Insights & Reviews

 Arkansas Outdoor Outfitters exists to help people come to the water prepared.

We focus on real-world river readiness — the kind of awareness, gear, and decision-making that people can use at home, on the road, or standing at the edge of the river.

Understanding the basics well is more valuable than rushing through everything at once.
The goal is simple: better decisions, fewer preventable mistakes, and more confident time on the water.

Nothing here replaces hands-on instruction.
True skill is built through time on the water with a qualified instructor.

If you want to progress, take a class from a professional you trust.
We provide the foundation to help you get started — and to get more out of it when you do.

 Why I took a course

I am new to White Water Kayaking and wanted to get an overview of gear, safety and rescue. The Essentials of River Safety & Rescue course was scheduled to be held in my neighboring state, hosted by Arkansas Outdoor Outfitters. That was a good start. 

What I got out of  this course.

I found this course to be an excellent resource! It offered up to date information that was broken down throughout the day and presented at a comfortable pace with time for questions, breaks, etc.

The course brought a new level of awareness regarding the many details involved in water safety and rescue. Personally, I am inspired by this experience to pursue further training and education. This was time well invested.

Debbie Lacy

 I took an L3 SWR class with Rob Moody back in 2018 because I wanted to learn how to rescue myself or others while kayaking. I learned so much and had such a great time that I came back for both a L4 SWR class and several beginner SUP classes . I think Rob is an awesome teacher and the stuff he teaches in both his SWR and SUP classes has helped me become a much safer and more confident paddler. I would definitely recommend his classes for anyone that paddles on the water!  - Kai Mueller 

 wonderful caring people  felt comfortable and instruction was awesome! will go again... Thank you!  ~  Leah Randolph

  We had so much fun in the family clinic. We learned so much and it really boosted our confidence.  ~ Heather  J.

 Well presented, good group.  Rob encouraged  & teaches hands on.  Will definitely do another class.  would love to do class in boat learning more to negotiate river/rapids.  ~ Barbara 

We offer Family Fun Beaver Lake & Illinois river guided tours. All tour guides are highly energetic, fun, & knowledgeable about our local NWA water ways. They all have took a ACA swift water rescue class, certified in CPR  & Wilderness First Aid for our clients safety concerns.