Our Beginner Kayak School Courses
It may sound unusual to travel to Patagonia to learn to kayak, but we can not think of a more spectacular classroom in one of the most stunning geographical areas of the world. This is not only World Class instruction it is World Class adventure. With the different sections of the Rio Espolon and our roll practice lagoons we have the highly evolved teaching progressions for you.
Intermediate Paddling School Courses
We have many people call our office worried that the Futaleufu might be beyond their skill level. While the Futaleufu does have a world-class reputation, not all of the river is Class V whitewater; in fact 33% Percent of the Futaleufu is Class II - III, and 50 % is Class III-IV. The Espolon and the Azul offer more Class III+. With that in mind we developed intermediate kayak instruction courses that will allow you to comfortably experience one of the most majestic paddling destinations in the world. Our most popular paddling school course is our Class II-III, called the Whitewater Tune-Up, which is a kayak instruction course that specifically focuses on the weakness that you want to address in your paddling style. Our Class III-IV Introduction to Big Water paddling class will help you develop the river skills necessary to paddle some impressive Class IV sections of the Futaleufu.
Advanced Kayak Instruction
We offer more advanced kayak courses preparing you for your shot on Class IV/V. It is amazing what you can accomplish with guidance and a progression that prepares you for a chance to paddle some of the famous rapids of the Futaleufu. On the Futaleufu there is always a route. If you do not feel you can make the route walking is always an option.
Special Kayak Courses
1. Teen Kayak trips during Spring break in Patagonia Futaleufu.
2. New for 2018 we are offering roll instruction and paddling in the Summer months based out of Sun Valley, Idaho. June to October.
3. We will travel the world to teach your group or club. We will travel the world to teach your group or club. New for 2018 we are offering roll instruction and Paddling in the Summer months in Idaho. June to October.
Futaleufu River Valley Teaching Sections:
Throughout our kayak school season, which runs from November 1st to April 15th, we follow the optimal water levels for each river and river section. Thus our kayak school itineraries may vary from week to week. Below are some selected descriptions of the rivers at the Exchile Patagonia Paddling School that we use for kayak instruction.
Upper & Middle Rio Espolon: Class I/II
Take a magic carpet ride! The water is so clear it looks as if you are flying over the bottom of the riverbed. With numerous white sand beaches and swimming holes, this is a perfect introduction to paddling for people of all ages. Make your first eddy turns and learn how to navigate your way down the river. For those learning to kayak you will encounter you first whitewater rapid with standing waves, the Class II Three Rock Rapid.
Lower Río Espolon: Class II/III
As an extension to the introductory upper and middle run, we continue on to the take-out just above the confluence of the Futaleufu. Enjoy the challenges of the Class III rapids and surfing lessons on the "Espolon Surf Wave!"
Río Azul: Class III/III+
Kayak from the Rio Azul school to the Rio Futaleufu confluence. We paddle a mini-gorge with mind-boggling beauty and glacial blue water. The Tres Monjas Peaks tower overhead as you descend this beautiful river. You will have the opportunity to practice your rolls at the confluence beach. The Rio Azul is usually reserved for more advanced kayak lessons and instruction.
Río Futaleufu: Class II Upper Limite Section:
This section of the Futaleufu starts at the Argentine border and flows past the village of Futaleufu before it empties into the Class V "Infierno Gorge" section. This section provides us a great opportunity to experience the big water feel without having to contend with any major rapids, a great section for introductory kayak lessons.
Río Futaleufu: Class II/III+ Big Water 101 to Asleep at the wheel.
You first day on big water in the ideal classroom. It is at our Campo Tres Monjas.
Río Futaleufu: Class III/III+ El Macal Section:
We put-in for the easiest stretch of the whitewater Futaleufu, the "El Macal" section. Big water eddy lines, the "Every Man's (and Woman's) Surf" Wave, and wave-trains culminate in a basic kayak piloting move at "Freighter Rock" Rapid. This is often another kayak instruction graduation day run.
Río Futaleufu: Class III/IV-Terminator Section:
We put in at Tres Monjas Eco Camp and paddle the Class III side of "Asleep at the Wheel" Rapid. We walk the legendary "Terminator" Rapid giving us a safe view of a real-world Class V rapid. We sneak the "Khyber Pass" and we prepare for a down-the-throat kayak run of the "Himalayas", into the big pool below, as your advanced kayak school graduation ceremony. These are perhaps the largest waves in the hemisphere. We then relax on the flatwater to the take-out.
Rio Futaleufu: Class V Rapids:
Casa de Piedra, Terminator, Gates or the Inferno, Wall shot, Dynamite and Perfect Storm. Throne Room and Zeta (Class V+ usually walked)
Kayak Instruction Schedule:
High season is December, January, February and March. Call the office for River Guide School and Certification Course dates, which run less frequently. Private kayak lessons and learn to roll clinics can be scheduled on custom basis.
What's Included:
All kayak instruction and multi-day trip prices include ground transportation, river shuttles, lodging, meals, wine with dinner, instructors/guides, kayak lessons/instruction, use of a kayak, and kayak equipment needed for your described trip. We provide kayak equipment for students enrolled in our Beginner Kayak School Courses. Students taking Intermediate Kayak Instruction Courses and Advanced Paddling School Courses should bring their own personal equipment. The kayaks and playboats will be provided for all of our students.
Kayak School Prices:
All kayak school courses are 2,695 usd Single Occupancy $2,295.00 USD Double Occupancy.. Call our office to inquire about group packages. Private kayak lessons and kayak instruction are also available.
Also offered at the Exchile Patagonia Kayak School: Beginning Kayak Instruction, Intermediate Paddling Instruction, Advanced Paddling School Courses. How to Roll a Kayak clinics.
Also offered at the Patagonia South Kayak School: Beginning Kayak Instruction, Intermediate Paddling Instruction, Advanced Paddling School Courses. How to Roll a Kayak clinics.