ExChile Home  
 
 
ExChile Home
Advanced Paddling School Courses Advanced Paddling School Courses Intermediate Kayak Instruction Beginner Kayak School Courses


Kayak Chile
Kayak Safari Trips
Guide School
Sea Kayak Trips

Kayak School Guides

Futaleufu River Guide

Overview: About the Futaleufu
Futaleufu Valley Guidebook
Futaleufu Valley Mini-Tour
Rivers of Chile & Argentina
Kayak School Slideshow
Videos & Multimedia
Kayaks & Equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Kayaking School Brochure

Condor Nest Ranch
Tres Monjas Eco-Camp

Why go with Expediciones Chile?
Adventure Philosophy
Streamlined Transportation
True Cultural Immersion
Amenities, Lodging & Gourmet Cuisine

Chile Fishing Whitewater Guide School Kayak Futaleufu River Patagonia Canyoning Mountain Biking Holidays Equestrian Vacations Patagonia Trekking Futaleufu River Rafting Sea Kayaking in Patagonia Kayak School Patagonia Eco-Tours Skiing in Argentina Educational Courses Web in Spanish Whitewater Rafting Chile Trekking Horseback Riding Vacations Mountain Biking Trips Canyoning in Chile Whitewater Kayaking Chile Sea Kayaking Kayak Instruction River Guide School Chile Fly Fishing Patagonia Eco-Tours Skiing in Chile Courses in Chile Web in Spanish

Patagonia Information:
Weather & Climate
Region & River Maps
Patagonia Guidebooks
Patagonia Travel Information
Guide to Secrets of Patagonia

ExChile in the Press

Office:
Traveling to Chile
Skill Evaluator/Kayak Selector
Calendar & Prices
Sign-up Information
Packing Lists
Travel Insurance
Contact Us

Website Map

Patagonia South Kayak School
 
Patagonia Kayak School:
Exchile Patagonia Kayak School
 
 
 
 
 

World-Class Instruction in a World-Class Setting! Whitewater Kayak Instruction at at our Paddling School in the Spectacular Futaleufu River Valley.

Whitewater kayak instruction and lessons based out of our eco-camp in the remote, world famous Futaleufu River Valley in Patagonia, Chile. The Exchile Kayak School was founded by U.S. Olympic Team paddler and internationally acclaimed kayak instructor, Chris Spelius. Whether you want to Learn to Roll a Kayak or sharpen your paddling skills, you will receive expert kayak instruction from our experienced team of instructors in a setting that is beyond your imagination.



"Give us one week and we will change the sport of paddling for you."
Chris Spelius.

(1 min 22 sec)
(1 min 21 sec)
(5 min)
(2 min 11 sec)
 
(31 sec)
 

Our kayak Campo is located at the confluence of the pristine, turquoise-waters of the Azul and Futaleufu Rivers. All this amidst spectacular glaciers, towering granite canyons, scenic volcanoes, and temperate old-growth rainforests. As our paddling school guest, you will receive the finest kayak lessons and instruction available in this spectacular region of the world.

On certain kayak classes you may stay at a Bed and Breakfast in the village of Futaleufu, just minutes from our rolling pond and the Class 2 Rio Espolon.

What makes the Patagonia Kayak School unique, in addition to its spectacular location, is the individualized instructional approach we provide to our paddling school students. Our student to instructor ratio never exceeds 5 to 1 and our attention is fully focused on safely improving your kayak paddling techniques.

Experience more! In addition to the natural beauty of the area, inviting culture, and premier lessons and kayak instruction you will receive, you may also participate in our many multisport activities pioneered by Expediciones Chile over the past twenty years in the Futaleufu River Valley. Experience the famous Class IV/V Futaleufu whitewater from a raft! Sea kayaking, trekking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, mountain biking, climbing and canyoning can all be incorporated into your paddling school vacation.

Surf our website to learn about our riverside eco-camp, cuisine and get a glimpse of the spectacular setting that has made Expediciones Chile and the Futaleufu River Valley a world-class kayak destination for the past twenty years.

Kayak Roll Identifier & Troubleshooter

If you have a kayak roll that is not functioning as you would like (or you want to learn more about the five types of kayak rolls) take the time now to identify your roll before reading further.





Our Beginner Kayak School Courses

It may sound unusual to travel to Patagonia to learn to kayak, but we can not think of a more spectacular classroom in one of the most stunning geographical areas of the world. This is not only World Class instruction it is World Class adventure. With the different sections of the Rio Espolon and our roll practice lagoons we have the highly evolved teaching progressions for you.




