We have access to Flathead Scuba’s saltwater pool located north of Kalispell. We will work on roll technique and fundamentals to dial in your roll. Limited to 4 people per session. If you are bringing your own gear please clean equipment of all debris to keep the pool clean. Sessions will vary during the winter months. Check our scheduling page for dates and times.

Cost: Winter $50 per session with instruction. $30per session without instruction. Scholarships available

Summer roll clinics will be held at TeaKettle Access. No limit in class size.

Cost: Summer $35 per session. Scholarships available

Equipment is not included in any of our program costs. Please rent gear here if needed.

2025 Winter Pool Sessions Dates:
January 9, 23
February 6, 20
March 6, 20
April 3, 17

2025 Summer Roll Clinic Dates:

June 19 - July 23 - August 11

Our Intro to Kayaking program is great for all ages interested in whitewater kayaking. We begin our 3-day course in calm, flat water and progress to moving water and eddy lines. Start by learning all about the kayak and equipment, then get comfortable with the wet exit, paddle strokes, and water dynamics. Limited to 13 people per program. Classes run for 5 hours. Morning classes are 9 am-2 pm. Afternoon classes are 3 pm-8 pm.

You must complete this program before starting on a 5-week program.

Cost: $335, Scholarships available

Equipment is not included in any of our program costs. Please rent gear here if needed.

2025 Flathead River 3-day Intro Dates:
June 16, 17, 18

July 14, 15, 16

August 18, 19, 20

2025 Swan River 3-day Intro Dates:
June 23, 24, 25

MKA is excited to continue our 5-week program that gets intermediate and advanced level boaters on the water twice a week. Groups will be separated by experience level. Locations depend on water levels and will be decided by an instructor before each class. Sessions are limited to 6 participants. There will be an opportunity to join a single day of session if all six spots are not filled. Each session has 10 days of kayaking. Classes run for 5 hours. Morning classes are 9 am-2 pm. Afternoon classes are 3 pm-8 pm.

Cost: $850 for 5 week session / $1600 for both sessions / $90 for a single day

Equipment is not included in any of our program costs. Please rent gear here if needed.

5 week session
July 21st - August 22nd

New to this year Montana Kayak Academy is introducing a new program, Out of the Flathead Trips. We provide shuttle and camp food for participants. Leave early on day one, drive to the location, and have a short day on the river. Day two kayak all day, lunch on the river, and campfire in the evening. Day three early on the water for a later arrival back to the Flathead. Long one-day trips to the Buffalo Rapids/Missoula are also available. Dates and times are subject to change based on water levels. Trips are limited to 6 participants and must have 4 participants to operate. Must be approved by the coach before booking. Please inquire about availability prior to signing up.

Cost: $600 for 3 day trip, $200 for full day trip

Equipment is not included in any of our program costs. Please rent gear here if needed.

Possible 2025 trips
Missoula / Alberton Gorge
Polson / Buffalo Rapids
Idaho / Lochsa

Women’s clinic - Learn, progress, and gain confidence in the women-specific 3-day intro course. On and off-water activities make this course more than just a normal Intro course.

Veterans clinic -Partnering with DREAM Adaptive we will be offering full program tuition scholarships for all veterans with a disability. Join any program all summer. Contact us now to participate in the amazing sport of kayaking.

Attainment series - This special clinic will get our intermediate and advanced boaters on the water early to dust the cobwebs off and get ready for the spring.

Stoke Floats - This free-for-all program is meant to build our local kayaking community and for new paddlers in the area to find other paddlers.

H20 Joe’s - Advanced paddling skills will be taught to students which will benefit a young paddler for a lifetime.

Try Kayaking For Free Day - Want to try a new sport without the cost? Join us for a 3-hour class that will go over all things kayaking.

Cost: TBA
Special Clinic Dates: TBA

Check out our calendar and scheduling page for available dates.

Join us for an unforgettable one-week adventure on the beautiful Flathead River! This introductory whitewater kayaking camp is designed to give kids a fun and hands-on experience on the water. Over the course of the camp, campers will learn essential kayaking skills such as wet exits, paddle strokes, and river maneuvering techniques.

