Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors to learn the fundamentals and versatility of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). This program is for people either new to SUP or wanting a refresher. You’ll learn about the equipment, basic paddle strokes and how to navigate the water safely in variable conditions. Practice paddling in multiple positions (laying, sitting, kneeling and standing) and get comfortable getting on and off your board in the water. The physical level is easy to moderate, depending on the options you choose during the program. Flexibility is needed for sitting or kneeling on board. Strength and balance are needed for standing, but standing is optional. $35/person.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School and instructor trainer Nancy Uschold, for an immersive weekend of training to experiment and expand your paddle sport teaching skills. The Advanced Communications Workshop (ACW) focuses on methods to promote seamless integration and address the needs of individuals with speech and language impairments, hearing impairments or deafness, and visual impairments or blindness. This hands-on course is designed for (but not limited to) American Canoe Association (ACA) Certified Instructors. It provides a basic understanding of disabilities along with a toolbox of techniques for skill acquisition and risk management. Upon successful completion, current ACA Instructors will earn the Advanced Communications Endorsement. Participants in this course use existing teaching experience with new methods as we consider working with specific individuals or audiences. Participants in the course should be comfortable teaching foundational paddling skills in a kayak. If you have questions about if this course is right for you or other questions about this course, reach out to Grant.Armour@ThreeRiversParks.org. Please note that there will be pre-coursework to do. The meeting on September 9 will be over Zoom from 6–8 p.m. Central time; the rest of the program will be in-person at Fish Lake Regional Park on September 12 and 13 from 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Equipment provided.

Learn the essentials of paddling on a river and enjoy the scenic Crow River with Outdoor Recreation School instructors. We will cover how to identify and mitigate common river hazards while enjoying the meandering nature along the banks of the lesser-known of the Park District’s three rivers. Previous kayaking experience required for all participants. Shuttle between enter and exit points is provided. $60/person.

Bring your date or friend for an evening of play. Create memories together as you dip your paddles and test your balance. Outdoor Recreation School instructors will cover the fundamental skills and versatility of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). You’ll learn about the equipment, basic paddle strokes and how to navigate the water safely in variable conditions. Practice paddling in multiple positions (laying, sitting, kneeling and standing) and get comfortable getting on and off your board in the water. Whether you’re brand new to SUP or looking to build skills and confidence, this session is designed to meet you where you’re at. Each person should register and pay. $35/person.

Get your family out on the water with instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School. We will help you improve your paddle strokes to be more effective and efficient while having fun and making safe paddling decisions. Enjoy learning and exploring the lake together. Each person must register and pay. $12/person.

Create fun memories on the water. Learn kayaking safety and proper paddling techniques from Outdoor Recreation School instructors and enjoy paddling around the lake with the group. $20/person.

Create memories of fun on the water. Join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School to learn kayaking safety and proper paddling techniques before heading to the water to practice on water. The program is in partnership with Scott County. $20/person.

Enjoy paddling a canoe with your family and friends around a nature center pond. While exploring on the water, look for turtles, birds, insects and other wildlife. This program will cover the basics of paddling a canoe (safety, parts of a canoe, entering and exiting, and paddling strokes). We will focus on wildlife viewing and not on advanced canoeing skills. One adult participant is required in each canoe. $10/person.

Get ready for a summer of paddling with an introduction to canoeing! Instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School will cover safety, equipment and paddle strokes. Then we’ll get out on the water to practice our skills. This is a great class for beginners or those looking to brush up on skills.

Learn safety skills and proper paddling form and techniques with Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Beginners and anyone who has never had formal kayak instruction will gain knowledge and skills from this class. Equipment provided. $50/person.

Hone your paddling technique, learn the basics of reading and navigating river currents, and get familiar with the Mississippi River Paddle Share program while enjoying the beauty of kayaking. In Celebration of the Big Year of Rivers, join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School and Mississippi Gateway Regional Park for an educational and fun, two-part kayak series. The flatwater lake session will focus on refining our paddle technique while exploring key concepts for kayaking on moving water. The session includes time on the water as well as on-land instruction. The river session starts just below the Coon Rapids Dam and will put our skills into practice. The 7.5-mile route includes occasional mild rapids, fun riffles and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Some endurance and strength is needed for 2-2.5 hours of active paddling. Return shuttle transportation is provided. This series is geared towards people with prior paddling experience who are looking to learn more. Participants must be comfortable on and in the water. Flexibility and balance are needed for getting in and out of the kayak with a reasonable amount of assistance. NOTE: This is not a whitewater kayaking class. July 1 session at Fish Lake Regional Park; July 8 session at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. $85/person.

