Instruction
We offer a variety of courses aimed at people of all ability levels. Our instructors are American Canoe Association and/or British Canoe certified, and have many years experience teaching the necessary paddling skills to become a better boater and to safely enjoy the sport for years to come. If you are interested in learning skills that you do not see below, please reach out as we may still have something to offer!
Please call ahead to schedule, and feel free to contact us with any questions!
Fundamentals of Canoeing
This class is designed for beginners new to canoeing as well as those who have been trying to figure it all out on their own. We will cover the basic strokes and the basics of movement and control. We will discuss safety gear and ways to avoid wet exits. Basic skills are essential to staying safe and having fun on the water.
Time: 3 hours Cost: $135 per person for 2-3 participants, $119 per person for 4 or more participants
Solo Canoe Tripping Essentials
This two day course sets you up with the skills you need to confidently navigate your first solo overnight paddling adventure. This course is meant to overlap with your solo trip, offering you the assistance of an instructor for your first day on the water. Day one will be spent refining solo paddling skills and learning the basics of packing and route planning. Day two (day one of your trip) will be spent paddling your route of choice, learning navigation and route selection tactics along the way. Once you get to camp, your instructor will leave you on your own to finish out your first solo adventure! This class can also be done for 2 people paddling tandem.
Cost (instruction only): $700 solo, $900 tandem
Cost (4 day rental included): $900 solo, $1,150 tandem
NFCT Moving Water Boot Camp
The Northern Forest Canoe Trail offers paddlers an abundance of challenges, including sections of moving water/rapids which can be paddled or portaged. Having the ability to confidently navigate moving water can save you significant time and effort. This two or three day course teaches you the skills you need to safely navigate *up to* class III rapids, significantly increasing your safety on the trail by helping you avoid physical injury and loss of paddling equipment. The first day will be spent working on the foundational skills required for moving water paddling. The following days will be spent navigating rapids at one of the local venues. In addition to moving water skills, your instructor will teach you the basics of reading water, scouting rapids, identifying and assessing risk, and properly packing a canoe for rapids, helping you make more sound decisions on the trail.
* Paddling venue/difficulty will be at the discretion of the instructor based on your ability.
3 Day Program: $1,200 for up to 2 people. $1,400 for up to 3 people, $1,600 for up to 4 people (capped at 4)
2 Day Program: $800 for up to 2 people. $900 for up to 3 people, $1,100 for up to 4 people (capped at 4)
Moving Water for Flatwater Paddlers
Are you confident in your flatwater paddling skills and looking for a challenge? This class is for you! Learning to maneuver a boat in moving water will unlock new adventures,and even make your skills more reliable in all environments. This course starts with catching eddies, entering current, and navigating simple features. Based on student needs, we may move to a different, more challenging venue in the afternoon depending on your motivation and ability level. This can be done in canoe or kayak, solo or tandem.
Pricing: $375 for one person, $500 for 2 people, $625 for 3 people, $700 for 4 people
Canoeing for Kids
Offer your kids a fun day on the water while you go do…..whatever you want! Our instructors will teach your kids the basics of paddling using a games based approach. Kids will learn how to maneuver a boat, learn to feel more confident on the water, and even have the opportunity to try out canoe rescues. Our instructor, Matt, has years of experience teaching kids’ programs, including programs with the Saranac Lake School District. If preferred, this class can be offered to the whole family, parents included.
Cost (half day): $350 (6 participants max)
Cost (full day): $600 (6 participants max)
Paddling Safety & Rescue Class
Learn the fundamentals of safety skills and rescue techniques in a flat water environment. This class will also introduce such techniques as bracing, edging and sculling. It will discuss essential gear and first aid kits. You'll learn to have greater control of your canoe/kayak and you'll become much more prepared for paddling in a variety of conditions.
Class Ratio: Tandem Canoes: 6 students: 1 instructor. Solo Canoes: 5 students: 1 instructor. Additional students will be accommodated with an additional instructor or qualified assistant.
Time: 3 hours Cost: $140 per person for 2-3 participants, $125 per person for 4 or more participants
White Water Canoe/Kayak
This class is designed for beginners as well as people who want to improve their white water paddling skills. The course covers white water up to class III rapids. We will focus on helping you accomplish your goals, as well as develop a better understanding of the best boat and gear for your individual needs.
Time: Full Day Cost: $185 per person for 2-3 participants, $155 per person for 4 or more participants
Private Instruction**
Geared to meet your individual needs and schedule, private instruction gives you the time and attention to really develop your paddling skills. Private instruction can be arranged for your specific needs.
Time/Cost: $150 for first hour, additional hours $50. Full day (9am-5pm) $375.
SOLO Wilderness First Aid
Looking to feel more confident heading into the backcountry? Join St Regis Canoe Outfitters and Synaptic Sport LLC for SOLO Wilderness First Aid. This 2-day course is a great start for outdoor enthusiasts looking to learn or expand their skills in the fundamentals of outdoor emergency care and transportation.
The SOLO WFA curriculum is centered on practical learning. Participants can expect to walk away having performed skills that can make the difference in an emergency. If you haven’t yet taken a first aid course, need to take a first aid course for your job, or are looking to boost your guiding skill set, this is a great opportunity.
For more information on curriculum, visit the SOLO First Aid website
Scheduled 2025 WFA courses will be posted soon! Check back in for details.
