TEMPE SHUTTLE FIELD GUIDE
Lower Salt River SUP Lessons: Rivercraft, Currents, and a Shuttle to the Water
A 90-minute ACA‑certified on‑water lesson on the Lower Salt River that teaches river features and board control; this guide lays out the flow, logistics, and what to bring.
Lower Salt River SUP Lessons: Rivercraft, Currents, and a Shuttle to the Water.
Experience the thrill of paddleboarding on the scenic Lower Salt River with an ACA‑certified instructor. The lesson focuses on rivercraft—navigating currents, eddies and strainers, reading submerged rocks and elevation changes, and refining board and paddle control—packed into a structured 90 minutes on the water with shuttle time before and after.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Lower Salt River: Mostly Class I, with a Short Class II Section
The lesson takes place on the Lower Salt River, a mostly Class I river with a short Class II section—an environment that exposes paddlers to mild river currents and natural features useful for learning river SUP technique.
ACA‑Certified Coaching and Focused Skills
An ACA‑certified SUP instructor leads a 90‑minute on‑water lesson that covers vital river skills—how to handle strainers, work eddies and currents, find swim position, attain (go upriver), and control both board and paddle.
Meet at Sheep's Crossing, Shuttle to Water Users Launch
Participants meet at Sheep's Crossing Recreation Site to leave vehicles and shuttle with others to the launch at Water Users Recreation Site's Upper Lot; plan on 90 minutes on the water plus shuttle time—allocate 3+ hours total and note the listed starting rate per person.
What the day feels like
What the Lesson Feels Like
You’ll gather at a designated meeting point, shuttle to a river launch, then spend a focused 90 minutes on the Lower Salt River under direct instruction. The session is hands‑on: drills, guided runs through currents and eddies, and coached practice of recoveries and upriver moves—all paced to build river awareness and board confidence.
THE RIVER
Lower Salt River: Mostly Class I, with a Short Class II Section
The lesson takes place on the Lower Salt River, a mostly Class I river with a short Class II section—an environment that exposes paddlers to mild river currents and natural features useful for learning river SUP technique.
THE INSTRUCTION
ACA‑Certified Coaching and Focused Skills
An ACA‑certified SUP instructor leads a 90‑minute on‑water lesson that covers vital river skills—how to handle strainers, work eddies and currents, find swim position, attain (go upriver), and control both board and paddle.
THE LOGISTICS
Meet at Sheep's Crossing, Shuttle to Water Users Launch
Participants meet at Sheep's Crossing Recreation Site to leave vehicles and shuttle with others to the launch at Water Users Recreation Site's Upper Lot; plan on 90 minutes on the water plus shuttle time—allocate 3+ hours total and note the listed starting rate per person.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this lesson is best for—and who should prepare further.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Expect 90 minutes on the water plus shuttle time; operators recommend allocating 3+ hours total for the outing.
Bring sturdy water shoes or old tennis shoes (they can be slippery on rocks), sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses with tethers), dry bags for snacks/small items, and hydration (approximately 2–3 liters). Also carry a Tonto Day Parking Pass or National Parks Pass—one per car.
Boards, paddles, inherently buoyant PFDs, and instruction are provided by the operator.
Meet at Sheep's Crossing Recreation Site to leave vehicles and shuttle with other participants to the Water Users Recreation Site Upper Lot launch area.
The listed starting price is $135 per person.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the on‑water lesson?
The lesson includes 90 minutes on the water; plan additional shuttle time and allocate 3+ hours for the outing.
Where do we meet and where is the launch?
Participants meet at Sheep's Crossing Recreation Site to leave vehicles; the shuttle takes the group to the launch at Water Users Recreation Site's Upper Lot.
What should I bring?
Bring sturdy water shoes or old tennis shoes, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses with tethers), dry bags for snacks and small items, and about 2–3 liters of water; also a Tonto Day Parking Pass or National Parks Pass (one per car).
What does the operator provide?
Boards, paddles, inherently buoyant PFDs, and instruction are provided.
Are there prerequisites to participate?
Yes—participants must have completed the SUP Beginner Lesson and be able to swim.
What is the starting price?
The outing starts at $135 per person.