If you’ve ever dreamed about river surfing the Blackfoot River, you’re in the right place. This guide takes you on an immersive journey through one of Missoula’s most exciting water sports experiences. Whether you’re a beginner or an adventure enthusiast, the thrill of riding whitewater along the Blackfoot River promises a unique blend of adrenaline and natural beauty.
Getting Started: The Day of My First Lesson
It was a week of warm, sunny weather—ideal for t-shirt days—until cold rain began to fall on Friday morning, the day of my first river surf lesson. As I drove to Wave Cave, the base for Zoo Town Surfers at 1001 S. 4th St W in Missoula, doubts crept in. I even turned on my Subaru’s seat warmer for comfort, questioning how I’d handle an hour-plus immersed in a raging river.
Jason, the owner of Zoo Town, greeted me and Phil, another first-time student, outside the brick building. In the warehouse basement, he assisted Phil with sizing his wetsuit—reminding us that “too big is definitely better than too small”—and checked my new gear: wetsuit, booties, PFD, and helmet. “Good, good, good, good. Bring it all,” he affirmed.
Meeting the Instructors and Preparing for the Ride
Shortly after, Kevin, a sunburned and smiling instructor fresh from a beach week in Southern California, joined us. Despite the brewing storm, his optimism was infectious. We loaded our gear into a pickup truck filled with surfboards and swapped stories about our past adventures in kayaking, ocean surfing, and other water sports.
Phil had tried kayaking before but found it confining, while I was eager to leave behind the hassles of setting up shuttles for rafting, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Inspired by the cool surfers on Brennan’s Wave in downtown Missoula, I was ready to dive into a new challenge.
The Ledge: Our Chosen Playground
Our destination for the day was a gentle, less crowded pour-over on the Blackfoot River known as the Ledge. Jason pointed out that this spot was where he had learned to kayak—a perfect setting for beginners. Despite the roaring river and its fast, churning currents, we prepared ourselves for the challenge.
Jason offered crucial safety tips:
Stay calm if carried downstream and swim over the eddy.
Follow alternative routes around bends where additional eddies can help rescue you.
Always wear helmets and PFDs for safety, even though many experienced surfers might skip them.
Kevin’s light-hearted approach helped ease our nerves as he rolled out a yoga mat over the parking area, changed into his wetsuit, and prepared for the session.
Into the Whitewater: The Lesson Begins
Armed with our boards, we approached the river bank about twenty yards upstream of the Ledge. Our plan was simple:
Paddle at a 45-degree angle against the current.
Drop through the Ledge and swim to a right-side eddy.
Enjoy the ride as many times as possible.
Jason emphasized that the first lesson wasn’t about standing up—it was about getting comfortable with swimming in the river’s powerful current. After reviewing safety signals and checking our gear, we waded into the water.
The initial immersion was surprisingly pleasant. The wetsuit kept me warm as I followed Jason’s lead, letting out a joyful “Whoop!” upon dropping into the Ledge. We observed the river closely, noting the different water levels experienced by rafters, paddleboarders, and canoeists.
The Thrill of River Surfing
With encouragement from our instructors, I plunged into the wave. Although I experienced a few tumbles and moments of panic, I quickly learned the importance of timing—Lesson 1: Bail earlier if needed.
Over the next hour, Phil and I entered the wave repeatedly. Sometimes we were tossed out immediately; other times, we found a brief moment of balance. Kevin’s effortless style stood out as he harnessed the water’s natural push, positioning himself perfectly with minimal paddling. On two memorable occasions, I managed to hold my balance long enough to experience an almost meditative calm, where the whitewater and I met at eye level.
As fatigue set in, Jason and Kevin offered a safe exit, and we returned to shore to rinse off our gear. By the end of the lesson, the rain had subsided, but the excitement lingered.
Inspired by the Blackfoot River
Driving home, I couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s adventures. “River surfing the Blackfoot River was so much fun,” I admitted. Even as I mentioned that I’d be happy just to swim without the surfing element, Jason reminded me that I was, in fact, surfing—a sentiment echoed by Kevin. Their invitation for our next session at Brennan’s Wave had sealed the deal: I was hooked.
