Paddle Canada Beginner River Kayak Skills

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

Participants are encouraged to take a Basic First Aid Course and a Swift Water Rescue Course if they wish to continue towards the intermediate level.

Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to confidently navigate Class I Rivers in a group setting.

Course Length

16 hours of instruction or approximately 2 days.

Course Water Class

This course runs in Class-1 conditions which are described as:

Fast-moving current with small waves and few obstructions that are easily avoided. Low-risk. Easy self-rescue.

Course Topics

Safety Skills

• Wet exit
• Rafting
• Self-rescue
• Bow rescue
• Assisted rescue
• Throw-bag rescue
• River signals
• Lifting and Carrying a Kayak

Paddling Skills

• Edging
• Balance and posture
• Forward and reverse strokes
• Sweep stroke
• Draw stroke
• Stern draw and stern pry
• Low and high braces
• Forward ferry
• Eddy turn
• Introduction to forward surf

Theory and Knowledge

• River hazards and river reading
• Boat design and outfitting and equipment
• Clothing
• Safety equipment
• Paddling and surfing etiquette
• Trip planning

Course Prerequisites

• Skills Certification
  • None
• Paddling Experience
  • Minimal exposure to kayaks is expected for this course, it is intended as an introduction to moving water, participants who have never been in a kayak would likely find value in taking a Flatwater River Kayak Skills 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.