Are you ready to scale up your whitewater skills?

Swiftwater Rescue Skills

Basic two-day Swiftwater Rescue Skills Classes, Advanced Swiftwater Classes for those looking for the next step, and Boat Based Classes to practice with your specific craft. Learn the basics, then push yourself to be a safer partner.

Whitewater Kayaking

Everything from introductory lessons to roll instruction in a pool. I even offer private lessons to bring your paddling to the next level. Equipment rental is included for free with all lessons for those who need it.

Packrafting

Explore the backcountry. Get to places you can’t get to any other way with these versatile boats. Learn how to pack, how to paddle, and more to get you out on river adventures safely and efficiently.

Hone your whitewater rescue skills

Want to work with the best? Start here!

2. Learn to roll a kayak

1. Take an intro class

4. Take a Swiftwater Rescue course

3. Scale up skills in a private river session

Whitewater skills taught by whitewater experts

Whitewater Workshop's mission is to provide the highest level of whitewater instruction in Colorado. Working with me can improve your paddling safely, quickly, and efficiently. Check out what makes me different from your average kayak school.

Friends and affiliates of Whitewater Workshop

  • "Top notch professionalism and endless amounts of knowledge from an experienced paddler would be enough to give praise, but Nik's ability to convey information and skill to paddlers of varying backgrounds and ability is what makes this class/instruction stand out. Highly recommend to anyone new to paddling or needing to brush up on rescue skills."

    Luke H.

  • "Nik’s instruction was fantastic. My high expectations were absolutely exceeded. After 20 years away from paddling I’m leaving a private roll lesson and a half day private lesson with tremendous confidence. I’m also very excited to have new skills to work with and challenges to meet (with the tools to do so) as I progress in this sport. He’s also a very kind person and there’s a lot of laughter and patience. I couldn’t be happier with my investment in Nik’s expertise."

    Patrick A

  • "I'm at the beginning stages of my paddling career and have had several different instructors at various paddling schools and facilities. Nik is absolutely at the top of the list when it comes to professional kayaking instruction. After 1 hour in a pool session, I was 10x more confident in my paddling and rolling skills. He makes learning fun and is very passionate."

    Sadie C.

  • “Nik's swift water rescue class is fantastic. Practical, hands-on, lots of time in the water, and doesn't get bogged down in technical systems that are rarely useful. I've been boating 20-years, having taken SWR classes before, and it was a fantastic refresher. Highly recommended whether it's your first or fifth SWR class.”

    Mike B.

  • "I switched my roll from a sea-to-sea to a sweep roll as it’s quicker and easier to get up. Nik, the instructor, broke down each step and made it very easy to learn this new roll. I would absolutely recommend Nik as he’s patient and knowledgeable."

    Jodi L.