Winter River Kayaking Program
Follow the Paddle Canada River Kayaking progression - from your first strokes in a whitewater kayak to confidently paddling Class III.
When the coastal paddling season slows down, Vancouver Island's rivers come alive.
Whether you're taking your first strokes in a river kayak or working toward Class III whitewater, Creek2Coast's Winter River Kayaking Program provides a clear, nationally recognized progression from flatwater fundamentals to advanced river skills. Taught through the Paddle Canada curriculum, every course is designed to build the confidence, judgment, and technical ability needed to paddle rivers safely and independently.
Progression Pathway
Paddle Canada Flatwater River Kayak Skills
Build Strong Fundamentals
   ↓
Paddle Canada Beginner River Kayak Skills
Your First Whitewater - Class I
   ↓
Kayak Rolling Skills
Pool Sessions Throughout the Winter
   ↓
Intermediate River Kayak Skills
Advance Your River Skills - Class II
↓
Paddle Canada Advanced River Kayak Skills
Challenge Yourself - Class III
Follow the full progression or join us at the level that's right for you. Additional dates will be added as demand requires.
Why Learn River Kayaking?
River kayaking develops precision boat control, quick decision-making, and confidence in moving water. The skills you gain on rivers translate directly to sea kayaking, surf zones, tidal currents, and expedition paddling. Even if your primary passion is sea kayaking, learning to paddle rivers will make you a stronger, more versatile kayaker.
This program is ideal for:
✓ Sea kayakers looking to expand their skills
✓ Recreational paddlers ready for a new challenge
✓ Outdoor enthusiasts wanting to learn whitewater safely
✓ Whitewater paddlers progressing toward Class III rivers
Our Instructors
Adam Rosenbaum, Founder & Beginner River Kayak Skills Instructor
Adam is the founder of Creek2Coast Paddlesports and both a Paddle Canada Beginner River Kayak Instructor and Kayak Rolling Instructor. His love of moving water began as a teen on 6–8 week wilderness canoe expeditions through Northern Ontario, Quebec, and Labrador, but his introduction to whitewater kayaking during Adventure Guide training at Thompson Rivers University was anything but love at first sight. In fact, he spent five days completely terrified. After years of building confidence through sea kayaking, he eventually found his way back to the river and discovered a passion for whitewater that has become impossible to ignore. Today, Adam is passionate about helping new paddlers take those same first steps into river kayaking with supportive instruction, encouragement, and a calculated, meaningful progression.
Ariane Garneau-Desroches, Advanced River Kayak Skills Instructor
Hi, my name is Ariane, I am excited to join the C2C team!
I am an outdoor enthusiast who started kayaking 6 years ago in Québec. Since then, I have been travelling with my kayak all over the country, to South America and the US, to discover different kayak communities and types of rivers.
I started instructing through Thompson Rivers University three years ago and fell in love with the art of teaching kayaking. With my education in environmental education/communication and as an adventure guide, it makes me a complete instructor to understand and help every kayaker to progress and grow within this activity.
My goal is to share my love for water and kayaking while engaging our community in a safe and trustworthy environment. Making the kayaking courses inclusive for everyone and inspiring people to connect with nature is essential for me!
I am grateful to be able to share my passion through C2C and excited to paddle with you all!
Why Learn With an Instructor?
River kayaking has a steeper learning curve than many paddling disciplines, and good habits learned early make a tremendous difference. Professional instruction helps you build confidence, develop sound technique, and learn to make safe decisions before tackling more challenging rivers.
Ready to Experience Whitewater?
Whether you're looking to build confidence, challenge yourself, or discover an entirely new side of kayaking, our Winter River Kayaking Program offers a clear path to becoming a stronger paddler.
The first dates in our 2026/27 progression are now open for registration. Start from the beginning or join the progression at the level that matches your experience.
