Whether you're interested in learning how to kayak for the first time, brushing up on your skills, or taking your skills to the next level, we have the class for you! The City of Tempe offers several kayaking opportunities for youth and adults as well as novices and experienced paddlers. 

Adult Classes

Introduction to Kayaking

Developed and coached by ACA-certified kayak instructors, this is a perfect class for all levels of paddling experience. This class will focus on basic strokes and maneuvers as well as fitness, boat-handling and rescues in “sit-on-top” kayaks. All necessary equipment provided. Prior experience is not required.

Click here for upcoming classes 

Essentials of Kayak Touring

Developed and coached by ACA-certified kayak instructors, this class will refine your kayak touring skills and is perfect for all levels of experience. Instructors focus on basic and intermediate strokes and maneuvers as well as fitness, boat-handling and rescues in “sit-inside” touring kayaks. Equipment provided. Prior experience is not required. Register early.

Click here for upcoming classes 

Glow Kayak

Join us for wild, bright night under the stars while we glow and glide across Tempe Town Lake. Paddling equipment will be provided and participants will receive glow in the dark accessories. Feel free to wear glow in the dark clothing items which you won’t mind getting wet. Youth participants must be accompanied by a registered adult. Adult Fee: $35. Youth (10-17) Fee: $20. All youth must have an adult registered with them. No more than 3 youth per adult allowed.

Click here for upcoming classes 

Youth Classes

Bring your son, daughter, nephew, niece, sibling or family friend to learn the basics of kayaking. Equipment provided. Prior experience is not required. Youth participants must be accompanied by a registered adult (No more than 3 youths per adult.).4 Adult Fee: $30. Youth (10-17) Fee: $15.

Glow Kayak

Join us for wild, bright night under the stars while we glow and glide across Tempe Town Lake. Paddling equipment will be provided and participants will receive glow in the dark accessories. Feel free to wear glow in the dark clothing items which you won’t mind getting wet. Youth participants must be accompanied by a registered adult. Adult Fee: $35. Youth (10-17) Fee: $20. All youth must have an adult registered with them. No more than 3 youth per adult allowed.

What is the difference between Intro Kayaking and Kayak Touring?

Intro Kayaking

-Sit-on-top kayaks
-Geared toward beginners
-Moves at a slower pace and only covers the very basic strokes and maneuvers

-Sit-in kayaks
-Geared towards beginners with intermediate and advanced elements
-Moves at a faster pace and covers basic, intermediate and some advanced strokes and maneuvers. This class will be a good introduction to beginners while allowing the seasoned paddler to refine their technique

What to Wear:

1. Weather appropriate workout clothing that you do not mind getting wet.
2. Hat or visor
3. Loose fitting wicking shirts. Depending on sun tolerance you may want to wear an SPF top shirt or a long sleeve t-shirt.
4. Shoes for kayaking should be something you won’t mind getting wet. Flip flops are not recommended. For SUP classes you will end up barefoot on the board so something easily removable is best.

Not Recommended:

1. Jeans of any kind, including jean shorts.
2. Long non-athletic pants (i.e. cotton or corduroy)
3. Hiking boots or dress shoes

What to Bring

1. Sunscreen
2. Sunglasses & retention or floating strap
3. Water bottle
4. Towel
5. Snack
6. Dry clothes to change into, just in case
7. Hat
8. Insect repellent (mostly for Glow Kayaks)
9. Dry bag for anything you are taking on the water

We do have lockers available to store anything you don’t want to take on the water with you but highly recommend not bringing anything valuable. If you wish to bring a lock you may, locks left overnight will be cut.

Planning a day trip?

Check out our example of a float plan if you are venturing out on a paddle trip! While this might seem like overkill, you should always think safety first when going on a paddle trip.

EXAMPLE FLOAT PLAN

BLANK FLOAT PLAN