Welcome to Riversport School of Paddling!!!! For over 23 years, Riversport has been teaching quality instruction to thousands of beginner to advanced paddlers. We offer progressive courses that focus on Safety, Proper Skills/ Technique and Fun while in a positive learning environment. Our smaller classes consist of a student to instructor ratio of 5:1. That way students receive the best instruction in the appropriate class to match their goals. All of our instructors are American Canoe Association- Whitewater Certified, or American Red Cross Certified with proper Advanced First Aid/ CPR certifications.

Check out our course listings offered below, and call (800) 216-6991 to speak to one of our staff to assist you with any questions

For this year Riversport has made it even easier to "take your paddling skills to the next level.."(and we lowered our prices to help get to the River)

Canoe and Kayak Program

Riversport offers full day classes that allow students to benefit the most from our kayak and canoe programs. Our paddling courses are held every day, and we offer 1-5 days of instruction, and highly recommend a 2-day course to effectively build a solid foundation. Whether you are a fresh new beginner or advanced boater, our classes are designed to take students through a progressive class that helps facilitate strong paddling skills. We also offer a half day "Learn to Roll" clinic. Call us for more information (800) 216-6991, and to speak to one of our experienced instructors.

Adventure Recreational Kayaking Course- Even though we offer instruction on the calm pristine Youghiogheny lake, there is more fun just below along the mild and scenic Middle Yough River (Class I-Class II). We use Recreational, and Day Touring kayaks to explore this excellent section of river. This class is all about learning proper strokes, self rescue techniques, natural history of the area, and how to turn your Rec kayak into a vehicle for visiting beautiful rivers with mild whitewater. Our classes begin at 10 a.m. at the Riversport Store and finishes at 3 p.m. in Ohiopyle. Lunch is also served on the river.

1 Day Course: $95 per day (includes kayak, equipment, transportation, and lunch)

Whitewater Beginner Course (Level I) Our Beginner class starts with creating a solid foundation of skills that will allow you to confidently go forward to our next day of instruction, or to take home and practice. The course begins on the warm waters of the Yough Lake, and finishes at our camp location at Ram Cat Rapid on the Middle Yough, or lower Castleman River. This course is for the true first time kayaker, or recreational kayaker looking to cross over to the wonderful world of white water. Our canoe classes are oriented towards paddlers who have some experience in slow/ moving water, but no knowledge of formal canoe strokes like Cross Draw or J-Stroke.

1 Day Course: $120 per day (includes kayak or canoe equipment, transportation, and lunch at our cafe)

Whitewater Novice Course (Level II) Our next course moves into the exciting realm of learning stronger skills in class II+ white water. In this course we will continue on from the previous day's lesson, or begin with a on water analysis of your current ability level. Generally, this early part of the day will focus on learning the "Sweep," or "C-to-C" Roll in the morning session. In the afternoon we move to Class II+ moving water to practice more rolling in moving water, but more importantly dialing in your paddling technique. Most students who take this course have had some experience on moving water in a kayak, but still need improvement/ confidence in Class II whitewater. Open Boat canoe classes focus on eddy turns and peel outs. We also focus on linking "combination strokes" to give more control and acceleration while in a canoe.

1 Day Course: $120 per day (includes kayak or canoe equipment, transportation, and lunch at our cafe)

Whitewater Intermediate Course (Level III) At this level, students are ready for more challenge with the watchful guidance of their instructor. You should have a good flat water roll, and experience in class II and may be some III whitewater. Students should have good boat control doing eddy turns and peel outs. We usually start by taking students to a easy class II+ section of river to warm up and review their abilities before heading out to our favorite section on the lower Yough called the "Loop." This section allows us tap into world renowned classic class III whitewater. Students experience stronger river flows, gradient, and faster current. We also begin to introduce mild play on certain river features such as catching small waves to feel the sensation of surfing on water. Good technique is also emphasised. Open boater canoe students should have a knowledge of strokes, eddy turns/ peel out and would like to work up to the Lower Yough.

