KAYAK AND SUP INSTRUCTION
Our highly experienced, ACA-certified kayak and paddleboard instructors lead a variety of sessions designed to improve your proficiency and confidence on the water.
First-time paddlers as well as those looking to hone specific skill sets can find classes suited for them or set up a private lesson.
First-time paddlers as well as those looking to hone specific skill sets can find classes suited for them or set up a private lesson.
NEW: 2-Hour Edging, Draw Stroke, and Forward Stroke Clinics and Quick Start Class
FOUNDATIONS I $120 4 hours
LOCATION: Cold Spring
This course is designed to introduce a beginner paddler to the knowledge and skills they need to get out on the river more confidently. We will review weather conditions, safety awareness, situational judgement, carrying boats, transporting, loading and standard equipment. On the water, we introduce the basic paddle strokes - forward, stopping, backward paddling, spinning your boat, turning underway and abeam draw. We will touch upon assisted rescues and demonstrate. Students are encouraged to follow up with a rescue class or clinic.
LOCATION: Cold Spring
This course is designed to introduce a beginner paddler to the knowledge and skills they need to get out on the river more confidently. We will review weather conditions, safety awareness, situational judgement, carrying boats, transporting, loading and standard equipment. On the water, we introduce the basic paddle strokes - forward, stopping, backward paddling, spinning your boat, turning underway and abeam draw. We will touch upon assisted rescues and demonstrate. Students are encouraged to follow up with a rescue class or clinic.
FOUNDATIONS II $120 4 hours
LOCATION: Cold Spring
In this course you'll learn self and assisted rescues as well as wet exits. We will practice these techniques that will make you more comfortable at getting yourself, and others, back into your kayaks after a capsize. Your instructor will introduce key pieces of safety equipment and demonstrate proper use. Although you will come away from this lesson wet, you will also come away with solid fundamental skills that build confidence on the water.
*Successful completion of this course satisfies HRE rescue skill requirement to paddle out of rental boundaries.
LOCATION: Cold Spring
In this course you'll learn self and assisted rescues as well as wet exits. We will practice these techniques that will make you more comfortable at getting yourself, and others, back into your kayaks after a capsize. Your instructor will introduce key pieces of safety equipment and demonstrate proper use. Although you will come away from this lesson wet, you will also come away with solid fundamental skills that build confidence on the water.
*Successful completion of this course satisfies HRE rescue skill requirement to paddle out of rental boundaries.
SUP CLINIC AND TOUR LEVEL I $70 2 hours
LOCATION: Cold Spring
This clinic covers the necessary skills to get you out paddling quickly. The instructor will then take you to try out your new skills on a short tour of the beautiful Hudson or scenic Constitution Marsh. The tour route will be decided by the tides that day.
LOCATION: Cold Spring
This clinic covers the necessary skills to get you out paddling quickly. The instructor will then take you to try out your new skills on a short tour of the beautiful Hudson or scenic Constitution Marsh. The tour route will be decided by the tides that day.
QUICK START CLASS 2 hours $70
Location: Beacon
Perfect intro for a paddler just starting out or one who has been off the water and would like a refresher. We will do a short review of what to consider before getting on the water and then introduce the basic paddle strokes. Students are encouraged to follow up with the Foundations classes or clinics focused on specific skills.
Location: Beacon
Perfect intro for a paddler just starting out or one who has been off the water and would like a refresher. We will do a short review of what to consider before getting on the water and then introduce the basic paddle strokes. Students are encouraged to follow up with the Foundations classes or clinics focused on specific skills.
FORWARD STROKE CLINIC 2 hours $70
LOCATION: Cold Spring
This dedicated clinic breaks down the fundamental forward stroke—the foundation of all efficient paddling. Participants will focus on proper paddle grip, optimal blade angle, and the essential phases of catch, power, and exit while learning to engage their core and torso for maximum efficiency and reduced fatigue. Through detailed instruction and repetitive practice, paddlers will refine their stroke timing, develop consistent rhythm, and eliminate common mistakes that waste energy or cause strain. By session's end, participants will have built stronger skills for a powerful, sustainable forward stroke that translates to faster speeds, longer paddling endurance, and a more enjoyable experience on the water.
*Requirements: Foundations I course or equivalent experience
LOCATION: Cold Spring
This dedicated clinic breaks down the fundamental forward stroke—the foundation of all efficient paddling. Participants will focus on proper paddle grip, optimal blade angle, and the essential phases of catch, power, and exit while learning to engage their core and torso for maximum efficiency and reduced fatigue. Through detailed instruction and repetitive practice, paddlers will refine their stroke timing, develop consistent rhythm, and eliminate common mistakes that waste energy or cause strain. By session's end, participants will have built stronger skills for a powerful, sustainable forward stroke that translates to faster speeds, longer paddling endurance, and a more enjoyable experience on the water.
