Kayak School

Beginner lessons, rolling clinics, and ACA-certified instruction on the Pigeon River.

The Pigeon River Kayak School

From First Wet Exit to Class II

From your first wet exit to running Class II in a weekend. Our ACA-certified instructors keep groups small, gear included, and the focus on real river time — so you walk away with skills, not just a sunburn.

Beginner kayak lesson on calm water
Start Here

Beginner Lesson

A relaxed one-day introduction to whitewater kayaking. Spend four hours on calm water learning paddle strokes, bracing, wet exit, T-rescue, and the basics of rolling — no experience needed.

Duration: 1 day · 4 hrs Ages: 10+ Price: $85 / person
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Kayaker on the river during intensive course
Most Popular

Weekend Intensive

Our flagship two-day course. Starts with a pool session to dial in your roll, then moves to the river for edge control, ferrying, surfing, and reading Class I–II water. Real progression, real confidence.

Duration: 2 days Format: Pool + 2 river sessions Price: $195 / person
Book Weekend Intensive
Whitewater kayaker rolling through a wave
Skills

Rolling & Bracing Clinic

Half-day clinic dedicated to the moves that keep you upright: combat rolling, sculling for balance, and high/low braces. Perfect for paddlers who can already wet-exit and want to get back in the boat.

Duration: ½ day Level: Intro–Intermediate Price: $65 / person
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Pool session teaching kayak rolls
Why Lessons With Us

Real Instruction.
Real River Time.

We've been teaching paddlers on the Pigeon River for over a decade. Our instructors hold current ACA certifications in kayak instruction and swiftwater rescue — and they spend their summers actually running the river you want to learn on.

Small Groups, Real Attention

Maximum 4 students per instructor on the water. You get actual feedback, not a cattle call.

ACA-Certified Instructors

Every coach holds an American Canoe Association certification and current swiftwater rescue training.

All Gear Included

Boat, spray skirt, paddle, PFD, helmet, and wetsuit if needed. Just bring a swimsuit, a towel, and a sense of adventure.

Real River Practice

We get you on actual moving water fast. Pool time for the roll, then straight to the Pigeon for the real thing.

Private & Group

One-on-One
or With Your Crew

Want focused coaching? Book a private 1-on-1 lesson and we'll tailor every drill to your goals. Bringing friends, a corporate team, or a bachelor party? Our custom group clinics turn a day on the river into the kind of story people retell for years.

Private sessions start at $150/hour for one person, with discounted rates for pairs and groups. Team building packages include lunch on the river, transportation, and a souvenir photo package.

Book a Private Lesson
Kayaker running whitewater
Rentals & Tours

Got a Roll? Get on the River.

For experienced paddlers who'd rather skip the lesson and head straight for the put-in, we rent quality whitewater kayaks and run guided river tours all summer long.

Kayak on a riverbank at sunset
Self-Guided

Kayak Rental

Top-quality whitewater kayaks with spray skirt, paddle, PFD, and helmet. Choose a one-hour lap, a half-day, or take it for the full day. Must demonstrate a reliable wet exit and roll before launch.

1 Hour: $35 Half Day: $55 Full Day: $85
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Group of kayakers on a guided tour
Guided

Guided River Tour

Two hours on the Class I–II section of the Pigeon with one of our guides. Perfect for paddlers who want company, river reading tips, and a safety boat on standby. Great for first-time river runners.

Duration: 2 hours Class: I–II Price: $75 / person
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Multi-day kayak trip on a mountain river
Adventure

Multi-Day Trips

Three- to five-day paddling adventures on rivers across the Southeast — Nolichucky, Ocoee, Chattooga, and the New. Gear, food, guides, and riverside camping all dialed in. Schedule varies by water.

Duration: 3–5 days Includes: Gear, food, guides From: $895 / person
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Schedule

When We Run

The Pigeon is dam-controlled, so we paddle April through September. Weekday and weekend sessions available — book early for weekend rolling clinics.

Season

April – September

Dam-released water on the Upper Pigeon Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays. Lower Pigeon runs year-round.

Weekdays

Mon – Fri

Beginner lessons, private coaching, and rentals. Quieter river, more instructor attention, more flexible scheduling.

Weekends

Sat & Sun

Weekend Intensive, Rolling Clinics, and guided tours. Booking 2–3 weeks ahead strongly recommended.

Sessions

9:00 AM & 1:30 PM

Two daily start times for lessons and clinics. Multi-day trips depart Fridays at 8:00 AM.