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Learn2 Paddle

Have you ever wanted to try kayaking but didn't know where to begin? Do you want to get out on the water but don't have your own kayak? You're in luck! Missouri State Parks is offering to teach you how to paddle and have a safe and enjoyable time on the water.

This summer, staff will be offering kayaking instruction at select Missouri state parks. This will be a great opportunity to try something new and experience some of Missouri's lakes. We supply the equipment and the expertise; you supply the enthusiasm and an eagerness to discover nature and a new skill.

Learn2 Paddle Program Details

Missouri State Parks Provides:

  • Kayaks
  • Paddle
  • Life jackets
  • Instructors

You Provide:

  • A good attitude and willingness to learn
  • Appropriate swimwear and footwear

Things to Consider Before You Register

  • 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 need to borrow one to participate. 
  • Please wear appropriate swimwear and footwear, as you may get wet. We recommend closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting wet and that have a back (e.g., old tennis shoes or water shoes).
  • Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Children ages 10-14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the entire program.
  • Participants should be comfortable around water.
  • This event will be held in a Missouri state park and all rules and regulations apply.
  • This is a family-oriented event. Alcohol and tobacco products are not allowed while participating in the Learn2 Paddle Program.

2024 Upcoming Dates and Locations

Date Location Session Time Registration Opens Status
May 11 Finger Lakes State Park, Columbia 1-3:30 p.m. Mar 28  
May 11 St. Joe State Park, Park Hills 10 a.m. to noon Mar 28  
May 18 Crowder State Park, Trenton 1-3 p.m. Apr 4  
Jun 8 Finger Lakes State Park, Columbia 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Apr 25  
Jun 15 Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park, Miami 1-3 p.m. May 2  
Jun 15 St. Joe State Park, Park Hills 10 a.m. to noon May 2  
Jun 22 Stockton State Park, Dadeville – This Learn2 Paddle is being held in conjunction with a Learn2 Aim event at Stockton on the same day. Those who register for this course will be doing both Learn2 Aim and Learn2 Paddle. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 9  
Jun 29 Knob Noster State Park, Knob Noster 10 a.m. to noon May 16  
Jul 9 Watkins Mill State Park, Lawson 10 a.m. to noon May 28  
Jul 13 Finger Lakes State Park, Columbia 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 30  
Jul 20 St. Joe State Park, Park Hills 10 a.m. to noon Jun 6  
Aug 10 Finger Lakes State Park, Columbia 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jun 27  
Aug 17 St. Joe State Park, Park Hills 10 a.m. to noon Jul 4  
Aug 23 Thousand Hills State Park, Kirksville 6-8 p.m. Jul 11  
Aug 24 Mark Twain State Park, Florida – This event will include an interpretive program about freshwater jellyfish. 10 a.m. to noon Jul 11  
Aug 24 Thousand Hills State Park, Kirksville 10 a.m. to noon Jul 11  
Sep 14 St. Joe State Park, Park Hills 10 a.m. to noon Aug 1  
Oct 12 St. Joe State Park, Park Hills 10 a.m. to noon Aug 29  

Registration

The class registration fee is $5 per participant; registration is required. Click on the "REGISTER HERE" link below to register. When you get to the registration website, click on the green “Show sessions available” box. A list of upcoming classes will pop up. Click on the green “Sign Up!” button to register for an event.

Registration closes five weeks after the registration open date. 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 becomes available, you will be notified by the Learn2 staff via email or phone call.

If you have any questions, please email Taylor.Ratcliff@dnr.mo.gov.

Check out the *ADVANCED* Learn2 Paddle program.

Check out the Learn2 Paddle River program.