*Requirements: Foundations I course or equivalent experience
EDGING CLINIC 2 hours $70
LOCATION: Cold Spring
This hands-on clinic focuses on mastering the fundamental skill of edging—tilting your kayak to one side while maintaining balance and control. Participants will learn proper body mechanics for initiating and holding edges, understand how edging improves turning efficiency and boat speed, and practice progressive exercises from gentle leans to confident edge holds. Through guided instruction and practical drills, paddlers will develop the core stability and hip flexibility essential for advanced maneuvering techniques, ultimately gaining greater confidence and precision in their boat handling on the water.
*Requirements: Foundations I course or equivalent experience
LOCATION: Cold Spring
This hands-on clinic focuses on mastering the fundamental skill of edging—tilting your kayak to one side while maintaining balance and control. Participants will learn proper body mechanics for initiating and holding edges, understand how edging improves turning efficiency and boat speed, and practice progressive exercises from gentle leans to confident edge holds. Through guided instruction and practical drills, paddlers will develop the core stability and hip flexibility essential for advanced maneuvering techniques, ultimately gaining greater confidence and precision in their boat handling on the water.
*Requirements: Foundations I course or equivalent experience
DRAW STROKE CLINIC 2 hours $70
LOCATION: Cold Spring
This focused clinic teaches paddlers the essential draw stroke—a powerful technique for moving your kayak sideways through the water. Participants will learn proper paddle placement, body rotation, and the mechanics of pulling water toward the boat to achieve precise lateral movement. Through step-by-step instruction and progressive practice, paddlers will master both stationary draws for moving sideways and sculling draws for continuous motion, while developing the timing and coordination needed to integrate this stroke into their paddling repertoire. By the end of the session, participants will have greater boat control and confidence for navigating tight spaces, docking, and positioning themselves effectively on the water.
*Requirements: Foundations I course or equivalent experience
LOCATION: Cold Spring
This focused clinic teaches paddlers the essential draw stroke—a powerful technique for moving your kayak sideways through the water. Participants will learn proper paddle placement, body rotation, and the mechanics of pulling water toward the boat to achieve precise lateral movement. Through step-by-step instruction and progressive practice, paddlers will master both stationary draws for moving sideways and sculling draws for continuous motion, while developing the timing and coordination needed to integrate this stroke into their paddling repertoire. By the end of the session, participants will have greater boat control and confidence for navigating tight spaces, docking, and positioning themselves effectively on the water.
*Requirements: Foundations I course or equivalent experience
KIDS' SUMMER CLASSES 9:00am-2:00pm for 5 days $350
DATES: August 11-15, 2025
LOCATION: Cold Spring
This week-long series of classes get your kids outdoors and on the water. We will use play-based instruction methods to teach kayak skills, safety, trip planning, navigation, and environmental stewardship. We will use games and team-building strategies to create a fun and safe environment. Our experienced, certified instructors will work on basic strokes, safety, and some rescue skills.
*Ages 10-14
Classes will run rain or shine. Please have your child dress to get wet daily, including water shoes and eyewear retainers.
Please have them pack a change of clothing, snack, lunch, and refillable water bottle daily.
DATES: August 11-15, 2025
LOCATION: Cold Spring
This week-long series of classes get your kids outdoors and on the water. We will use play-based instruction methods to teach kayak skills, safety, trip planning, navigation, and environmental stewardship. We will use games and team-building strategies to create a fun and safe environment. Our experienced, certified instructors will work on basic strokes, safety, and some rescue skills.
*Ages 10-14
Classes will run rain or shine. Please have your child dress to get wet daily, including water shoes and eyewear retainers.
Please have them pack a change of clothing, snack, lunch, and refillable water bottle daily.
BRACING AND ROLLING $120 4 hours
LOCATION: Cold Spring
Work on defensive paddle techniques including low and high braces to prevent capsizes, then progress toward rolling. Learn proper body positioning, paddle placement, and hip movements that will keep you upright in challenging conditions and ultimately allow you to recover from a capsize without exiting your kayak.
LOCATION: Cold Spring
Work on defensive paddle techniques including low and high braces to prevent capsizes, then progress toward rolling. Learn proper body positioning, paddle placement, and hip movements that will keep you upright in challenging conditions and ultimately allow you to recover from a capsize without exiting your kayak.
