Introduction

When it comes to paddling instruction, it is really hard to beat the formal training classes offered by the local canoe clubs. Most of our canoe clubs offer both paddling instruction as well as Swift Water Rescue classes for free or a really nominal charge. Much of the training is done by ACA certified instructors. Unfortunately, these classes are only offered a few times a year which might not fit your schedule.

The Baltimore / Washington area is blessed with a number of commercial vendors that have an extensive history of providing top notch training. Most use ACA certified instructors and that is something you should verify for quality instruction. I also recommend asking around to see if their style of instruction is a good match for you. Look for companies that have been in the instruction business a long time. I would also check the typical instructor to student ratio although this can be somewhat misleading. A great instructor can certainly handle more students than a novice instructor. Low ratios make certainly make it easier to identify specific weaknesses. The ACA mandates no more than a 5:1 student to instructor/helper ratio which is a good start. Off-season instruction typically offers very small class sizes.

Here are some of our local commercial training vendors:

Canoe Kayak & Paddle Company (CKAPCO)

Mike Aronoff has been teaching whitewater and sea kayaking for many years. His instruction style is very picky and plays close attention to details. He is an ACA ITE (Instructor Trainer Educator) and is on the ACA board for ACA instruction. His web site is: CKAPCO Web Site. He also posts short videos on paddling strokes: Paddling Strokes. He is based out of Vienna, Virginia . CKAPCO also runs ACA instructor certification classes. In their own words, here is what CKAPCO has to offer: CKAPCO - In their own words.

Liquid Adventures

Tom McEwan runs this company and is one of the early whitewater pioneers. Class sizes are often smaller than the other vendors. One program that everyone raves about is Cheat Race Spring Training and the price can't be beat - $225 for 18 classes! They are located in Cabin John, Maryland. Their website is: Liquid Adventures Web Site. Liquid Adventures also provides ACA Instructor certification classes. In their own words, here is what LAKS has to offer: LAKS - In Their Own Words.

Outdoor Excursions

Scott Coulter in Boonsboro, Maryland runs this company. They provide excellent training programs and occasionally offer ACA instructor certification classes. Their web site is: Outdoor Excursions Web Site.

Potomac Paddlesports (PPS)

PPS is like the Walmart of whitewater training companies. PPS trains more local paddlers than nearly the rest combined. Class sizes are often large, especially at pool rolling sessions. They have a good system of training for beginning paddlers. PPS has just started ACA Kayak Instructor certification this year. Prices are very competitive. They are located in Rockville, Maryland. Their web site is: Potomac Paddlesports Web Site.

River & Trail Outfitters

River & Trail Outfitters has offered kayak instruction for a number of years by ACA Certified instructors. Most of their instructors are excellent and they are located close by in Harpers Ferry. They are very safety conscientious. Their web site is: River & Trails Web Site.

Valley Mill Kayak School (VMKS)

Valley Mill has offered kayak training for many years using teaching techniques from Eric Jackson. If you are into play boating, this school is very hard to beat. They also have an excellent day camp for children. Their store is located in Germantown, Maryland. Their web site is: Valley Mill Web Site. In their own words, here is the history of VMKS and what they have to offer: VKMS - In Their Own Words.