ACA Quick Start Your Kayak Kids Classes

Sioux Empire Paddlers will be hosting their first ever Kayaking for Kids Classes at Lake Alvin South Dakota. Your child will learn about water safety, life jacket safety, strokes, sweeps, draws, and anatomy of the kayak and paddle. We will have fun games to play while learning paddling skills and safety at the same time. Our class instructors are ACA (American Canoe Association) Level II Certified River Kayak Instructors with an up to date First Aid and CPR certification.

What: Kayak class for children. Life jackets, paddles, and kayaks will be provided

When: SEE BELOW FOR AVAILABLE DATES at Lake Alvin.
Time: 6pm to 8pm

Where: Lake Alvin public boat ramp on northwest side of lake.

Who: 5 students MAX, 7-13 year olds under 140lbs

Cost: $35.00 per student $25.00 if Sioux Empire Paddler Member

Students are recommend to have the following for class:

Parent or guardian along to sign insurance waiver

Students must be able to swim and feel comfortable getting wet

Clothes they feel comfortable getting in the water with

Extra clothes to change into after the class

Sun block

Plenty of Water

Please provide any allergies your child may have and if they require an Epipen to be close by


Click HERE to visit our website for scheduled classes!

Fitness Kayak Classes

Fitness Class:

Are you looking for  a way to stay active outside the gym during the warmer months? Do you have fitness goals you want to achieve and want to spend time on the water? Are you interested in building endurance to paddle longer distances, paddle faster, participate in a race or finish a race that you have been unable to finish? Sioux Empire Paddle Fitness classes are here to help meet your fitness goals AND have fun kayaking!

Kayaking is a great activity for recreation but it is also an excellent activity to use as a fitness activity whether one is trying to meet personal fitness goals or training for a kayak race. Our goal is to help individuals meet their fitness goals while promoting kayaking as an active lifestyle and having fun of course.

Courses can be scheduled as an individual or as a small group activity with friends, max of 5 individuals. Courses will be scheduled based on client availability so there is a great deal of flexibility for any schedule, weather permitting of course. If a course cannot occur as planned due to inclement weather, the course can be rescheduled. The length of a session is flexible from 1 hour or longer in duration.

Individual sessions will be focused on putting together a plan to meet individual goals whether it is improving fitness in general or learning how to train for long distance paddles or a race. Results and activities will be recorded for each session to measure progress and identify areas of growth and opportunity based on established goals. The first session will also consist of developing a personalized plan to assess current skills and establish goals.

Group sessions will be more activity based teaching fitness activities in a kayak suitable for any skill level and allow for friendly competition to help push one another. Groups can include up to 5 individuals.

Possible goals may include: Stability/balance training drills, interval training, speed and strength training, long distance/endurance training, cardio workouts, general nutrition options while kayaking, and/or learn new training techniques.

Cost:                      

Individual non-ACA: starting at $35 

Individual ACA member: starting at $30

Group: Groups of 3 or more save $5 per person off individual rate. Arrangements for larger groups can be made if necessary.

**** Multiple session discounts can be discussed ****

Where:  Location is flexible based on client needs. Area lakes that will be suitable for courses include: Lake Vermillion, Lake Alvin, Wall Lake. River training can be discussed and will primarily be available for weekend sessions only.

When:  Please contact Braxton at Braxton@siouxempirepaddlers.org to discuss availability to schedule  

What to Bring: Arrangements can be made for gear to be provided but clients should have their own equipment since part of the training will be to help individuals become more familiar with their own equipment including the following: kayak, PFD, paddle, water, GPS (not required but beneficial), food/fuel/water, proper paddling attire for conditions. If a boat, paddle and/or PFD need to be provided, please make such arrangements at time of scheduling session.

Sioux Empire Paddlers Tours/Guides

One of our ACA Certified Kayak Instructors is now offering tours and guide services. Would you like a guided tour down a local river or even a lake? Our instructor will build a personalized trip for you from anywhere between 3 hours and 4 day trips. Trips can be on the Big Sioux river or even the Missouri River. We plan trips to fit your needs and wants.

Do you want to learn how to kayak camp? These services will be provided in the trip. You can chose great hot meals or simple backpacking meals if you want to rough it.

We will provide equipment if needed and we have equipment for your kids to bring along on these adventures.

Tours start at $35.00 and go up based on you needs and wants for the trip. Discounts for Sioux Empire Paddlers Members available!

Please contact Will at will@siouxempirepaddlers.org for more information or to book your trip today.

EXAMPLE OF ONE OF OUR TRIPS:

2 Day Spooky Paddling Trip

Do you like getting spooked, want to know more about the surrounding history, learn paddling skill, or learn paddling camping skill? 

Well you are in luck! 

Our organization will be hosting an overnight paddling trips on the Big Sioux River past the Good Earth State Park, Gitchie Manitou Preservation, Klondike and other famous landmarks. On this trip you will hear about the history of the area and some spooky tails from several spots along the Big Sioux River.  Some stories might be real and some stories might be pushing the truth. You let us know!

