California Watersport Collective - Lotus, California

Michelle Sanderson, CMT

Best learning environment for new kayakers! Every aspect of taking a beginner's kayak class was an exemplary experience with Cali Collective. From the moment you show up as a guest you are warmly welcomed and made to feel comfortable.

Our instructor Tessa, an ACA certified instructor, was thoroughly experience as a kayaker, and as an educator. Her instruction process was well formulated, systematic, and designed to build confidence through every skill that we learned.

All of the equipment is of the highest quality. Safety and guest comfort seem to be the top priority for all of the crew. We all had so many questions as students and all were answered with patiences and depth of knowledge. If for any reason you didn't understand the concept, Tessa would find different ways to word or demonstrate the skill so that each student understood in their own way. There was just the right balance of repetition of basics and systematic progression through each new skill set needed.

The facilities at Site K within Camp Lotus are clean and very well maintained by the campground staff, so plenty of clean bathrooms for all guests.

It is best to bring your own lunch, water bottle and if possible your own dry bag for your small necessities on the river. Bring a lunch that doesn't need to be refrigerated. All other pertinent gear will be assigned to you as part of your class experience. Think about sun protection including sunscreen or sun protective river appropriate clothing.

Without question I will be taking many more classes at Cali Collective due to this incredibly positive experience. I will even repeat the Kayak 1 class to make sure I have mastered the foundational skills before moving on to more challenging techniques.

Thank you to Melissa and her entire staff for creating the best learning experience in Coloma/Lotus!

Kim Carter

Davide Sartoni and Ellie Coffee were reliable knowledgeable professional responsive guides in my 5 day WWSUP Rogue River trip.. i felt supported in challenging myself and respected their judgements on safety decisions. In addition they were both soooo much fun! I am looking forward to many more paddling experiences with these two and would not hesitate to recommend them! A solid 15 out of ten! Much gratitude❤️?❤️

David Hicks

I took an intermediate whitewater 2 day class here and it was amazing. The instructors are the best in the business, well trained and professional, and really helped with my river running and surfing skills. Plus it was so much fun! Lots of big smiles and laughter. Can't suggest it more, this is the best place for whitewater instruction.

Jackie George

Amazing experience provided by CWC! I hosted a women's rafting and kayaking retreat with Mel and the crew this year and we had a fabulous time. The team was attentive to our needs, but casual and fun to hang with. The instructors were completely badass yet professional and a pleasure to be around. We have already scheduled next year's trip. Stoked!!

glenda McMillan

California Watersport Collective is simply the best! I've taken private lessons as well as their clinics. The instructors have encouraged me to go beyond my comfort level. I know they will always be there if I need help ( I miss my roll on occasion). My kayaking strokes have improved emencely with their help and I have more confidentence the ever before in the bigger rapids. Thanks CWC! I can hardly wait to next season so, I can take more lessons and be challenged even more! ? Glenda

Kyla Adams

Highly recommend! Awesome group of professional and fun guides! CA Watersport Collective is great for new and experienced paddlers alike. I've taken several clinics with my husband and we always feel confident when we book with CWC. The team is dedicated to providing safe and high quality clinics. I've learned so much from everyone at CWC and look forward to more clinics.

jeff eckmann

I have done a couple of private classes with Melissa over the last year seeing how I bought a packraft with absolutley zero experience. All I can say is that Mel was great! tons of knowledge and was able to make it relatiable for a beginner. After one day of fundamentals I was able to run the S. Fork with full confadence. I'm now looking at having Mel and her team teach my young daughters how to kayak. Can't recomend California Watersport Collective enough.

Mara Hancock

We love the Cali Collective team! We have done many clinics with them on the South Fork American, rivers in other parts of Cali and also Idaho. Melissa De Marie -- Chief Instigator -- is giving back and helping to diversify our whitewater sport by helping women and BIPOC folks get on the river in a safe community. She is intrepid. We are looking forward to heading to Chile to spend 2 weeks kayaking with her this December. If you are wanting to get into Kayaking or just boof up your skills, they are the folks to contact!