Paddle Canada Intermediate River Kayak Skills

The Intermediate River Kayak Skills course is designed to teach participants to paddle on Class II Rivers. Emphasis is placed on understanding the principles of moving water and kayaking safety.

Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to confidently navigate Class II rapids on rivers that contain a mix of Class I/II rapids in a group setting.

Course Length

16 hours of instruction or approximately 2 days.

Course Water Class

This course runs in Class-2 conditions which are described as:

Straightforward rapids with wide-open channels that are evident without scouting. Occasional manoeuvering is required. Trained paddlers will easily avoid any rocks or medium-sized waves. Swimmers are seldom injured.

Course Topics

Safety Skills

• Review all rescue skills introduced at Beginner River Skills level in Class II water
• Rolling in class II current

Paddling Skills

• Eddy s-turn
• Jet ferry
• Hydraulic Control
• Static draw
• Sculling

Theory and Knowledge

• Review all theory items from the Beginner River Kayaking Skills level
• Using the river to the paddlers advantage

Course Prerequisites

• Skills Certification
  • Beginner River Kayaking Skills course or equivalent skills with the permission of the course director.
• Paddling Experience
  • Participants must be able to perform a controlled and calm wet exit in current.
• First Aid
  • Students are encouraged to take a Basic First Aid course and a Swift Water Rescue course.
• Paddling Equipment
  • The kayak must have sufficient buoyancy, float bag/bulkhead, to float after a wet exit.
  • A helmet approved for use in moving water.

Location

• Local rivers in the central/north island region (TBD based on water levels)

What's Included?

• 2 full days of instruction by a certified Paddle Canada instructor, certification upon successful completion of the course
• Kayak & float bags
• Paddle
• Sprayskirt
• PFD
• Whistle
• Throwbag
• Helmet

Please Bring

• Immersion apparel (drysuit, wetsuit, etc.)
  • Drysuit rentals are available for $50/day + tax
• Appropriate base layers for water temperature if renting or providing your own drysuit (socks, leggings, top > wool or synthetic highly recommended - no cotton)
• Adequate footwear for walking on slippery, uneven ground and protecting drysuit socks
• Lunch and snacks
• Water
• Sun protection (glasses, hat, sunscreen)
• Toque
• Full set of extra layers in case you get wet or get chilly during dryland modules

*A minimum of 4 and maximum of 6 students is required to run this course.