A great chance for the established paddler to hone their skills. Elevate your rescue techniques, paddle finesse, and proficiency in handling challenging waters. (A prerequisite for our San Juan Islands sea kayaking tours.)

If you have completed our Intro to Kayaking and/or Basic Skills Kayaking class this is the next step for you. In this class we will re-establish basic skills and introduce additional strokes, rescues, and rough-condition paddling. Basic navigation and boat packing will also be included for those interested in joining our San Juan Islands sea kayaking tours.

Class will involve some on-land training and will include several breaks throughout the day, however the majority of the class will be spent on water. Please bring plenty of high-energy snacks and a lunch. Lunch is NOT provided but a cooler will be available to keep your food and drinks cool.

The Intermediate Skills Kayaking course will be taught at Elk or Suttle Lake where paddlers can experience open water conditions.

Class meets in Bend at the Tumalo Creek Shop: 805 SW Industrial Way, Suite 6, Bend, OR 97702. If choosing to meet us at Elk Lake, please notify us beforehand. (541) 317-9407

Directions to Little Fawn: From Bend, travel 35.5 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46), then 1.7 miles east on Forest Road 4625.

This class is geared towards adult paddlers and we recommend participants be 15 yrs. or older.

Safety Notice

Paddlesports, water, and river activities involve inherent risks that cannot be eliminated and may result in serious injury or death. Participation may involve hazards including but not limited to; moving water, changing river conditions, weather, obstacles, uneven terrain, equipment failure, and other natural or man-made hazards. Conditions can change rapidly and without warning.

All participants are required to wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) whenever on the water or whenever directed by a guide or instructor. Additional required safety equipment must be worn and used as instructed.

Our guides and instructors are trained to help manage risk and provide a more safe learning environment, but they cannot eliminate all risks or guarantee your safety. Even on guided trips, lessons, and camps, every participant is responsible for actively contributing to their own safety.

Participants are expected to:

• Listen to and follow all instructions from guides and instructors.
• Stay alert, make responsible decisions, and avoid unnecessary risks.
• Know and respect their own abilities and limits. Do not attempt skills or activities beyond your experience or comfort level.
• Immediately inform your guide or instructor if you are uncomfortable, become fatigued, are unable to perform a skill safely, or observe a potential hazard.
• Work together with guides and fellow participants to help maintain a safe environment.

Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that minor participants understand and follow all safety instructions.

By participating in our programs—including whitewater kayaking, rafting, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), canoeing, kayak sailing, flatwater paddling, youth camps, multi-activity paddlesports camps, and other paddlesports activities—you acknowledge the inherent risks associated with these activities and accept responsibility for your own actions and participation.