View Cancellation Policy


Mid-week Whitewater Kayaking 101 - 2 Days
Escape, fun, challenge, and support... it's all in our introductory river kayaking course. And the guaranteed dam release flows on the South Fork of the American ensure we will have plenty of water throughout the year for paddling. Class typically runs from 9:00am to 5:00pm each day.

Day 1: Class meets at Camp Lotus at 8:45 am, and we get geared up before hitting the water. While on the water, you will be getting more and more comfortable in the kayak while you learn different rescue techniques, and are introduced to several strokes and concepts of river paddling. These include sweep strokes, draw strokes, edging and carving. After a lunch break, you will be introduced to moving water, thus applying all the skills you learned in the morning to new skills like eddy turns, ferries, s-turns, and more.

Day 2 The morning session is filled with review of strokes and concepts from Day 1, while introducing new skills like bracing, river running, reading water, and basic river safety. After a lunch break, we will challenge you to use these skills, while on your first river descent! You will feel the speed and power of the river beneath your boat as you hop from eddy to eddy and actually run your first class II rapids.

Included: CCK provides all kayak equipment, river access fees, and river transportation (day parking fees at Camp Lotus are included for campers). A coupon for a future kayak rental is given out at the end of the class so you may get out on the water and practice your newly developed skills at no additional cost. Food is NOT included in the class fee, but there are many options nearby, including a store/deli at Camp Lotus. Please bring lunches and additional snacks to enjoy during your days on the water.

Meeting Time and Place:
Class will meet at Camp Lotus (please bring a copy of your class confirmation) at 8:45am. All students should check in at the Camp Lotus store. Your instructor(s) will meet you here.

Camp Lotus
5461 Bassi Rd
Lotus, CA 95651
(530) 622-8672

View Larger Map

Directions:
From the west: Camp Lotus is approximately one hour from Sacramento. Take Hwy. 50 east for approximately 30 miles. Just past Cameron Park exit at Ponderosa Rd. Turn left, crossing over the freeway and take the first right on N. Shingle Rd. You will follow signs for Coloma and Lotus. Proceed 11 miles on the road (it turns into Lotus Rd.). At the 3-way stop sign turn left onto Bassi Rd. and go one mile to the Camp Lotus entrance on the right.

From the north: take Hwy 80 to Hwy 49 south towards Placerville. From Auburn, you will first pass through the North Fork American River Canyon (cross over the bridge), and then continue straight through the small town of Cool. Continue on Hwy 49 for 10 miles you will reach the town of Lotus and cross the South Fork American River. At the 3-way stop immediately after crossing the river take a right onto Lotus Rd. After 1 mile you will reach another 3-way stop, take a right onto Bassi Rd. and go one mile to the Camp Lotus entrance on the right.

From the east: take Hwy 50 to Placerville. From Placerville take Hwy 49 north (right). Continue on Hwy 49 for 10 miles you will reach the town of Coloma and pass through Marshall Gold Discovery Park. At the 3-way stop just BEFORE crossing the South Fork American River take a left onto Lotus Rd. and cross the South Fork American River. At the 3-way stop immediately after crossing the river take a right onto Lotus Rd After 1 mile you will reach another 3-way stop, take a right onto Bassi Rd. and go one mile to the Camp Lotus entrance on the right.

Equipment:
CCK provides all kayak equipment. Equipment includes wet suit, paddle jacket and Personal Floatation Device (PFD), helmet, spray skirt, paddle and kayak. You will need to provide the following items for the class.

To Bring With you:

Please do not Bring:
Pets, expensive jewelry or other valuables. Camp Lotus is a private campground. but CCK and its employees will not be held responsible for lost or stolen articles.

Lodging:
CCK recommends camping at beautiful Camp Lotus on the river! Classes start and finish at Camp Lotus each day so there is nothing more convenient. With grass sites for camping, RV sites with hookups, a store and deli on premises Camp Lotus provides the best experience for river users. For CCK students staying at Camp Lotus during classes the cost is just $10/person/night. We have use of "overflow" camp sites at Camp Lotus, so you don't need a reservation to camp in the overflow area; if you want a private site, you will need to contact Camp Lotus in advance. A private site is $30 per night; midweek rates may be less. When you call to register please inform the staff that you will be taking a California Canoe & Kayak class.
NOTE: if you do not plan to stay overnight at Camp Lotus, there is a fee for day parking; check in at the Camp Lotus office when you arrive each morning.

We are sure you will enjoy your course with California Canoe & Kayak. See you on the water!


View Cancellation Policy