We offer a variety of classes and tours for beginners and experienced paddlers from tranquil flat water to thrilling white-water rapids.

Beginning Touring

The perfect kayaking introduction. We will guide you through the skills and safety that you will need to become a proficient kayaker. Class includes an introduction to the kayak, launching, and an overview of basic strokes. Combine this class with the Intermediate Touring class for a complete weekend! Prerequisites: None. Trip length: 1 day. Meeting time: 8:30 am . Dates: 4/24, 5/22, 6/26, 7/24,  8/28, 9/25, 10/23, 11/13, TBD. Cost: $70.

Intermediate Touring

We build on Beginning Touring skills and introduce more advanced techniques, such as bracing, edging, and especially rescues. This course is a prerequisite for more advanced tours, and builds your confidence to take on new challenges. Prerequisites: Beginner Touring class or previous paddling experience. Trip length: 1 day. Meeting time: 8:30 am. Dates: 4/25, 6/27, 7/25, 8/22, 9/26, 10/24. Cost: $70.

Open Water Rescue Clinic

The purpose of this clinic will be to teach the basic touring kayaking rescue skills to gain confidence and maximize your paddling experience.focus on rescues. Prerequisites: Past paddling experience. Trip length: 3 hours. Meeting time: 8:00 am. Dates: 5/16, TBD. Cost: $35.

Tours and Sea School

Moonlit Paddle

During the moonlit paddle, we will enjoy the magical mix of paddling, watching the sun set, and the moonrise on local flat water. Paddling on moonlit water is truly unforgettable experience! Please call beforehand for details and to register. Prerequisites: None required. Trip length: 3-4 hours. Meeting time: 5:30 pm (on site) Dates: 4/24, 6/26, 7/24, 8/22, 9/25, 10/23, 11/13. Cost: $35 (for the rest of the year, recession-pricing! $25).

Sacramento River EcoTour

The Sacramento River supports a variety of wildlife and surprising natural beauty. Join Dan Efseaff, a restoration ecologist and ACA instructor, to paddle, explore, and learn about the rich natural history of this ecological hotspot. We’ll stop to explore restoration sites and riparian forests, view wildlife, and learn about natural history. The class includes kayak gear and a brief introduction on paddling, but the focus will be on exploring this local treasure. Please register for this class through the Chico Area Recreation District (CARD) at www.chicorec.com. Prerequisites: Previous paddling experience suggested but not required. Trip length: 1 day. Meeting time: 8:30 am. Dates: 5/31, 6/27, 7/10, 8/21, 9/11, 10/2, 11/13.

Feather River Wildlife Tour

The Oroville Wildlife Area hosts a wide variety of bird, mammal, fish, and plant life around its 11,000 acres. Come explore this interesting area for a river tour down the Lower Feather River. No two trips are the same on this stretch of the river. Although there’s plenty to see, some waves and small rapids will keep paddlers busy between gentle pools. Prerequisites: Previous paddling experience suggested but not required. Trip length: 1 day. Meeting time: 8:30 am. Dates: 6/20, 9/12, 11/14. Cost: $60.

Point Reyes Area Weekend

Enjoy a spectacular weekend of coastal paddling. Glide through oyster beds and kelp beds while looking for harbor seals, bat rays, white pelicans, and even Tule elk. Drakes Estero or Tomales Bay offer beginner and experienced sea kayakers scenery and wildlife. A variety of hostels and campgrounds are available in the area. Prerequisites: Previous paddling experience suggested. Trip length: 2 days. Meeting time: 9:00 am (Nick’s Cove). Date: 8/14-8/15. Cost: $170.

SF Bay Day

Experience the Bay like you’ve never before. Join us on an unforgettable day trip to enjoy dramatic views, wildlife and challenging paddling. The class provides a great introduction to navigation, tidal currents, and open water paddling. Prerequisites: Intermediate to advanced. Trip length: 1 day plus classroom session. Meeting time: Classroom session, Thursday before class 6:00 pm Dates: 10/17. Cost: $100.

Mendocino Coast

Come find out why the Mendocino Coast is a world class paddling destination. We will spend 2 days exploring sea stacks, tidal rivers, coves, and caves. Where we paddle depends on conditions and group experience. Trip costs cover camping fees and kayaking gear. Prerequisites: Intermediate touring class or equivalent. Trip length: 2 days. Meeting time: 8:30 am (at the coast!) Dates: 9/18-9/19. Cost: $190.

Whitewater Classes

River Kayak (RK1, RK 2, and RK 3)

Get started on the right path to becoming a whitewater kayaker. In River Kayak 1 (RK1), we will cover basic strokes and concepts (equipment, skills, and safety) . In RK2, we review these skills and apply them to moving water and learn some tricks on reading whitewater. In RK3, we will put it all together for a river trip and focus on the skills and judgment needed for Class III and beyond. Prerequisites: None (RK1), prior class (RK2 and RK3). Trip length: 2 days (RK1 and RK2), 1 day (RK3). Meeting time: 8:30 am (Chico Park and Ride). Dates: 4/18-4/19, 5/2-5/3, 6/20-6/21, 8/7-8/8, 9/4-9/5, 10/9-10/10. RK3: Call to schedule. Cost: $140 (RK1) $150 (RK2), and $80 (RK3).

Whitewater Immersion (Trinity or Feather River)

You’ll be amazed at the progress you can make in four days. This class will take you from beginner to reading and running fun whitewater, and follows the curriculum in the RK series. Prerequisites: None. Trip length: 4 days. Meeting time: 8:30 am. Dates: 7/1-7/4. Cost: $250.