We'll dive into river fundamentals, including eddy lines, ferries, and important river safety practices. Our goal is to instill a strong understanding of the river environment while building confidence in each participant, both on and off the water. By the end of this camp, campers will have a solid foundation in kayaking, as well as the knowledge to safely navigate the river.

Cost: $500 for the week of instruction. Gear Included in price.

Scholarships available

Date and Times

July 7th to 11th

9 am - 4 pm

Pick Up and Drop Off Location

Scout and Gather Parking Lot

Hwy 40

Perfect for first-time rafters or anyone wanting more intermediate skills, this one-day whitewater rafting class introduces you to the basics of river navigation, rowing techniques, and safety skills in a fun and controlled environment. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous day on the water or want to build confidence for future trips, this class is designed to provide a safe, exciting, and educational experience.

What You’ll Learn:

Basic rowing techniques

Basic rowing skills like eddy in, eddy out, ferrying, etc.

Understanding river features (eddies, waves, currents)

Essential safety skills, including basic self-rescue, throw bag use, and safety gear

Guided practice on Class I-II rapids

What to Expect:

Morning session 8am-10am: Dry-land instruction on safety, gear, and rowing techniques

Morning session 10am-12pm: Get on the water to learn river features and basic boat maneuvers

Afternoon session 12pm-4pm: Guided rafting trip on a Class I-II section of the river with coaching from experienced guides. 

Wrap-up 4pm-5pm: End the day with a debrief and Q&A session

Who Should Join?
No prior experience necessary! This class is ideal for anyone looking to experience whitewater rafting in a controlled and beginner-friendly environment. Participants should be comfortable in water and ready for an active day outdoors. You must have a raft with oars and oar frame, a PFD (“life jacket”) for everyone in your raft, and water and food for the day. An additional gear list will be provided to you after you enroll.

Cost: $20 per person, Scholarships available

Limited to 5 rafts each day. Limited to 5 people per raft.

Equipment is not included in any of the program costs. Please rent gear here if needed.

2025 course dates:

June 7 and 21

We want to help everyone on the river.

This year, MKA has partnered with Sierra Rescue International to offer Swift Water Rescue Training.

We will be having three kid-specific swift water courses this summer. These courses will get individuals comfortable with moving water. We will teach river hydrology, identify river hazards, learn knots, and how to be a concise river recreator.

What to Expect:

We will start on dry land in the morning, jump on a raft in the afternoon to navigate to different venues along the river to practice different skills. Courses will run from 9 am to 4 pm each day.

COST: Free

We recommend drysuits and wetsuits for this course. Rent any needed gear here.

June 20, 9 am - 4 pm, Ages 13-17

July 29, 9 am - 4 pm, Ages 9-12

August 14, 9 am - 4 pm, Ages 11-15

Our Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) introduction class teaches basic river knowledge, control, balance of SUP, and safety skills for the river.

On-land instruction: You'll learn about paddling technique, safety, and equipment basics. 

On-water practice: You'll get hands-on experience with launching, paddling, and balancing. 

Safety and etiquette: You'll learn about reading whitewater, river hazards, and responsible paddling practices. 

What you'll learn:

Board handling: How to carry, launch, and exit the board safely.

Basic strokes: Forward, reverse, and turning strokes.

Balancing: How to maintain your balance on the board.

Paddle technique: Proper grip and stroke form. 

LEVEL 1: Main Flathead; House of Mystery to Teakettle Access

Date: TBD Time: 9 am - 2 pm

LEVEL 2: Middle Fork; Golf Course to Blankenship North Fork; Great Northern Flats to Glacier Rim

Date: TBD Time: 9 am - 2 pm

LEVEL 3: Middle Fork; Whitewater Section

Date: TBD Time: 9 am - 2 pm

COST: $30 per person; Limited to 6 per class. Age 12 and above

Equipment is not included in any of the programs. Rent any needed gear here.