LITTLETON KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
First Strokes on Flat Water: A Guided Introduction to River Kayaking at Chatfield Reservoir
A comprehensive, instructor-led 6-hour introduction to river kayaking at Chatfield Reservoir that teaches paddling fundamentals, safety practices, and equipment use—ideal preparation for future Colorado River trips.
First Strokes on Flat Water: A Guided Introduction to River Kayaking at Chatfield Reservoir.
Set against the Front Range, Lesson 1: Introduction to River Kayaking places beginners on the calm, flat water of Chatfield Reservoir for a focused day of fundamentals. Over the course of the session you work on safe practices with whitewater kayaking equipment, build basic strokes and maneuvering skills, practice wet exits and rescues, and leave with the confidence to progress to river classes.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Flat-water training with Front Range views
The class takes place on the calm waters of Chatfield Reservoir, a sheltered setting that keeps the focus on learning technique while offering scenic views of the Front Range.
A progressive curriculum of safety and strokes
Across the session you'll cover introductions and equipment, wet exits, core strokes (sweep, forward, stern draw), maneuvering, hip-snaps, bracing, bow rescues and an introduction to rolling—building a foundation for future river work.
All necessary kayak equipment is provided
The lesson includes boat, paddle, spray skirt, PFD, wetsuit jackets and booties; participants are also encouraged to bring personal equipment if they have it.
What the day feels like
What a Day on the Water Feels Like
The day moves deliberately from shore orientation to hands-on time in the boat: introductions and gear fitting give way to focused practice—strokes, maneuvering and safety drills—broken by a midday lunch before finishing with rescues, bracing and an introduction to rolling. Instructors emphasize safe practices throughout so participants leave familiar and competent with the basics.
THE SETTING
Flat-water training with Front Range views
The class takes place on the calm waters of Chatfield Reservoir, a sheltered setting that keeps the focus on learning technique while offering scenic views of the Front Range.
THE SKILLS
A progressive curriculum of safety and strokes
Across the session you'll cover introductions and equipment, wet exits, core strokes (sweep, forward, stern draw), maneuvering, hip-snaps, bracing, bow rescues and an introduction to rolling—building a foundation for future river work.
THE GEAR
All necessary kayak equipment is provided
The lesson includes boat, paddle, spray skirt, PFD, wetsuit jackets and booties; participants are also encouraged to bring personal equipment if they have it.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this lesson suits—and who should sit this one out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a swimsuit, towel, plenty of water, waterproof sunscreen, sunglasses with a retention strap, lunch and snacks, water shoes (that won’t kick off), and warm, dry clothing for after the session.
All kayaking equipment is provided: boat, paddle, skirt, PFD, wetsuit jackets and booties; participants are welcome to bring their own equipment if preferred.
The lesson is a roughly six-hour session beginning at 8 am with an end time that may vary around 2 pm.
The class meets at Chatfield Reservoir; there is a $10 state park entrance fee unless you have an annual pass—allow extra time for park admission and parking.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is Lesson 1?
The class is a roughly six-hour session that starts at 8 am and typically ends around 2 pm.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be at least 12 years old.
Is equipment provided or do I need to bring my own kayak?
All required kayaking gear is provided, including boat, paddle, skirt, PFD, wetsuit jackets and booties; you may bring your own equipment if you prefer.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, lots of water, waterproof sunscreen, sunglasses with a retention strap, lunch/snacks, water shoes, and warm dry clothes for after the session.
Do lessons run in rainy conditions?
Lessons run rain or shine.
Is there an entrance fee for the park?
Yes—there is a $10 entrance fee to enter the state park unless you have an annual state park pass.