2026 Kayak the Missouri - Beginner Kayak Training and Guided Paddle

Half-day Introduction to Kayaking on the Missouri River for Beginners
About this Event

THE CLASS

This is a half-day class to introduce you to the skills, hazards and fun to be had on the Mighty Missouri River!
For optimal instructor-beginner ratio, space is limited to 10 registrants.
You must be 18 years old or older to attend this event.

By the end of the trip, you will feel more in control of your boat, know how to paddle long-distances without wearing out your arm muscles, have some tips and tricks for reading the river and avoiding hazards, and be more confident about exploring the River with your friends and family.

• Basic paddle strokes and boat control
• Introduction to river reading and hazard identification
• Techniques for navigating river current and using it to your advantage
• Legally, what’s required in a non-motorized craft
• An introduction to gear, trip planning and prevention
• Introduction to hazards plus some tips and tricks for boat control in dicey situations

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Amanda Anstrom, Angie Morrison, and Amber Schroeter, better known as "Triple A Paddlers" have been instructing paddling for the past 8 years. Their kayak experience started as kids and has expanded into a passion they love to share with others. Instructing kayak classes for WOW (Wild Outdoor Women)at Lake Metigoshe and taking groups down the Missouri River every summer, kayaking is a sport they just love to teach and enjoy with others! Their instruction style is fun and hands on. They like to skip the lecture and only teach what you need to know to be safe and efficient on the water.

LOGISTICS

At 9:00am we will meet at Car Bodies Boat Ramp in Mandan, where parking will be available.

Registrants will load into shuttle vehicles and will be taken to the drop-in point upriver, at Hoge Island. The vehicles will leave Car Bodies Boat Ramp promptly at 9:00AM.

Kayaking from the Hoge Island will take approx. 1.5 hours.

Lunch is provided on a sandbar, while kayaking. Enjoy chips and a sandwich, ask instructors questions and connect with others interested in kayaking.

Please note that this event includes some walking up/down an incline. By signing up, you confirm you are physically able to participate.

WHAT TO BRING AND HOW TO PREPARE

We will remain on land for approximately 30 minutes of instruction, prior to launch. Water will be provided (it is important to stay hydrated all morning).

Life jackets, kayaks, and equipment are all provided with your registration. Every participant will be required to wear a US Coast Guard approved life jacket anytime we are within 10 feet of the water or are out on the water. There will be no exceptions.

You will need:

• Shoes and pants/shorts that can get wet. You may be in shin deep water to enter and exit the kayak
• You should also bring sunscreen, bug spray and a strap for your glasses.
• Other gear that will come in handy if you have it: rain jacket (just in case).

Refund Policy

Refunds will only be issued in the event that Northern Plains Heritage Foundation cancels the event for instances like inclement weather. Notice of event cancellation will be made through eventbrite up to two hours prior to the even start time.

SUPPORTING THE NORTHERN PLAINS NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

The Northern Plains National Heritage Area is a federally designated National Heritage Area along the 80-mile free-flowing stretch of the Missouri River in central North Dakota. As part of the National Park Service family, the heritage area promotes and interprets the scenic, cultural and historic heritage of the region through public-private partnerships. Learn more at: www.northernplainsheritage.org

The Northern Plains National Heritage Area is partnering with Triple A Paddlers, Mandan Parks and Recreation, Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation, ND Game and Fish, and ABC Boatdocks to Provide this 4th annual event.

NORTH DAKOTA GAME AND FISH - Wear It!

The “Wear It” campaign is a national campaign to encourage life jacket wear, not just in bad weather or mandatory wear situations, such as on a personal watercraft, tubing or water skiing. We believe that much like a seat belt in your vehicle, life jackets save lives both children and adult. This campaign targets not only the recreational boater but also the hunting and fishing communities. Boating incidents and crashes can happen at any time, day or night. It’s always good to be prepared for the unexpected.

Agenda

🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:00 AM
Gather at Car Bodies Boat Ramp in Mandan to load vehicles
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Vehicles depart for Hoge Island, put-in spot
🕑: 09:15 AM - 12:30 PM
Instruction/Paddle

Info: Ride times will vary depending on your personal paddling speed. Enjoy lunch at a sandbar and chat with your instructors

🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Arrive back at Car Bodies Boat Ramp in Mandan, pull-out