This experience not only boosted my confidence in tackling the river but also deepened my love for whitewater adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned water sports enthusiast or a curious beginner, river surfing on the Blackfoot River offers an experience that is as exhilarating as it is unforgettable.
Embarking on a kayaking adventure can be both exciting and intimidating. Whether you’re learning the ropes for fun or aiming to improve your skills, these kayaking tips for beginners will help you understand the essentials—from gear and safety to the mental challenges of the sport.
Kayaking is a rewarding water sport that challenges you physically and mentally. As a beginner, you might feel overwhelmed by the learning curve, but with the right guidance and practice, you can quickly build confidence on the water.
In this article, we share practical advice and beginner-friendly tips that cover:
Essential gear and on-water safety
Fundamental paddling techniques
Overcoming the mental challenges of being new to kayaking
Why Kayaking Might Seem Daunting
For many beginners, kayaking feels intimidating. The initial fear of being a novice on the water can be overwhelming. Here are some common challenges:
Starting Over: It takes time to shake off the mindset that you’re a beginner. Every mistake is part of the learning process.
On-Water Challenges: Every rapid or unexpected situation might seem life-threatening, even though it’s all part of the kayaking experience.
Peer Pressure: Encounters with more experienced paddlers can sometimes make you question your abilities.
Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Embrace your journey and learn from every paddle stroke.
4 Essential Kayaking Tips for Beginners
1. Dial Your Roll
A strong rolling technique is critical for maintaining balance and quickly righting yourself when needed. Here’s how to improve:
Practice in a Controlled Environment: Start in a pool or calm eddy areas like the Jonsrud or Brennan’s.
Consistency Is Key: The more you practice rolling, the more instinctive it becomes. A solid roll is essential for your safety and efficiency on the water.
2. Dial Your Gear
Reliable gear makes all the difference. Focus on quality and proper fit for:
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Helmets and drysuits
Sprayskirts and paddles
Your kayak itself
Tip: Renting gear can be a cost-effective solution when you’re just starting out. Check local libraries or rental programs like Love Boat Library for affordable options.
3. Dial Your Crew
Building a supportive community is crucial for growth and safety:
Choose Trusted Paddlers: As you paddle more, seek out people who share your passion and safety values.
Learn Together: Taking a swiftwater class is highly recommended. Not only will it improve your skills, but it will also help you build confidence on the river.
Stay Safe: Always look out for the safety of both yourself and your crew when exploring new routes.
4. Dress for the Swim
Understanding water conditions is key to your survival:
Know Your Environment: Always check the water levels and temperature before heading out.
Prepare for the Unexpected: Dress appropriately for the cold. A prolonged rescue or long swim can quickly turn dangerous, even on a clear day.
These kayaking tips for beginners cover the absolute basics to get you started. While mastering the mental game is a more personal journey, focusing on your technique, gear, and crew will build a strong foundation for a safe and enjoyable kayaking experience.
I recently went on a 12 day self-support kayaking trip on the Grand Canyon. Prior to this trip, my backcountry cooking skills consisted of the ability to boil water and add it to a freeze-dried meal pouch. However, with the help of two backcountry cooking gurus and the right tools, I was able to expand my culinary expertise for self-support kayaking trips from boiled water added to Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce to fresh, homemade (camp-made) lasagna with meat sauce!
Here are a few of the meals we made during our 12-day adventure in the Grand Canyon, as well as a few tips and tricks that I learned for cooking and eating well in the backcountry.
Meal Preparation and Packing Tips
Main cooking tools used:
Fry-Bake pan and lid– this pan acts similarly to a lightweight dutch oven and a fry pan all in one. It is non-stick, easy to clean, and was safe to use as a cutting board!
*helpful to bring some sort of clamp tool so that you can hold the pan steady while mixing, flipping, stirring, etc..