Intermediate Paddling School Courses

We have many people call our office worried that the Futaleufu might be beyond their skill level. While the Futaleufu does have a world-class reputation, not all of the river is Class V whitewater; in fact 33% Percent of the Futaleufu is Class II - III, and 50 % is Class III-IV. The Espolon and the Azul offer more Class III+. With that in mind we developed intermediate kayak instruction courses that will allow you to comfortably experience one of the most majestic paddling destinations in the world. Our most popular paddling school course is our Class II-III, called the Whitewater Tune-Up, which is a kayak instruction course that specifically focuses on the weakness that you want to address in your paddling style. Our Class III-IV Introduction to Big Water paddling class will help you develop the river skills necessary to paddle some impressive Class IV sections of the Futaleufu.






Advanced Kayak Instruction

We offer more advanced kayak courses preparing you for your shot on Class IV/V. It is amazing what you can accomplish with guidance and a progression that prepares you for a chance to paddle some of the famous rapids of the Futaleufu. On the Futaleufu there is always a route. If you do not feel you can make the route walking is always an option.








Special Kayak Courses

1. Teen Kayak trips during Spring break in Patagonia Futaleufu.

2. New for 2018 we are offering roll instruction and paddling in the Summer months based out of Sun Valley, Idaho. June to October.

3. We will travel the world to teach your group or club. We will travel the world to teach your group or club. New for 2018 we are offering roll instruction and Paddling in the Summer months in Idaho. June to October.








Futaleufu River Valley Teaching Sections:


Throughout our kayak school season, which runs from November 1st to April 15th, we follow the optimal water levels for each river and river section. Thus our kayak school itineraries may vary from week to week. Below are some selected descriptions of the rivers at the Exchile Patagonia Paddling School that we use for kayak instruction.

Upper & Middle Rio Espolon: Class I/II

Take a magic carpet ride! The water is so clear it looks as if you are flying over the bottom of the riverbed. With numerous white sand beaches and swimming holes, this is a perfect introduction to paddling for people of all ages. Make your first eddy turns and learn how to navigate your way down the river. For those learning to kayak you will encounter you first whitewater rapid with standing waves, the Class II Three Rock Rapid.

Lower Río Espolon: Class II/III

As an extension to the introductory upper and middle run, we continue on to the take-out just above the confluence of the Futaleufu. Enjoy the challenges of the Class III rapids and surfing lessons on the "Espolon Surf Wave!"

Río Azul: Class III/III+

Kayak from the Rio Azul school to the Rio Futaleufu confluence. We paddle a mini-gorge with mind-boggling beauty and glacial blue water. The Tres Monjas Peaks tower overhead as you descend this beautiful river. You will have the opportunity to practice your rolls at the confluence beach. The Rio Azul is usually reserved for more advanced kayak lessons and instruction.

Río Futaleufu: Class II Upper Limite Section:
This section of the Futaleufu starts at the Argentine border and flows past the village of Futaleufu before it empties into the Class V "Infierno Gorge" section. This section provides us a great opportunity to experience the big water feel without having to contend with any major rapids, a great section for introductory kayak lessons.

Río Futaleufu: Class II/III+ Big Water 101 to Asleep at the wheel.

You first day on big water in the ideal classroom. It is at our Campo Tres Monjas.

Río Futaleufu: Class III/III+ El Macal Section:
We put-in for the easiest stretch of the whitewater Futaleufu, the "El Macal" section. Big water eddy lines, the "Every Man's (and Woman's) Surf" Wave, and wave-trains culminate in a basic kayak piloting move at "Freighter Rock" Rapid. This is often another kayak instruction graduation day run.

Río Futaleufu: Class III/IV-Terminator Section:
We put in at Tres Monjas Eco Camp and paddle the Class III side of "Asleep at the Wheel" Rapid. We walk the legendary "Terminator" Rapid giving us a safe view of a real-world Class V rapid. We sneak the "Khyber Pass" and we prepare for a down-the-throat kayak run of the "Himalayas", into the big pool below, as your advanced kayak school graduation ceremony. These are perhaps the largest waves in the hemisphere. We then relax on the flatwater to the take-out.

Rio Futaleufu: Class V Rapids:
Casa de Piedra, Terminator, Gates or the Inferno, Wall shot, Dynamite and Perfect Storm. Throne Room and Zeta (Class V+ usually walked)

Kayak Instruction Schedule:
High season is December, January, February and March. Call the office for River Guide School and Certification Course dates, which run less frequently. Private kayak lessons and learn to roll clinics can be scheduled on custom basis.

What's Included:
All kayak instruction and multi-day trip prices include ground transportation, river shuttles, lodging, meals, wine with dinner, instructors/guides, kayak lessons/instruction, use of a kayak, and kayak equipment needed for your described trip. We provide kayak equipment for students enrolled in our Beginner Kayak School Courses. Students taking Intermediate Kayak Instruction Courses and Advanced Paddling School Courses should bring their own personal equipment. The kayaks and playboats will be provided for all of our students.

Kayak School Prices:
All kayak school courses are 2,695 usd Single Occupancy $2,295.00 USD Double Occupancy.. Call our office to inquire about group packages. Private kayak lessons and kayak instruction are also available.

