Canoe and Kayak
Education Center

Interested in learning how to captain your own canoe or kayak? 

Maybe you have been tandem canoeing for years and you are ready to start doing some solo whitewater canoeing. 

Maybe you have been bit by the kayak bug and you are ready to take that next step and learn how to roll. 

Whatever the case may be James River Float Company is excited to announce that we will now be offering basic to advanced kayak and canoe classes. 

That’s right folks, from loading the boat on the truck to finishing your first solo river experience, we can give you the knowledge you need to safely and confidently participate.  One of James River Float Company’s owners and head guide, Mason Basten has long believed that the greatest benefit of being part of a business like James River Float Company is introducing people to the river. 

The river has a profound effect on people, it helps them to relax and focus on new things.  It is one of the simplest pleasures in life. 

All you need is a boat and a paddle and you can explore the earth’s 70 percent water world.  This being said Mason is excited to be offering clinics and classes to help people who are interested in doing more on the river. 

Although, he will warn you, as he has many before. paddling is not a hobby, it tends to turn into a habit, a lifestyle, if you will.  If this sounds exciting to you, give us a ring or shoot us an email. 

Basic canoe and kayak orientation class (covers general boat knowledge, proper wet exit and boat recovery skills) $50/2 hour class. 

Basic whitewater canoeing and kayaking class (covers properly fitting yourself into the boat, learning proper wet exit procedures, then the exciting part: learning how to roll) $50/2 hours. 

Advanced private canoe and kayak lessons $20/hour and puts you one on one with one of our instructors.  Please call or email us for any additional information.