Quick Details
Dates running:
Intro and/or Beginner to Whitewater Kayaking Course: By Demand
Duration: 930 am to 430 pm
If interested in our Group Courses we take name and info. Once we have enough demand we contact all interested to organize dates for that summer.
Private lessons available by request.
2 day intro and beginner whitewater kayaking courses in Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Step beyond the currents and into the world of Riverside Adventures. Learning to paddle whitewater rivers takes commitment, but kayaking lessons with Riverside Adventures celebrated Paddling School accelerate the learning process. With over 20+ years of experience going into every class. Our diverse instruction team focuses on your personal goals and shows you the pleasures of paddling whitewater. Riverside Adventures offers a variety of courses for all different skill levels, learning styles, and duration’s. Our location in Wells Gray Provincial Park in British Columbia offers quick access to the interiors best whitewater rivers for learning and skill development.
Who is this course for: Our weekend intro courses are for those who are new to whitewater! Experienced flatwater paddlers are also welcome. Intermediate & Advanced whitewater paddlers should check out our Beginner whitewater course for those still developing skills and we offer private lessons for Advanced whitewater skill development.
Equipment for learning: Riverside Adventures have a range of top of the line gear for all shapes and sizes. Boats, paddles, helmets, life jackets, and all you will need to stay warm on the river.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time.
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Meet & Greet: You’re greeted and welcomed and then sign a standard waiver that outlines some of the risks and hazards associated with whitewater kayaking. we then head to the equipment bay to get fitted.
Day 1 Morning:
We start your progression on flat water at Dutch Lake. After introduction students will be fitted properly into their kayak and equipment. This is essential for comfort in your boat and we spend time to make sure there are no pressure points while still fitting like a glove.
Flat water skills we practice on Dutch Lake:
- Fundamentals
- Terminology
- Entry and exit of kayak including wet exit
- Forward and Backward strokes
- Sweep and Draw strokes
- T-Rescue
- Using your kayaks edges
- Hip flick which helps develop your rolling skills
Day 1 afternoon:
In the afternoon we move to the bottom of the Clearwater River or the North Thompson River and introduce students to moving water. This section has no waves or white water and is a perfect introduction to the aspects of moving water we will be dealing with. We will be using skills learned in the morning to continue the progression towards whitewater.
Moving water skills we practice on the North Thompson River:
- Eddie Turns
- Ferries (crossing the river)
- Moving water wet exit
- Hydrology
- Strokes
- Self rescue
- Throw bagging
- Positioning
CELEBRATION: We get changed out of our wetsuits; have a cold drink, exchange river stories, and funny anecdotes. Our knowledgeable staff is also happy to give out information and maps regarding other adventures in Wells Gray Park.
Day 2:
We begin day 2 on the North Thompson River on a section that has Class I and Class II whitewater. This is a beginner section with great examples of many features found in bigger class rivers.
Whitewater skills we practice on the North Thompson River:
- Eddie turns over more powerful Eddie lines
- Ferries in stronger currents
- Linking Eddie turns and Ferries
- edging
- Whitewater Hydrology
- Reading the river
- River running
- Decision making
- Hip flick
- T-Rescue
- Intro to Rolling
By the end of the 2nd day, students will have the basic fundamental skills for basic river running on Class I and Class II whitewater. The skills you will learn on this course must be practiced. Repetition is key to building these core fundamental skills.
CELEBRATION: We get changed out of our wetsuits; have a cold drink, exchange river stories, and talk about the future adventures whitewater kayaking will bring!
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Private lessons available with one of our World Class instructors. They have been in the whitewater industry a minimum of 17 seasons with our most experienced having devoted over 30 years to the industry.
Everything Provided including gear, meals, snacks, instruction and transportation.
Fully Customizable to your or your groups wants and needs with so many options to choose from.
Email [email protected]tures.ca to set up your private lesson now!
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Trip fares are refundable if reservations are cancelled in writing by email at [email protected] (or by calling 250 318 5223) up to 16 full calendar days before your river trip departure date (10% administrative fees withheld). If canceled in between 9 and 16 full calendar days prior to the trip departure date 50% will be refunded. No refunds will be given for any reason if cancelled within the 8 full calendar days after your cancellation email prior to your trip, or for any “no show” upon scheduled trip departures.
Cancellations have a deep impact on small businesses as ours, therefore if you possibly foresee the need to make changes due to unfortunate circumstances, we do recommend travel insurance.
Water levels and other factors such as condition of road access and extreme weather patterns fluctuate throughout the season, and may effect the river section we are able to run. We reserve the right to alter whitewater river trip itinerary (from the Clearwater to the Upper North Thompson) or to other local river sections due to circumstances beyond our control and/or for the safety of the guests.
All river trips run rain or shine.