Leave the adults at home and join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for a splash-filled introduction to stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) made just for kids. You’ll learn the basics of SUP equipment, simple paddle strokes and how to stay safe on the water in changing conditions. Try paddling in different positions—laying down, sitting, kneeling and standing—and build confidence getting on and off your board in the water. We’ll mix in fun challenges and water games so you can test your new skills, practice your balance and make a splash with friends. $20/person.

Leave the adults at home and join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for a splash-filled introduction to stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). You’ll learn the basics of SUP equipment, simple paddle strokes and how to stay safe on the water in changing conditions. Try paddling in different positions—laying down, sitting, kneeling and standing—and build confidence getting on and off your board in the water. We’ll mix in fun challenges and water games so you can test your new skills, practice your balance and make a splash with friends. This program is in partnership with Scott County. $20/person.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School for a summer of paddling and celebrating our Big Year of Rivers! Learn new skills, refine your paddling technique and explore parks by watercraft. Some paddling experience recommended. Paddle sports alternate between kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard. Locations vary by week. The final day of club will meet for an extended program time of 5:30–8:30 p.m. to paddle on the Mississippi River. Please note that the Outdoor Recreation School is offering two Paddle Clubs this summer. Please limit your registration to just one Paddle Club so that more folks have an opportunity to join. Park locations will vary each week of club. You will be emailed a schedule from your Lead Instructor prior to the first week of club. $190/person.

Spend your days on and in the water! Build your paddling skills with coaching from Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Go on adventures and play games while paddleboarding, kayaking, log rolling and canoeing. No previous experience required. Equipment provided. We will do alternative activities in the event that weather conditions prevent us from doing planned water activities.

Spend your days on and in the water! Build your paddling skills with coaching from Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Go on adventures and play games while paddleboarding, kayaking, log rolling and canoeing. No previous experience required. Equipment provided. We will do alternative activities in the event that weather conditions prevent us from doing planned water activities.

Spend your days on and in the water with other teens! Build your paddling skills with coaching from Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Go on adventures and play games while paddleboarding, kayaking, log rolling and canoeing. No previous experience required. Equipment provided. We will do alternative activities in the event that weather conditions prevent us from doing planned water activities.

Float first, flex second! This unique on-the-water experience blends paddleboarding and pilates for the ultimate balance challenge. Join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School to learn the basics of getting on and off your board, efficient paddling strokes, turning and staying steady on the water. Using the gentle movement of the lake to engage your core, you’ll stretch, strengthen and maybe even splash as you test your balance in a whole new way with the guidance of a pilates instructor. It’s part workout, part adventure and all about having fun on the water. Prior paddling experience encouraged though not required. No prior pilates experience needed; just come ready to try something new and enjoy a refreshing twist on your workout routine. This program is in partnership with Scott County. $45/person.

Burst into paddle season and celebrate the Big Year of Rivers with the Outdoor Recreation School ! In this mini-paddle club you can learn new skills, refine your paddling technique and explore watershed parks by watercraft, all while in community with other paddlers. Some paddling experience is recommended. Paddle sports alternate between kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard. Locations vary by week. Equipment provided. $75/three sessions.

Ready to find your balance? Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors to learn the fundamental skills and versatility of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). You’ll learn about the equipment, basic paddle strokes and how to navigate the water safely in variable conditions. Practice paddling in a variety of positions—laying, sitting, kneeling and standing—and gain confidence getting on and off your board in the water. Whether you’re brand new to paddleboarding or looking to refine your skills and build confidence, this session is designed to meet you where you’re at. $35/person.

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) lesson designed to build skills, confidence and community. Learn the fundamentals of SUP including equipment basics, essential paddle strokes and how to navigate safely in changing conditions. Practice paddling in a variety of positions—laying, sitting, kneeling and standing—and gain confidence getting on and off your board in the water. Whether you’re brand new to paddleboarding or looking to refine your skills in a supportive, women-focused environment, this session is designed to meet you where you’re at. Come as you are and leave feeling strong, balanced and empowered on the water. $35/person.

Dip your paddle, build skills and connect with other women on the water in this welcoming three-week series at Cleary Lake Regional Park. Each week, join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School to explore the lake using a different watercraft—kayak, stand-up paddleboard and canoe—giving you a chance to try them all while building confidence on the water. Instructors will cover the basics of paddling, steering and water safety before heading out for a relaxed paddle to enjoy the scenery and fresh air. Whether you’re brand new or looking to expand your paddling skills, this supportive series is a great way to learn, laugh and experience the lake from a new perspective each week. This program is in partnership with Scott County. $75/person.

Learn safety skills and proper paddling form and techniques with Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Beginners and anyone who has never previously had formal kayak instruction will gain knowledge and skills from this class. This program is in partnership with Scott County. $50/person.