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Intro Kayak Moving Water

$350.00

This two‐day course is thoughtfully designed as an introductory experience to whitewater kayaking. It introduces paddlers to key concepts and the foundational basics of river running, all within a safe and supportive environment. The course begins by covering essential concepts and flat‐water skills, such as forward paddling and turning, which provide a solid base for beginners. We then progress to navigating rapids, which are friendly and manageable for newcomers, allowing participants to add moving water skills, such as catching eddies, enabling a safe and enjoyable descent on the river. On the second day, we refine our techniques, focusing on linking these skills together to continuously and confidently navigate the river’s dynamic flow.

Don't let the “Intro” fool you! Commonly, people who have been paddling whitewater for years think that their skills are too advanced for this course. Not true at all. This course introduces technical skills required for challenging ferries, S-turns in difficult rapids, and breaking bad or “inefficient” habits because… Why work harder than you need to? Experienced recreational paddlers, even those with many years of paddling under their belts, will benefit greatly from this course, and it is a prerequisite for taking the Intermediate course. It is not advised to try to skip to the upper levels.

Dates:

This two‐day course is thoughtfully designed as an introductory experience to whitewater kayaking. It introduces paddlers to key concepts and the foundational basics of river running, all within a safe and supportive environment. The course begins by covering essential concepts and flat‐water skills, such as forward paddling and turning, which provide a solid base for beginners. We then progress to navigating rapids, which are friendly and manageable for newcomers, allowing participants to add moving water skills, such as catching eddies, enabling a safe and enjoyable descent on the river. On the second day, we refine our techniques, focusing on linking these skills together to continuously and confidently navigate the river’s dynamic flow.

Don't let the “Intro” fool you! Commonly, people who have been paddling whitewater for years think that their skills are too advanced for this course. Not true at all. This course introduces technical skills required for challenging ferries, S-turns in difficult rapids, and breaking bad or “inefficient” habits because… Why work harder than you need to? Experienced recreational paddlers, even those with many years of paddling under their belts, will benefit greatly from this course, and it is a prerequisite for taking the Intermediate course. It is not advised to try to skip to the upper levels.

Since this is a two-day course it is important to come with the recommended skills to allow the course to run smoothly. These are what Paddle Canada and Wild Loon recommend:
You are a good swimmer and are not afraid of water; you have been in and around boats for a while and are comfortable maneuvering them.

Certification: A certificate is available to those that successfully demonstrate the required skills. 

What’s Included?

A whitewater kayak, PFD, Paddle, and Helmet. If you do not require a whitewater kayak, please contact us to review your boat and discuss a reduced price.

Please Bring:

A PFD, Paddle, and Helmet if you prefer to use your own.

Safety equipment (pump/bailing device, 15m buoyant heaving line/throwbag, whistle… typically included with boat rental)
Suitable paddling footwear and clothing - example: synthetic fabric clothing and jacket, secure fitting water shoes/sandals or running shoes (that you don't mind getting wet)
Water, snacks/lunch (lunches may be away from the vehicles and/or on the river), Hat, sunglasses & waterproof sunscreenTowel & change of clothes (for improvisational swims!)

Course Participants will be emailed approximately two weeks prior to their course with location information, camping/accommodation recommendations, rental confirmation, and Instructor introductions.
Courses typically run from 9am-4pm Saturday and Sunday at a variety of locations depending on current water levels. Friday evenings are a great opportunity to come early and meet other participants taking the course as well as have a little extra time to get geared up for the following morning!