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.
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 - April 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 Introduction to Kayak/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 (ACA FA/CPR Requirement). You may participate in the assessment without FA/CPR credentials, but your certification would be pending until proof of FA/CPR 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 - April 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 Introduction to Kayak/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 (ACA FA/CPR Requirement). You may participate in the assessment without FA/CPR credentials, but your certification would be pending until proof of FA/CPR 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.
THURSDAY NIGHT TUNE-UP $10/$30
DATES: Tune-ups closed for the 2024 season
LOCATION: Beacon
Starting May 30, join our instructors for a skills tune-up. Each week we will cover a different skill.
$10 per session with your own gear. $30 per session includes rental equipment. You can arrive as early as 5:00pm to prepare.
DATES: Tune-ups closed for the 2024 season
LOCATION: Beacon
Starting May 30, join our instructors for a skills tune-up. Each week we will cover a different skill.
$10 per session with your own gear. $30 per session includes rental equipment. You can arrive as early as 5:00pm to prepare.
KIDS' SUMMER CLASSES 9:00am-2:00pm for 5 days $350
DATES: 2025 dates TBD
LOCATION: Cold Spring
These 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 10-15
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: 2025 dates TBD
LOCATION: Cold Spring
These 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 10-15
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.
FOUNDATIONS I $120 4 hours
Cold Spring: 2025 dates TBD
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.
Cold Spring: 2025 dates TBD
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
Cold Spring: 2025 dates TBD
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.
Cold Spring: 2025 dates TBD
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.
BRACING AND ROLLING $120 4 hours
Cold Spring: 2025 dates TBD
This class will work through paddle techniques that help you prevent capsizes. With skills and continued development we will work toward the goal of rolling.
Cold Spring: 2025 dates TBD
This class will work through paddle techniques that help you prevent capsizes. With skills and continued development we will work toward the goal of rolling.
SUP CLINIC AND TOUR LEVEL I $80 2 hours
Cold Spring: 2025 dates TBD
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.
Cold Spring: 2025 dates TBD
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.
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.