SOLO WILDERNESS FIRST AID $325.00 2-day program
COLD SPRING: Little Stony Point Volunteer Center April 26-27, 2025 (8:30am-5:00pm)
Registration deadline: April 12, 2025
Program Instructor: Todd Johnstone-Wright
Occasionally, injuries happen in the context of adventure sports, and as both enthusiasts and professionals we need to be prepared to treat, manage, and avoid injury in remote settings. SOLO Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is an introductory course designed to develop both decision making and management skills that address common backcountry injuries. The WFA course focuses on "hands on" learning, where students are engaged in managing authentic scenarios; scenario based learning is supported by brief classroom discussions and reinforced with intensive practical work. For more information regarding SOLO WFA please use this link.
COLD SPRING: Little Stony Point Volunteer Center April 26-27, 2025 (8:30am-5:00pm)
Registration deadline: April 12, 2025
Program Instructor: Todd Johnstone-Wright
Occasionally, injuries happen in the context of adventure sports, and as both enthusiasts and professionals we need to be prepared to treat, manage, and avoid injury in remote settings. SOLO Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is an introductory course designed to develop both decision making and management skills that address common backcountry injuries. The WFA course focuses on "hands on" learning, where students are engaged in managing authentic scenarios; scenario based learning is supported by brief classroom discussions and reinforced with intensive practical work. For more information regarding SOLO WFA please use this link.
LEVEL 1-2: ESSENTIALS OF KAYAK TOURING INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP (ICW) 4-day program $599
Date: May 30 - June 2, 2025 4-day program (8:30am-5:00pm)
Registration deadline: May 10, 2025
Program Instructor: Todd Johnstone-Wright
Cold Spring: Hudson River Expeditions
The ACA L1/2 Essentials of Kayak Touring ICW is a combined training and certification designed to prepare paddlers for the transition from enthusiast to instructor. The first two days of the course will focus on refining individual skills, session planning, content delivery, observation and assessment, learning through gaming, managing sessions and groups, making learning happen, and having fun. The final day will be an instructor assessment where candidates will deliver a variety of instructional sessions in either the Level 1 or Level 2 instructional venue. Our goal is to develop competent instructors, who are able to meet the needs of diverse groups of paddlers, through fun, engaging, and intentional sessions.
Pre-requisites: Candidates interested in ACA Instructor Certification must possess current First Aid and CPR credentials. You may participate in the assessment without FA/CPR credentials, but your certification would be pending until proof of certification is confirmed. While there is no formal skills requirement to participate in the Level 1/2 ICW, it is expected that all candidates are able to paddle at a skill level, commensurate with their desired level of training, prior to the course. There is a strong recommendation for an L2 skills assessment prior to workshop. The staff at HRE can help you determine if you are ready for the ICW, and help you get there if you are not.
Date: May 30 - June 2, 2025 4-day program (8:30am-5:00pm)
Registration deadline: May 10, 2025
Program Instructor: Todd Johnstone-Wright
Cold Spring: Hudson River Expeditions
The ACA L1/2 Essentials of Kayak Touring ICW is a combined training and certification designed to prepare paddlers for the transition from enthusiast to instructor. The first two days of the course will focus on refining individual skills, session planning, content delivery, observation and assessment, learning through gaming, managing sessions and groups, making learning happen, and having fun. The final day will be an instructor assessment where candidates will deliver a variety of instructional sessions in either the Level 1 or Level 2 instructional venue. Our goal is to develop competent instructors, who are able to meet the needs of diverse groups of paddlers, through fun, engaging, and intentional sessions.
Pre-requisites: Candidates interested in ACA Instructor Certification must possess current First Aid and CPR credentials. You may participate in the assessment without FA/CPR credentials, but your certification would be pending until proof of certification is confirmed. While there is no formal skills requirement to participate in the Level 1/2 ICW, it is expected that all candidates are able to paddle at a skill level, commensurate with their desired level of training, prior to the course. There is a strong recommendation for an L2 skills assessment prior to workshop. The staff at HRE can help you determine if you are ready for the ICW, and help you get there if you are not.
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
Weekdays
1/2 days: $250 / $50 for each additional person.
Weekends and holidays
1/2 days: $350 /$75 for each additional person.
Email [email protected] to schedule your class
Weekdays
1/2 days: $250 / $50 for each additional person.
Weekends and holidays
1/2 days: $350 /$75 for each additional person.
Email [email protected] to schedule your class
Please be advised that online booking closes 1-day before class dates.
Please try to begin arrangements for a private lesson at least 2-weeks in advance.
Please try to begin arrangements for a private lesson at least 2-weeks in advance.
*All rental and tour bookings are at the discretion of HRE. Conditions may warrant reroutes or cancellations. Please provide a phone number that is best to reach you and check your email for updates.