Kayaking

CRMS kayakers learn how to build confidence by controlling their kayaks in chaotic situations while also having boatloads of fun. Kayakers will learn how to navigate the nearby rivers and may chose to take these skills to a competitive level.

Where we paddle:

Starting on the school’s ponds and progressing to local rivers, kayaking is one of the most accessible sports at CRMS, because of our location. With two rivers, the Crystal and the Roaring Fork, skirting our campus, CRMS has three miles of river to practice on within walking distance. Within a 30-mile radius of our campus, CRMS athletes can paddle on a total of 150 miles of river. The Glenwood White Water Park also provides another outlet for training and practice.

How we train:

Recreational kayakers at CRMS get onto the water as quickly and often as possible. In each situation instructors provide safe experiences for athletes to learn and receive feedback for further advancement. There is a high emphasis placed on safety and river rescue from beginning to advanced levels. Techniques such as how to roll the kayak and how to perform a “wet exit” are high priorities. Paddlers are taught how to be self-sufficient. They learn how to be aware of river hazards and use proper techniques to deal with them, as well as being aware of swimming hazards and how to perform self-rescues.

How our campus gives athletes the edge:

Kayakers get to paddle right here on campus. CRMS is home to our own kayaking pond. Out of season, this pond is used for ice hockey and broom-ball and is festively decorated with holiday lights; in season, the pond provides calm water for kayakers to practice and perfect techniques and safety procedures. They can then take these skills to the next level on our campus’s adjacent rivers – the Crystal and the Roaring Fork. With these outlets, paddlers can get on the water as frequently and efficiently as possible.

Dedication:

Students paddle four days a week and attend weekend competitions in the spring quarter. In addition, we hold the Crystal River Races, the oldest high school kayaking races in the nation, adjacent to our campus in early May.

What we offer:

Kayaking at CRMS is designed to teach students of all abilities. Students learn basic skills, kayak safety, and equipment and water evaluation. When ready, kayakers have the ability to take these skills to advanced levels.

Our competitive team:

Competitive kayaking is for those interested in training for kayaking competitions who can demonstrate a base level of competence in all areas of kayaking – slalom, down-river, freestyle, river running, instruction, and river rescue. Kayakers will compete across the state with most competitions held near campus and in Golden and Durango, Colorado.

Gear requirements:

The school will provide all equipment.