1-on1 and 1-on-2 Rolling Lessons

Never rolled a kayak? Have a roll but don’t trust it in whitewater? 

Having a roll allows you to rapidly progress in all of your paddling skills. In this course, we will work together on calm water to find or refine a rolling technique that works for your body and preferred paddling style.

We’ll begin with a breakdown of the individual movements that make up a roll, then move through a series of exercises to connect and refine those elements. Following Wavelength’s low-dogma, high-attention model of instruction, this course will introduce you to a range of rolling possibilities and help you find the most important roll: one that works, keeps you safe, and builds your confidence.

1-on-1 75-minute lesson — $65

1-on-2 75-minute lesson — $90 ($45 per paddler)

Locations: Lyons Whitewater Park or Golden Whitewater Park

To schedule a lesson, contact Liam at liam@wavelengthpaddlesports.com

Slalom Technique for River Runners

You can pick out a boater with slalom experience by their grace, precision and efficiency -- whether they’re working gates on flatwater, styling lines on the big-water Class V of the Payette or soul-boating on class III. 

Inspired by my years training with the U.S. Olympic canoe and kayak slalom program, I created this course to bring techniques honed by elite racers to the masses. After assessing what areas of your paddling you’d like to improve, we’ll explore both the mental and physical aspects of paddling like a racer, including:

-stroke efficiency

-the Precision Mindset

-Free Speed

-muscle isolation

The drills and skills offered in this course can be augmented with video-analysis and are sure to open up new lines on any river you paddle, from class I-V.

 You do not need a slalom boat to take this course, but you do need a good combat roll, and should be comfortable paddling on class III whitewater.

120-minute session — $100

1-on-2 — $160 ($80 per paddler)

Location: Lyons slalom course or Golden slalom course

To schedule a lesson, contact Liam at liam@wavelengthpaddlesports.com

Intro to Moving Water: Body, Blade, Boat

Welcome to the joys of working with moving water. 

Body: On calm water, you’ll discover appropriate paddling posture and the connections between body position and boat behavior.

Blade: We’ll explore basic paddle movements that allow you to control your orientation and speed in moving water.

Boat: We’ll apply the skills you’ve gained to identifying and executing possible routes (“lines”) through rapids. Along the way you’ll learn river terminology and fundamental river safety while building your confidence on the water.

Prior rolling experience is recommended but not required. If you’ve never learned to roll a kayak, consider signing up for a Rolling Lesson, or combine a rolling lesson with “Body, Blade, Boat” for a half-day day of instruction — package discount available.

2.5-hour lesson - $200

(1-on-2 — $165 per paddler)

Body, Blade, Boat + Rolling Lesson— $240

(1-on-2 — $210 per paddler)

Locations: Lyons Whitewater Park or Golden Whitewater Park

To schedule a lesson, contact Liam at liam@wavelengthpaddlesports.com

Custom Courses

There's no substitute for the attention and feedback you'll receive in a 1-on-1 coaching environment. Whether there's a specific skill you want to hone -- such as rolling, boofing, or stern squirts -- or you just want to up your (or your child's) overall competence in whitewater (up to class IV), Liam will work with you to reach your paddling goals.

These courses can be a one-time thing or a regular feature of your whitewater progression. The availability of some courses (such as those depending on a class IV learning environment) is dependent on the flows in Front Range rivers. Costs vary by length of course and learning environment. Want to bring a buddy to learn alongside, or to help keep things affordable? Ask about 1-on-2 custom coaching.

Example custom courses and topics:

-The Headgame (Panic Management for River-Running)

-Running Gates (Slalom Coaching)

-C1 (solo canoe) technique

-Art of the Boof

-River-Reading

-Biomechanics of Paddling

Want a custom course? Send Liam a brief description of what you want to work on at liam@wavelengthpaddlesports.com