WINTER POOL SESSIONS | DECEMBER TO APRIL
Kayak Lessons in the Pool
Build your skills in a warm pool with ACA and TCP trained coaches. Take a coached lesson or come for open pool to practice and play on your own.
Howell, MI | Fridays | 6:30pm - 8:30
Eaton Rapids, MI | Saturdays | 12:00 - 3:00
Pool Classes
Recommended Progression: Happiness Upside Down → Not Tipping Over → Rescues → Blade Awareness → Rolling
Get 50% off classes with a season pass -> 2026/2027 Season Pass
Happiness Upside Down
Being chill while hanging upside down is critical to every other paddling skill. We’ve developed a great progression to get you feeling relaxed and unconcerned about being upside down in your kayak. We will move along the progression at a rate that makes you comfortable. Once you’re happy capsizing and hanging out there for a few seconds, you’ll be in the best place to learn the roll.
Not Tipping Over (Bracing)
Not tipping over is almost always better than capsizing. Bracing is also a component skill for learning to roll a kayak. We’ll cover the essentials of connectivity with the boat, safe body positions, effective blade technique and putting it all together to stay upright.
Blade Awareness
Fine-tune your boat control and maneuvers with precision and grace. We’ll explore a range of skills to help you go where you want to go. Build a connection with the water and start to move with intention.
Rescues | Open Water & River
Being an active part in any rescue is essential. We’ll explore the role of the swimmer: gear management, what to do with their boat, where to be before the rescuer arrives, and options for re-entering the cockpit quickly and easily. We’ll also explore the role of the rescuer: safety considerations, how to approach the swimmer, gear management, emptying the kayak without lifting and effective stabilization techniques.
Open Water Rescue: Rescue techniques in open water.
River Rescue: Rescue techniques designed for the river environment.
Rolling
Structured rolling instruction is available at most pool sessions this season. Kayak rolling is on almost every paddler’s “want” list. You won’t learn much about rolling a kayak on your own, so learning from a coach who can guide you through a progression is the fastest way to get a roll. Our semi-private rolling lessons are a great way to get started, as you’ll have time to rest between one-on-one sessions with the coach and learn by observing your fellow student.
One-on-One
Once you’ve worked through the suggested progression, is there something you want to go deeper on, refine, or feel you’re missing? This is your chance to have a custom course with an instructor. We highly recommend taking the progression first, though it’s not required.
Pool Options
Season Pass
Limited availability- Good at both Howell and Eaton Rapids, December through April. Free open pool at every session and 50% off all coached lessons.
Coached Lessons
- ⇓ Happiness Upside Down
- ⇓ Not Tipping Over
- ⇓ Rescues
- ⇓ Blade Awareness
- ⇓ Rolling
⇓ One-on-One.
Open Pool
- Bring your own boat, gear and a plan to play. Limited spots each session.
Pool Session FAQs
Find answers about skill levels, coaching and what to expect at our December–April pool sessions.
I’m new to kayaking. Can I join a pool session?
Yes. Start with Happiness Upside Down. It’s where we recommend every paddler begins, whatever your experience.
I want to learn to roll can I just take the rolling class?
We built the progression intentionally, drawing on years of experience. While you can jump into taking a rolling class, we have found that those who take happiness upside down first expedite their learning and are able to unlock the role faster. It’s about giving your body the information and creating comfort in the water.
What do I need to wear?
Whatever will make you happy! If you run cold, neoprene layers would be a good option. If you run warm, a swimsuit will work too. Plan to spend time in the water.
Lockers and showers are available on site.
Can I borrow gear and a boat?
We offer gear free of charge. We offer boats, PFDs, paddles and skirts. For our Happiness Upside Down course, we provide the boats for all participants (even if you have your own, you don’t need to bring it). For other classes, especially rolling, we recommend practicing in what you typically paddle.
Please let us know at least 2 days before your session if you need gear.
Can I bring my own boat?
We recommend practicing in what you typically paddle. Thoroughly wash all boats before bringing them to the pool. We recommend hitting a car wash.
When are the Howell sessions?
Howell, Michigan, pool sessions take place on Fridays from December through April. Select a Howell Friday to see available sessions.
When are the Eaton Rapids sessions?
Eaton Rapids, Michigan, pool sessions take place on Saturdays from December through April. Select an Eaton Rapids Saturday to see available sessions.
What if a session is sold out or registration isn't working?
Email us at info@thepowerofwater.net and we’ll help.
See You at the Pool
Pick your location to see dates and register.