Learn2 Paddle Series

Introducing a Three-Session Kayaking Course

Learn2 Paddle Series is a three-session kayaking course designed to teach participants the skills needed to get out and hit the water on their own! Registration is required, and there is a one-time fee of $40 per person.

How is This Series different from the regular Learn2 Paddle program?

Learn2 Paddle Series is different from our traditional Learn2 Paddle program in that each session covers increasingly advanced topics. Additionally, Learn2 Paddle Series participants must attend all three sessions, and they must be at least 18 years of age.

The below table provides an overview of the differences between the two programs.

2026 Learn2 Paddle Series Schedule

There will be one session per month from June through August. The sessions are spread out so that students have time to practice on their own and come up with questions for the next session.

Participants must attend all three sessions. Anyone who fails to attend a session forfeits his or her position for the remainder of the series.

Session 1: Flatwater Kayaking Fundamentals at Cuivre River State Park | June 18 at 5:30 p.m.

The first session will cover the fundamentals of flatwater kayaking. Participants will paddle on Lake Lincoln at Cuivre River State Park. 

This session is identical to our traditional Learn2 Paddle program. If you are interested in flatwater kayaking but not river kayaking, or you are between the ages of 12 and 18, please sign up for one of our traditional Learn2 Paddle events instead.

Session 2: River Kayaking at Current River State Park | July 21 at 9 a.m.

The second session will focus on advanced concepts related to river kayaking. It will take place on the Current River. Students will apply knowledge from the first session, as well as experience from their practice outings.

Session 3: Interpretive Paddle at Meramec State Park | Aug. 13 at 9 a.m.

The final session will consist of a guided interpretive paddle on the Meramec River. It will feature a program on Missouri waterways and the creatures that call them home. Students will apply knowledge from the first two sessions, as well as experience from their practice outings.

Program Details

Missouri State Parks Provides:

• Kayaks
• Paddles
• Life jackers
• Instructors

You provide:

• A positive attitude and a willingness to learn
• Appropriate swimwear and footwear
• A change of clothes and a towel

Things to Consider Before You Register:

• Missouri State Parks recommends that the safest option is for you to bring your own life jacket for this program; however, there will be life jackets provided if you do not bring your own.
• Please remember to wear appropriate swimwear and footwear, as you may get wet. We recommend also bringing an additional change of clothing and a towel due to the nature of the event. Closed-toe shoes, such as water shoes or old tennis shoes, are also recommended.
• Participants must be at least 18 years of age.
• Participants should be comfortable around water and have the ability to self-rescue.
• These events will be held at Missouri state parks, and all rules and regulations apply.
• Alcohol and tobacco products are prohibited.

Registration

Registration is required. There is a one-time registration fee of $40 per participant.

Click on the "REGISTER HERE" link below to register. When you get to the registration website, click on the green “Show sessions” box. A list of upcoming classes will pop up. Click on the green “Sign Up!” button to register for an event. All slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register Here

If a class is full, please enroll using the waitlist function. If an opening in the class because available, you will be notified by the Learn2 staff via email or a phone call. 

If you have any questions, pleas email Kintauna Myles with Missouri State Parks at Kintauna.myles@dnr.mo.gov

Waitlist

If the activity you are looking to join is full, please join our waitlist by signing up for that program on the registration tab. Once a cancellation has been approved, a staff member will contact the first waitlist individual via email to prompt them to secure their spot within a 48-hour period. No response within that 48-hour time period will result in the customer being removed from the waitlist and the next individual being contacted.

How to Cancel a Reservation

Seven or more business days in advance of the scheduled date of the first event in the series: Customers are able to cancel their reservations themselves and receive a full refund (when applicable). 

Six or fewer business days in advance of the scheduled date of the first event in the series: Anyone needing to cancel a reservation six or fewer business days in advance of the first scheduled event date should contact kintauna.myles@dnr.mo.gov. Per Missouri State Parks' refund policy, customers canceling an event registration six or fewer business days in advance of the scheduled event date agree to forfeit their reservation refund (when applicable), regardless of the circumstances.

Event Day Contact Information

To get more information about Learn2 Paddle Series on the day of an event, please contact the appropriate park office. Each park's contact information is provided below.

Event Cancellation Disclaimer

Missouri State Parks reserves the right to cancel programs and events if necessary. If a Learn2 Paddle Series event is canceled, customers will be refunded in full to the original form of payment within seven business days of the cancellation notice.