Our guide will go over details of several stories while you paddle down the soothing Big Sioux River. You will then spend the night on the sandy river bank right in Gitchie Manitou Preservation. You will have the option to go hiking to check out the area and learn more about the history of the park. We will even provide you with an EMF Meter to help see if you can find any paranormal activity. Now if you make it through the night you will continue to paddle down the easy going Big Sioux River down to the old Klondike Dam. 

This trip we hope you learn some history about the area, hear some spooky stories (true or not, we will let you decide), learn paddling skills, and learn how to plan and do your own paddling camping trip.



We supply the following:
Haunting History Lesson
Guided Tour
Paddling education and safety
Three Meals
Cooking Gear and utensils
Transportation
Kayaks and gear (limited availability)
Tents
Entertainment
Water 

Dry bags
Education on packing your kayak with overnight gear and planning trips

What you will need to bring:
Extra underwear (It is scary there at night!!)
Hygeine products
Sleeping bag
Extra clothes
Bug Spray
SunBlock
Snacks
Hat (to help block the sun)
Other beverages other than water
Camera
Personal Belongings


Price:

$75 we provide kayak, paddle and lifejacket

$60 you provide kayak, paddle and lifejacket

$60 for current Sioux Empire Paddlers members 

For more information or to plan your trip today please email us at will@siouxempirepaddlers.org

Sioux Falls South Dakota Kayak Rental

*Shop from the link below to help donate a percentage to Sioux Empire Paddlers*

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

The question of where to rent a kayak, SUP or canoe seems to be an ongoing question. So we have decided to give you an answer.

We have browsed the web, contacted "our people", and searched local classified ads. What we came up with is a list of three locations in Sioux Falls and two locations right outside of Sioux Falls at our nearby State Parks. Unfortunately, a lot of you have the question if the rental companies transport or deliver the kayaks. We only found one company that offers pick up delivery for an extra fee depending where the location is.

Here is a list of Kayak, SUP and Canoe rentals in town.

Sioux Falls Kayak Rental

The only rental in Sioux Falls that is willing to drop the kayaks off at your local starting point and pick up the boats when you are done.

Sioux Falls SD

Phone: 605-310-2070

Email: InfoInfo@SIOUXEMPIREPADDLERS.ORG

$55.00 (Kayak drop off and pick up included)

Boat, Paddle, Life Jacket and drop off and pick up (Restrictions apply)

NO DEPOSIT NEEDED
Like Sioux Falls Kayak Rental Facebook Page

Locations:
Nyberg’s Ace
12^th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Nyberg’s Ace

41^st Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Hours:
Monday-Friday 7:30am-9:00pm
Saturday 7:30am-7:00pm
Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm

Kayak and Canoes Rental:

$300.00 deposit (per boat)(checks or credit cards accepted for deposit)
$5.00 non-refundable Damage waiver fee
Boat, oars/paddles, and life jackets
$35.00 per 6 hours
$50.00 per 24 hours
Nyberg's Ace does not provide tie downs or transportation for boats 

Private Sector - Valerie Quade

No available Hours

Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals:
No deposit for rental. You will need to provide a valid drivers license and sign a waiver.
Boat/SUP, PFD, and paddle
$45.00 per 24 hours
$80.00 per 48 hours


State Parks

Locations:

Newton Hills State Park
28767 482^nd Avenue
Canton, SD 57013
605-987-2263

Lake Vermillion Rec Area

26140 451^st Avenue
Canistota, SD 57012
605-296-3643

Nebraska 
North Fork Outfitting
613 S. 9th Street
Norfolk, NE 68701
http://nforkoutfitting.wix.com/nfork

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

*Shop from the link below to help donate a percentage to Sioux Empire Paddlers*

Sioux Falls Whitewater Park Survey

We would appreciate if you took a few minutes to take our survey in regards to the proposed Sioux Falls Whitewater Park. Our goal from the survey is to see how much interest there is for a whitewater park in our community and beyond our local community. We also need data to support the parks non-kayaking interest to demonstrate how it is a multipurpose development and its economic potential for the community as a whole.

By taking a couple of minutes to provide feedback, you will be able to help us move forward demonstrating that there is a great deal of interest in the project and it has great potential for the community and tourism.

3 part survey with a total of 10 questions.

SFWP Survey

Survey also on our website:

Link to our Website

What can you do to help our Kayaking Programs

Do you want different ways you can help our organization and establish kayaking classes and education? Below are a few ways you can help our organization raise funds for our Kayaking for Kids, Kayaking for Teens, Kayaking for Adults, Fishing Kayaking, and Fitness programs.

Email Us

1.       Become a member!  HERE

a.       You will get updates on the park and club before the general public

b.      You get a Sioux falls Whitewater Park t shirt

c.       You get a Club decal

d.      Discounts on upcoming events 

e.      Free pool sessions (3-6 a year)($30-$60 value)

f.        Discounts at local stores with membership card (Coming June 2016!!)(endless value)

g.       A group to go out and paddle with or ask paddling questions

h.      Discounts on education

i.         River Clean ups

j.        $10 discount on single ACA membership and $20 off ACA family membership

k.       $25 for individual, $45 for family, $250.00 individual lifetime and $450.00 family lifetime

l.         Knowing you support the Whitewater Park!!