MSR Whisperlite stove– easy to use, lightweight, folds up small, cooks hot
Metal spatula that was sharp enough to use as a knife– we were able to cut veggies, potatoes, and sausages right in the fry-bake pan with the spatula
Must-Try Meal 1: Cinnamon Rolls
On Christmas Eve, our trip leader and one of the backcountry cooking gurus on our trip prepared the dough for our Christmas breakfast feast of cinnamon rolls. He mixed together, yeast, water, sugar, melted butter, a bit of salt, and some powdered milk. The mixture was placed in a plastic bag and then wrapped in a down jacket, where it sat all night while the yeast rose.
When we woke on Christmas morning (at 4 a.m. because our tent had blown down in a wind storm), the dough ball was huge! The yeast had risen so much that it had almost burst open the drybag that it was inside. I folded and kneaded the dough on a cutting board while others prepared a filling mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. I rolled the dough flat on the cutting board, spread the filling on it, then rolled it into a spiral and cut it into cinnamon rolls. We baked the cinnamon rolls in the fry-bake pan over the whisperlite stove for about 30 minutes until they were golden, then proceeded to enjoy homemade cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning in the Grand Canyon!
Must-Try Meal 2: Lasagna
The trick with cooking over only one stove is that you have to cook everything in separate steps. The veggies had to be cooked, then the pasta boiled, then the sauce made, then the salami heated, then the layers layered, then the cheese cut and melted. It was a long process, but the end result was pretty amazing.
Must-Try Meal 3: Pizza
We prepared the dough with flour, yeast, and water, and let it sit in a down jacket for about an hour while we let it rise. While the dough was rising, I prepared a red sauce with a packet of “just add water” tomato sauce while we cooked up some veggies and sausage. Once the dough was ready, I added more flour, kneaded and folded it, then prepared some mini pizza dough rounds. We baked the pizza dough rounds in the fry-bake, then added sauce, veggies, sausage, and cheese before baking it once more. The final product = awesome pizza and lots of mice scurrying around the camp kitchen vying for dough crumbs.
Must-Try Meal 4: Curried Vegetables and Quinoa
The curry dish had lots of vegetables, was high in protein, and it definitely kept us warm with the super spicy curry sauce. We cooked the quinoa first, using about a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa, bringing it to a boil, then taking it off the heat, covering it, and letting it sit while cooking the rest of the meal. We then cut up and sautéed what was left of our fresh vegetables- zucchini, carrots, onion- and added a packet of curry sauce, as well as a packet of coconut cream. It was a treat to have such healthy and fresh food on day seven of our 12-day adventure.
Brennan’s Wave is more than just a spot for epic surf sessions—it’s a community hub that brings people together for adventure and celebration. As we look back on an eventful June filled with kayaking, local gatherings, and community-driven projects, the energy at Brennan’s Wave truly encapsulated the spirit of Missoula.
A Month of Action and Community Spirit
June flew by faster than I could have imagined. The month was packed with events, thrilling surf sessions, and plenty of hard work. Organizing these events is a labor of love—rewarding yet challenging, especially when funds are tight. Despite the hurdles, every event at Brennan’s Wave reminds us of the passion driving our community.
Celebrating Missoula’s Downtown Revival
A huge shout-out goes to the Missoula Downtown Association for transforming Caras Park and Brennans Wave into vibrant community landmarks. These spaces not only highlight Missoula’s pride in its downtown and the Clark Fork River but also serve as a stage for exciting activities and events.
Spotlight on Whitewater Kayaking
These events have played a pivotal role in putting whitewater kayaking in the spotlight. What once took place in remote, hidden locations is now front and center at Brennan’s Wave, where:
Spectators can witness the safe and fun nature of freestyle kayaking.
People of all ages are inspired to learn and participate in the sport.
The community gets a firsthand look at how adventure and safety can go hand in hand.
Enhancing River Spaces for a Better Future
The transformation at Brennan’s Wave goes beyond sports. River enhancement projects have turned old, underused structures into safe, functional recreational amenities. Gone are the days of concrete slabs with dangerous rebar—modern designs now offer a safer, more enjoyable experience for all river users.
I often dream of the day when I can paddle from Brennan’s Wave to the proposed Max Wave near Osprey Stadium, a testament to how thoughtful enhancements are moving Missoula in the right direction.
