About Us

Mission

Colorado River School (CRS) is a 501c3 that provides transformative growth through whitewater kayaking and outdoor recreation, education, and adventure.

We seek to change lives through instructor-directed outdoor experiential education. By giving students tools designed to encourage them to push their comforts and overcome obstacles, Colorado River School offers people a chance for change within themselves and their lives, while also providing them with technical hard skills in paddlesports and other outdoor pursuits. CRS offers professional training and job opportunities to graduates so they can take part in changing lives of others.

CRS was born out of work conducted by founders Lyle Phetteplace and Katie Crites through Renaissance Adventure Guides. Lyle and Katie saw the personal growth and self-empowerment of individuals who learned to kayak. They wanted to continue working with groups who have not had access to the required equipment, permits, and insurance necessary for learning to kayak. Thus, CRS was born in 2017 to help serve the community's needs

Board of Directors 2018

Katie Crites

Lyle Phetteplace

Terry Wolk

Bowen Mechigian

Kelsey Bracewell

Jen Tucker

Jeff McGinnis

Groups Served

Colorado River School has partnered with a number of groups to provide transformative outdoor experiences including whitwater kayaking, sit on top kayaking, duckying, stand up paddleboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and many more activities.

Through its partnership with Renaissance Adventure Guides, CRS has worked with the following organizations:

The Chill Foundation

Colorado Academy

First Descents

Epic Experience

Make A Wish Foundations

I Have a Dream Foundation

National Sports Center for the Disabled

Team River Runners

Boy Scouts of America

Girl Scouts of America

Rocky Mountain Camp

Horizons

and many more

Programming for Nonprofits

Swiftwater Safety and Rescue

Whitewater river safety and rescue includes river swimming, throw bagging, wading techniques.

No better way to introduce folks to paddlesports than to get them ready to get wet. Our safety and rescue classes are designed for those from no experience swimming to those who want to learn more about river safety and rescue. From kids to adults, this is a great way to get started!

River Surfing

Swiftwater Safety and Rescue

From boogie boarding to stand up paddleboarding, surfing to kayak surfing, our river surf programs will challenge you to surf the waves like a pro. This is a great in town opportunity.

Inflatable Kayaks

Multi-day Kayak Camping

Inflatable and sit on top kayaking in the Front Range and on the Colorado River.

Inflatable kayaks are great for those who want to experience whitewater without a skirt or hardshell kayak. Inflatable kayaks are also a great way to ease into hardshell kayaking. Programs range from 1 day to 7 days in length.

Multi-day Kayak Camping

Multiday raft supported, self supported and kayak camping trips on the Colorado River.

The greatest challenge with the most reward, hardshell kayaking is not often picked up in a day. Our multiday camping , raft-supported, or self-support kayaking programs will challenge participants on and off the water. This is the best package for growth and adventure.