2.       Make regular purchases on Amazon

a.       Go to our website 

b.      Select Amazon Banner

c.       Shop for your items

d.      Add to Cart

e.      Complete Order

f.        Our organization receives 6-8% of your purchase when you go through our link. No extra cost to you and gives a better percentage then Amazon Smile ( .5%)

3.       Donate sporting goods or other rummage sale items

a.       Long as they are working order we will accept

b.      Our volunteers will sell those items to raise funds for our paddling programs

c.       We will provide you with a donation receipt for taxes (we are a nonprofit 501(c)3 with the federal government)

d.      Give you a chance to get rid of your old stuff that has been piling up in the garage or storage

4.       Donate funds

a.       Donations in monetary value can be written as a tax deduction

b.      We will provide you with a letter if over $250.00 or receipt if under $250.00

5.       Attend our events and outings

a.       Poker Paddler 6-11-16

b.      Bean Bag Tournament (coming soon)

c.       Regular paddle outings (bring a friend and get them signed up as a member)

d.      River Clean Ups (help us clean up the river

6.       Paddling Classes

a.       Sign up for paddling classes through us or Sioux Falls School District Community Education

b.      Tell friends and family about our classes

c.       Kids 8-13 classes currently offered (we supply all equipment. Recreational kayaks are sized for children)

d.      Fishing classes currently offered (groups of two or family time (parent fishing with child))

e.      Teens 13-18 and Adult classes (Coming Soon)

f.        Fitness/Ready for Racing classes (Coming Soon)

g.       Private classes

h.      We will have 6 certified instructors to help you achieve your skill goals

7.       Word of Mouth

a.       Like our Facebook Page and Twitter

b.      Share our pages on your profiles

c.       Join our Sioux Empire Paddlers group page

d.      Tell paddlers, friends and family about our group

We will add more as the list grows to help raise funds for our paddling classes and education programs. We are getting closer and closer. Please take the time to help us make this a reality.

Email US

Again, Thank you for all that have supported Sioux Empire Paddlers. I hope this encourages you to help us make our paddling classes and education come true.
Visit our Website

Email US

1st Annual Poker Paddle – Hosted by Sioux Empire Paddlers

Who wants to have some fun this summer? Sioux Empire Paddlers supporters of Sioux Falls Whitewater Park (formerly Sioux Falls Whitewater Park) is hosting a great event for paddlers and their families. We hope this is an annual event to help raise funds for our Kayaking for Kids and our Kayaking for Teens Program.

1^st Annual Sioux Empire Paddlers Poker Paddle Rules:

1.       June 11, 2016

2.       Event will start at Holly Blvd Canoe/Kayak launch on the Big Sioux River (north of Big Sioux Recreation Area State Park – No park sticker needed).

3.       Registration, shuttling, signing of the waivers and picking up your first card will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm (participants under 18 will need a parent/guardian signature and be accompanied by an adult at all times).

4.       NOTICE: Every participant must sign a waiver in order to participate in event.

5.       All paddlers must wear a life jacket at all times on the water.

6.       Participants must supply their own watercraft.

7.       Participants may use kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards

8.       Paddlers will get in the water at 1:00 pm to start the poker paddle.

9.       Each paddler will start with one card at the beginning. From there you will pick up 3 other cards at random checkpoints along the Big Sioux River, and at the end you will receive your last card. The night before we will randomly draw two cards as the winning cards. We will open the envelope at the end (Grandview Kayak Launch) to announce the two winning cards. The two people with those cards in hand will be announced winners and can accept their grand prize for winning our 1^st annual poker paddle.

10.   Event will end at Grandview Canoe/Kayak Launch (272^nd street – 140^th Street Northeast of Lake Alvin).

11.   Event should take about 3-4 hours.

12.   We will also draw random participant’s names for our prizes we have accumulated from local business. Prizes will be listed randomly on our Facebook Event Page.

13.   Cost is $25.00 for nonmembers and $15.00 for members of Sioux Empire Paddlers (Formerly known as Sioux Falls Whitewater Park).

14.   RAIN OUT DATE: June 18, 2016

15.   HAVE FUN

This will be a fun family event to try something new on the river, meet new people, and just enjoy the outdoors.

Please bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and snacks if you have young ones along.

Click option below to sign up for the paddle.

1st Annual Poker Paddle

Non-Member $25.00 USD Member $15.00 USD

 Or sign up on our website:
Poker Paddle

Want to become a member? You can visit our website to become a member - Memberships

Want to help donate funds for the our kayaking programs simply by purchasing on Amazon? Go to our  Webpage, select any Amazon banner, start shopping, and checkout. Amazon will give a percentage of the sale to our organization with any purchase made on Amazon through our website!