specifically with Golden pool times and classes. The staff working the Denver classes and pool times will answer this phone number, so call if you have and question about demo/rental boats or class content and of course reserve your stop.
Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance for open pool times and anytime for up coming classes.
Introduction to Kayaking
Learn the basics of kayaking and get started on your roll in the comfort of a heated pool. This four hour, two-part class will lead the beginner boater through an easy to understand progression eliminating confusion and frustration. Participants will learn about equipment used in kayaking as well as foundation skills to safely perform wet exits. Concepts of boat control and movement will be introduced along with methods of rolling a kayak. Equipment and instruction will be provided by Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center.
Who should take this class? There are no prerequisites; anyone comfortable in the water wanting to get started in the sport of kayaking is welcome.
Time: Class runs from 7pm to 9pm consecutive Tuesdays (class starts at 7pm poolside so get there a little early to change). Reservations are required.
Dates: January 6th & 13th, 20th & 27th, February 3rd & 10th, 17th & 24th, March 2nd & 9th, 16th & 23rd, March 30th & April 6th, April 13th & 20th
Cost: Cost for REI members or Golden residents is $75. The general public is $85. These prices include all equipment and entry fee into the pool.
Roll Tune-up
The tune up session is designed to meet the needs of the boater who has previously worked on rolling and would like further instruction and review to reach their personal goals. This Roll Tune-Up class will help find and eliminate bad habits. Whether you are doing a C to C or Sweep Roll, discover ways to make it smooth and consistent. Don't let a poor roll hold your boating back.
Time: Available Thursday nights in February through April from 7-9 pm by reservation. Call 303-936-5194 to make reservations or with questions.
Cost: With own equipment $25 / renting equipment $35
Open Pool
Open pool times are designed for boaters who have a thorough understanding of how to complete a basic self-rescue in flat water i.e. a wet exit. If you are not comfortable self-rescuing please plan on taking the Introduction to Kayaking class, details above, or attending the open roll session with a knowledgeable boater who will take the time to walk you through the basics of getting in and out of the boat above and below the water. A Kayak Instructor will be available to answer questions and help with roll practice if not involved with a scheduled class.
Times: January: Every Tuesday night from 7 to 9pm;
February through April: Every Tuesday and Thursday night from 7 to 9pm
Cost: With own equipment $10 / renting equipment $20 (includes skirt and paddle)
Limited rental boats are available so please reserve ahead of time.
The maximum number of open boaters will be held to only 15 people per 2-hour session to eliminate crowding and give everyone room to move around.
Walk-ins welcome if space is available.
Demo boats may be available to try at no cost. Demo boats may be used for short periods during the open time and do not include the use of a skirt or paddle.
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