1 Day Course: $120 per day (includes kayak or canoe equipment, transportation, and lunch at our cafe)

Expert River Running or Playboating Course (Level IV) Students are ready to paddle the whole Lower Yough. We spend a full day on the river working on river running technique, and tapping into the many great play features on the Yough. This course will show students the proper way of running harder lines, to proper surfing methods, flat spins, cartwheels, and other moves on the water. What ever the goals for the day, we offer flexibility to meet your needs. We even offer instructional trips on Class V whitewater on the Upper Yough river.

1 Day Course: $120 per day (includes kayak or canoe equipment, transportation, and lunch at our cafe)

*Special Bonus Discount*

The more friends and family, the better savings:

2 people- $110 per day (each), 3 people- $95 per day (each), 4 people- $85 per day (each)

Private Instruction (Any Level of Ability) We offer a excellent way of giving you personalized instruction to suit your needs and goals. If you want to excellerate your learning, a 1:1 ratio is the way to do it. Whether you are a beginner, or advanced paddler private instruction will help you learn quicker. It's the "all about you" perfect scenario where your learning curve goes way up.

1 Day Course: $175 per day (includes kayak or canoe equipment, transportation, and lunch at our cafe)

Bombproof Your Roll 1/2 Day Clinic: $50 (includes kayak or canoe equipment and transportation) on Friday Afternoons or Monday mornings

These roll clinics are held every Friday, or Monday afternoon through the season. We start at 9 a.m. and do a 2.5 hr session on the warm Yough Lake. The clinic uses visual, and step by step instruction with a instructor to learn the most effective roll technique that suits your needs.

"Kid's Kamps

June 23-27th, July 21-25th, and August 4-8th

Our "Kid's Kamps" are AWESOME FUN. Riversport has 3 different camps during the summer to suit your summer schedule. Parent's can drop off students that Sunday afternoon after 1 p.m. prior to the Monday start time to get their camping area set up, and settled in for a week of good times. Our camp facility has primitive (tent camping) sites with restrooms, and warm showers for our students. All meals are provided during the week by our very own Lucky Dog Cafe. Also, feel free to bring your own kayaking equipment. But don't worry, Riversport offers equipment (kayak, paddle, PFD, skirt, helmet) with the camps. We begin by organizing the students into separate levels of ability. Our beginner's start on the Yough Lake, while intermediate's begin at Ram Cat Rapid, and expert's head to the Loop on the lower Yough River. Then the fun and learning begins and continues through the week. On Friday, the final day, we always do a special trip down the river for everyone. Parents are welcome to join us for a final day on the river to experience the great paddling, and fun that the kids have been having all week. Pick up time is around 5 p.m. on Friday. Please call for details (800) 216-6991, and to receive information pertaining to the course.

Course Cost: $425 (wow! includes all kayaking equipment, camping with warm showers, Lucky Dog Cafe meals, kayaking education, DVD, and don't forget fun.)

Jackson Kayak Team featuring Dane Jackson will be here for our July Camp

*We use and support the Jackson Kayak Fun series designed to fit kids. Check out Jackson Kayaks

"Parent / Child Week"

July 27th-August 1st

A beautiful setting, campfires with marsh mellows, sleeping outdoors, paddling on great rivers, and spending time in the mountains with biking or fishing on the side. What could be more fun and full filling than to spend that time with the kids. Our Parent / Child Week is a great way to learn a great family sport that everyone can do together, and sharing those experiences after the day ends. Even if those young ones are laughing at us while we flip over, and wet exit. Like I mentioned, it's all about the experiences.....

Whether you are a beginner, or advanced paddling family, Riversport has a week of great instruction for you.

Course Cost: $595 per Parent & Child (includes all kayaking equipment, camping with warm showers, Lunch at the Lucky Dog Cafe. Other meals should be prepared by you, or receive 20% off at our cafe)

For Each additional parent & child please add $195