Whitewater Tour

This class is designed for the whitewater paddler looking for a little more challenge on a river trip. We will see if we can tune up your technique and playing, but the focus is on running Class 2-3 whitewater. The location of the class (Feather, Trinity, American, Klamath, Butte, Cache) depends on participant's skill level and water flows. Prerequisites: Previous paddling experience. Trip length: 1 day. Meeting time: 8:30 am. Dates: TBD. Cost: $90.

Feather or Klamath River Tour

Join us on the warm water and forgiving rapids on the Klamath River (see class description for the Whitewater Tour), or the variety of water on the Feather River (TBD). Prerequisites: Previous paddling experience. Trip length: 3 days. Meeting time: 8:30 am (on the River). Dates: TBD. Cost: $220.

Pool Session

The Eskimo Roll is an important self rescue technique. Paddlers that have a roll gain confidence and a willingness to try things and let’s them progress fast. We will build the skills needed for the Eskimo roll in this two session class. Not everyone can get a combat roll right off the bat, but this class will help build on rescue techniques that will make you a more confident paddler. This class can also be set-up for sea or touring kayakers who wish to learn boat-based deep-water rescues. All equipment provided. Prerequisites: None. Trip length: 2hours. Meeting time: 6 pm (call to confirm). Dates: TBD. Cost: $50 and $10 (open rolling session).

Private or Group Classes or Tours

If you have a group of 4 and the dates above don't work, give us a call. Please call to set up private or group lessons or tours or add additional class dates. Other classes available including Angel Island Overnight, Ahjumawi Weekend, Point Reyes Weekend, Gold Lakes Weekend, Sacramento River Overnight, and any of the classes listed.

Registration Information

Space is limited, sign-up early. Pre-registration and payment required for all classes (please see webpage for details). Cost includes boat and boating equipment. We provide a splash jacket and can provide a list of items to recommended items to bring. Classes based on ACA course content. All participants must read and sign a Waiver and Release of Liability. Weather and other condition may modify class location and content. Students will be offered class credit for cancelled classes.

NRAS is a permittee of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider.

Classes Available for Private Classes or Group Trips (not Currently Scheduled)

Demo Day/Quick Start Kayaking

This class provides a brief introduction to kayaking. Prerequisites: None. Trip length: 2 hours. Meeting time: TBA (select Demo Days). Dates: TBA. Cost: $20

Quick Start Kayaking

This class provides a low-key, brief introduction to the sport. We cover basic water safety, boat design, and boat handling. Please check with us as to dates and to sign up. Prerequisites: None. Trip length: 2 hours. Meeting time: TBA. Dates: TBA. Cost: $25

Skill Building Clinics

Paddlers will benefit from these skill-oriented clinics that concentrate on proper body mechanics to transform you into a more efficient paddler. Combined them all to follow the beginning class progression. Prerequisites: None. Trip length: 3 hours. Meeting time: 4 pm. Dates: Forward and reverse (TBD), Sweeps, and draws (TBD), Rescues and safety (TBD). Whitewater strokes and play (TBD). Cost: $40.

Ahjumawi Lava Springs Camping

Imagine paddling and camping on a beautifully spring fed lake surrounded by a rugged volcanic landscape. Spend your time viewing wildlife, fishing, hiking, and of course pausing to view reflections of Mt Lassen and Shasta. A remote camping experience, participants will need to bring camping supplies and food (everything needs to fit in the boat!); we will supply guides, boats, and paddling equipment. Prerequisites: None to advanced. Trip length: 2 days. Meeting time: 8:00 am. Dates: TBD. Cost: $138.

Gold Lakes Weekend

Imagine paddling on a snow fed Northern Sierra Lake surrounded by granitic works of art. We’ll review basic paddling technique, so it would be a great experience for beginning kayakers. Off the water, you can spend your time viewing wildlife, fishing, hiking, and of course enjoying reflections of the mountains. Price includes kayak equipment and a shared campsite. Prerequisites: None required. Trip length: 2 days. Meeting time: 9:00 am (at the put-in) Dates: TBD. Cost: $140.

Weekday Tour / Moonlit Paddle

The Weekday Tour provides a quick overview of basic strokes and safety. The focus is on exploration in a guided setting. During the moonlit paddle, we will enjoy the magical mix of paddling and moonlight on local flat water. Bring a snack as we point out our favorite constellations. A truly unforgettable experience! Prerequisites: None required. Trip length: 3-4 hours. Cost: $40. Weekday Tour Meeting time: 4:00 pm (on site), Dates: 6/18, TBD. Cost: $40.

Moonlit Tour: Meeting time: 6:00 pm (on site) Dates: TBD.

Angel Island (San Francisco Bay) Overnight

Paddle the challenging conditions of San Francisco Bay and then camp out under the stars. This tour experience will have you ready to take on your next overnight adventure. We will introduce you to trip planning, overnight kayak camping, navigation, tidal currents, and open water paddling. Course includes classroom session, camping fee, dinner, and breakfast! Prerequisites: Intermediate to advanced. Trip length: 2 days. Meeting time: Classroom session, Thursday before class 6:00 pm Dates: TBD. Cost: $180.

Sea Kayak School

This comprehensive class provides paddlers a comfortable progression from calm to challenging water (lakes, rivers, and ocean) and is suitable for beginners who want to learn fast and experienced paddlers eager to explore greater challenges with confidence. Classroom topics include equipment, medical emergencies, reading water, weather, navigation, and trip planning. Cost also includes camping fees on the Mendocino Coast and class materials! Prerequisites: None. Trip length: 5 days. Meeting time: 3 classroom sessions Thursdays before class (6:00 – 8:00 pm). Dates: TBD. Cost: $250.