A Boost to the Local Economy and Well-Being
Events at Brennan’s Wave and Caras Park do more than entertain; they:
Stimulate the local economy.
Promote health and wellness.
Strengthen community pride and unity.
While not everyone in Missoula may agree on every detail, this diversity of opinion is what fuels progress and keeps our community vibrant.
If you’re looking to enhance your kayaking hobby and make every paddle count, you’re in the right place. Kayaking isn’t just about extreme rapids or high-speed descents—it’s a versatile sport that adapts to your personal style, pace, and level of adventure.
Embracing the Fun of Kayaking
Kayaking is a fun and dynamic sport that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re taking it slow on calm waters or challenging yourself in whitewater rapids, the ultimate goal is to have fun. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Flexibility: Choose a level that suits your experience—from gentle flat-water paddling to adrenaline-pumping whitewater adventures.
Progression: Experiment with new techniques and moves to keep the experience fresh and exciting.
Safety: Always prioritize safety by learning essential skills and understanding the water conditions.
Lessons from a Decade of Experience
After dedicating over 10 years to kayaking as both an instructor and a passionate paddler, I’ve observed that the sport thrives on two core elements:
Image and Perception: While extreme whitewater kayaking, vertical feats, and innovative safety designs are exciting, creating a positive image of the sport is equally important.
Accessibility: Not everyone needs to push their limits immediately. Beginners are often introduced to kayaking on flat water, building confidence before progressing to more challenging conditions.
Building a Lifelong Passion
The growth of kayaking as a sport depends on nurturing a community of lifelong paddlers. Here are a few tips to keep your passion alive:
Set Personal Goals: Create achievable challenges that match your skill level.
Stay Consistent: Regular practice builds both skill and comfort on the water.
Embrace Variety: Every outing is different. Enjoy the new perspectives that each river or lake offers.
Whether you’re taking a relaxed paddle or testing your limits on rough water, remember that your kayaking hobby is all about having fun and enjoying the journey. Embrace the unique challenges each day brings, and keep the fire for paddling alive by setting personal goals and cherishing every moment on the water.
When it comes to kayaking for older paddlers, few experiences compare to a weekend on the Lochsa River. Last weekend, I headed to the river—one of my all-time favorites—and was greeted by a mix of rainy, snowy weather and the occasional beam of sunshine. The popular put-in at Fish Creek was bustling with river enthusiasts, ranging from seasoned paddlers to the vibrant new generation.
A Classic Lochsa Experience
Arriving at Wilderness Gateway, a favorite camp spot for river runners, I quickly realized that I was no longer part of the younger crowd. Several groups gathered at the gateway, and our own group soon decided to set up camp away from the hustle—a nod to the days when older paddlers would stake out a quiet spot with their comfortable tents, campers, and trucks. It was a gentle reminder that, yes, you do get older—but that doesn’t mean you must compromise on your love for the river.
Embracing Age with a Positive Attitude
Getting older doesn’t have to come with a negative attitude. When I started kayaking, I admired the experienced paddlers who not only had top-notch skills but were also friendly, helpful, and genuinely passionate about being on the water. Today, while the sport continues to evolve, I still believe that a positive mindset is key. It’s not about what you used to do—it’s about embracing new techniques, new equipment, and learning from paddlers of all ages.
Learning and Mentoring on the River
I make it a point to paddle with both young and older enthusiasts because I value constant learning and progression, both on and off the water. This approach isn’t limited to kayaking; it applies to many areas of life, including family businesses where traditional methods sometimes clash with innovative ideas. The takeaway is simple: stay curious, be open to learning, and act as a mentor when you can.
Keeping the Spirit Alive
Ultimately, whether you’re a veteran of the river or just starting out, the goal remains the same—to have fun. I’ve met too many paddlers who let a negative attitude overshadow the joy of kayaking. Both the overly cautious older dawg and the hot-headed youngster can benefit from a little humility and openness. Embracing the strengths of both generations not only enriches your own experience but also paves the way for a more vibrant future for kayaking.
So, whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro, remember: kayaking is about enjoying the ride, learning continuously, and sharing the joy with others.
Tune in, turn on, and discover the wonderful sport of kayaking.
