Paddle Sports Lessons Jackson Hole
Instruction for All LevelsLearn to Paddle Like a Local
Skills That Last- ACA-certified instructors with decades of teaching experience
- Progression-based approach that builds lasting skills
- Small student-to-instructor ratios for personalized attention
- Customized curriculum based on your goals and ability
- Access to pristine teaching venues in Grand Teton and Yellowstone
- All equipment provided—boats, paddles, safety gear
Our Lesson Programs
Choose Your Paddle Sport
Kayaking
Flatwater, Rivers, or BothOur kayaking instruction covers the full spectrum, from first-time paddlers on calm lakes to experienced kayakers tackling advanced whitewater techniques.
Rafting
Captain Your Own RaftLearn everything needed to safely captain a raft through whitewater, including reading water, choosing lines, executing maneuvers, and handling scenarios like wraps and flips.
Packrafting
Backcountry Travel RevolutionPackrafting combines backpacking with paddling, letting you carry a lightweight inflatable raft into remote wilderness, then float out rivers and lakes inaccessible by other means.
Canoeing
Traditional Paddle CraftOur canoeing instruction covers both solo and tandem paddling, teaching proper stroke mechanics, efficient forward propulsion, and the subtle art of canoe control.
Stand Up Paddleboard
Balance, Core, and ViewsSUP instruction gets you confidently standing and paddling far faster than learning on your own. We teach proper stance, efficient paddle technique, and balance fundamentals.
Rescue & Certifications
Professional TrainingFor those pursuing professional guiding or comprehensive safety knowledge, we offer ACA instructor certifications, swiftwater rescue courses, and wilderness first aid.
ACA-Certified Expert Instructors
Why Choose UsOur teaching team holds American Canoe Association certifications and averages over a decade of instructional experience. They’re not just skilled paddlers—they’re proven educators who understand learning progressions and know how to communicate complex techniques in ways that click.
Personalized Attention
We keep student-to-instructor ratios low so you receive individual feedback, customized coaching, and attention to your specific needs. You’re never lost in a crowd of students—every lesson is tailored to help you progress.
Complete Equipment
All lessons include top-quality boats, paddles, PFDs, helmets, wetsuits or drysuits when needed, and any other specialized equipment. You just bring yourself ready to learn—we provide everything else.
Guided trips provide basic instruction to get you safely participating, but the primary goal is experiencing beautiful places and having fun. Lessons focus specifically on skill development. You’ll spend more time on fundamental techniques, receive detailed feedback, practice specific maneuvers repeatedly, and leave with significantly improved abilities. If your goal is learning proper technique and becoming a competent independent paddler, choose lessons. If you want a memorable experience in stunning locations with basic guidance, choose a trip.
That depends on your goals and natural aptitude, but most people achieve basic proficiency in lake kayaking or SUP within a single full-day lesson. River kayaking, whitewater skills, and advanced techniques require more time, typically multiple days of instruction spread over time to allow practice between sessions. We’ll give you honest assessments of where you are and what additional training would benefit you most.
Absolutely! We regularly teach families and adapt our instruction to different ages and learning styles. Parents and kids can learn together or we can split groups by age and ability for more focused instruction. Kids as young as 6 can join touring kayak lessons, and 8 and up for river kayaking. Kids 10 and up generally do well in group lessons, while younger children benefit from more individualized attention. Family lessons create wonderful bonding experiences and give everyone shared skills to enjoy together.
Yes! Lessons make excellent gifts for outdoor enthusiasts, milestone birthdays, or anyone who’s expressed interest in paddling. Gift certificates can be customized for specific lesson types or left open-ended so recipients can choose what interests them most. Contact us at (307) 733-2471 or stop by our shop to purchase gift certificates.
Paddle sports are remarkably accessible! We’ve successfully taught students from their 20s through their 70s. Kayaking, canoeing, and SUP emphasize technique over strength, and proper form matters far more than raw power. We’ll work at your pace, choose appropriate venues, and focus on efficiency rather than athleticism. Many older students appreciate paddling precisely because it’s low-impact while still providing excellent exercise and outdoor engagement.
Call us at (307) 733-2471 and we’ll discuss your interests, goals, physical considerations, and what types of paddling suit your situation. We’re happy to provide guidance. Sometimes a short conversation reveals the perfect fit you hadn’t considered.
Ready to develop real paddling skills?
Let’s turn you into the paddler you want to be.
Email us at info@jacksonholekayak.com or call (307) 733-2471 or stop by our shop at 945 W. Broadway in Jackson.