Long-time river enthusiast and kayaker (not to mention former executive director of the River Alliance) Denny Caneff has said that once you experience a river by kayak, there's no going back to any other vessel on any other water body. (Well, a cruise ship is in a different category.)  

Denny offers a "River Kayaking 101" session for up to 4 kayakers. This is a great session for you if you've been a canoeist, a lake kayaker or stand-up paddle-boarder and have some fears (and misconceptions) about small river kayaking. (You do NOT have to learn the "Eskimo roll.") The session will include good techniques for entering and exiting your kayak; steering and navigating; some basics about kayak design; and reading the landscape surrounding the river.  

Two kayaks and accouterments will be supplied; if two more people want to join in on this offer, they must bring their own. Rivers within a 100-mile radius of Madison will be considered, but the choice must be discussed ahead of time. (e.g. we will not do the Lower Wisconsin River as it doesn't offer the challenges or fun of small rivers.)

Winning bidder should select 2-3 possible dates for a full-day experience between mid-May to mid-June 2017. Lunch and beverages will be provided, including refreshments to replace lost electrolytes at a nearby tavern.