Also offered at the Exchile Patagonia Kayak School: Beginning Kayak Instruction, Intermediate Paddling Instruction, Advanced Paddling School Courses. How to Roll a Kayak clinics.

Also offered at the Patagonia South Kayak School: Beginning Kayak Instruction, Intermediate Paddling Instruction, Advanced Paddling School Courses. How to Roll a Kayak clinics.


Expediciones Chile Contact

Adventure Travel in Chile, Rafting Patagonia Adventure Travel in Chile. Rafting in Chile & Argentina Rafting Torres del Paine W and FitzRoy trekking.

Traveling in Chile & Patagonia Information on traveling in Patagonia Chile. Secrets of Patagonia Tour on our website. Air Tickets.Patagonia Travel Information

Rafting in Chile Whitewater rafting in Chile. Rafting from our weatherproof Futaleufu lodge and our comfortable whitewater eco camp.Chile Rafting on the Futaleufu
Weather in Patagonia Information about the weather in Patagonia Climate in Chile & Argentina. Weather forecasts.
Sea Kayaking in Chile Go Sea Kayaking in Chile from the Andes to the Ocean on Lago Yelcho. Fjords, hotsprings, extinct volcanos, temperate rainforest. Experience the Glaciers and Fjords of Tierra del Fuego. Raft Guide School Thinking about a rafting guide job on the Futaleufu? Check out our whitewater guide school & swiftwater rescue training course.
Fly Fishing in Chile and Argentina Go fly fishing in Chile from our ranch or lodge in Chilean Patagonia. Fly fishing trips on Lago Yelcho. Fly fishing trips on Rio Grande.Patagonia Fly Fishing
Custom EcoTours in Chile Custom ecotours through Chile’s Patagonia and the Futaleufu valley that include bird watching and nature treks.

Kayak School Learn the eskimo kayak roll at our kayak school. Receive world class kayak instruction from our paddling school in Patagonia Chile South America.

Group Conferences in Patagonia Checkout our large group, instructional and corporate team building programs offered every year.
Futaleufu Information Information About the Futaleufu River in Patagonia Chile. Futaleufu guidebook of river sections. Ex Chile Travel Agent Info Information on traveling in Chile. Travel agent discounts and commissions. Low Cost fares to Chile and within Chile.


Patagonia Horseback Riding Patagonia horseback riding vacations and holidays with genuine Huasos & Corralero Horses.

Honeymoon Cabin Our Condor Nest Ranchito is the perfect honeymoon cabin located beneath the Tres Monjas towers.
Kayak Chile Whitewater Kayak in the spectacular Patagonia Andes. Kayak Chile whitewater from our spectacular kayak eco camp. Kayak Hostel, Kayak Lodging Kayak Futaleufu and Kayak Pucon, Kayak Chile. Office Internship Jobs Office internships and employment opportunities in rafting, kayaking and fly fishing & adventure travel office.
Canyoning Chile canyoning and rappelling day added on to your custom trip. Chilean Culture Immersion Experience genuine Chilean Cultural Immersion on our adventure travel horseback riding and trekking vacations.
Patagonia Mountain Biking Experience a genuine Chile Mountain Biking through Chilean Patagonia and Argentina. Rafting en el Río Futaleufú con las mejores aguas blancas de clase mundial (5,4,3,). Kayak de mar, mountain biking, cabalgatas, sit-on-top kayaking canyoning, caminatas, pesca con mosca y mucho más aventuras podrás encontrar en el corazón de la patagonia Chilena, y desde el confort de nuestro nativo y caluroso Hotel. Rafting en el Río Futaleufú en Español.
     
Expediciones Chile has been running adventure travel trips in Patagonia since 1985. Try rafting Chile on the Futaleufu river. Trekking Patagonia in Torres del Paine, Cerro Fitz Roy and Los Glaciares National Parks. Sea kayaking Patagonia from the Andes to the Ocean or take lessons at a world class paddling school. Kayak Futaleufu whitewater from our kayak eco camp. Mountain biking in Patagonia wilderness. Earn a swiftwater rescue certification on the Futaleufu river. Fly fishing Chile and Argentina on the famous Lago Yelcho. Snow Skiing in Chile & Argentina. Eco tours and yoga travel vacations. Information about weather Patagonia, Patagonia travel and maps of Chile on our website.

All website photos, text, code and content are © copyrighted property of Expediciones Chile

   
 
 
Chile Rafting Trekking Chile Horseback Riding in Chile Mountain Biking in Chile Patagonia Canyoning Futaleufu Kayaking Sea Kayaking in Chile Kayak Instruction River Guide School Fly Fishing Chile Patagonia Eco-Tours Skiing in Argentina Educational Courses Web in Spanish Learn to Roll a Kayak Beginner Kayak School Courses Intermediate Kayak Instruction Advanced Paddling School Courses Playboating Courses