Beginner Kayak School
This course is geared for people wanting to get into whitewater kayaking, whether they are a complete beginner or a seasoned canoeist. The course includes wet-exits (getting out the boat when it capsizes), T-rescues, Eskimo rolling and various paddle strokes. It provides an introduction to the full range of whitewater kayaking equipment, as well as river features and river safety. As part of the course, you will paddle a section of whitewater under close guidance, and receive tuition along the way. The course includes expert guidance on choice of equipment and boats.
Who this course is suited to
- Those who have never paddled;
- Those who paddle and want to improve skills.
Course duration: 2 days
Requirements:
- A reasonable fitness level as the course is practical and physical.
- A competent swimmer (weaker swimmers should please let us know before booking).
- Good health
- Persons under the age of 18 must contact us prior to the course so that your parents or guardian can sign the waiver form and sent back to us before the course.
Course structure:
Day 1 – Saturday:
Meeting time at Whitewater Training: 08:00
You will learn the basics of your boat in a controlled environment. You will then go onto a stretch of flat river to learn the correct paddling techniques and focus mainly on the eskimo roll.
Day 2 – Sunday:
Start time: Summer: 08:00 / Winter: 09:00
Later on Sunday you will take an instructional paddle down a stretch of the Vaal and start kayaking on grade 1-3 rapids.
Key aspects of the course are:
- Introduction to kayaking
- Wet Exit (getting out of the kayak)
- Equipment
- Eskimo Roll
- Your Body & kayaking
- Self Rescue
- Basic Concepts
- Strokes
- Currents
- Swiftwater Features
- River Hazards
- Running Rivers
- Where to from here?
Course Fees:
R1 650.00 per person
R2 200.00 per person for a specialized 2-person kayak school
or
R2 750.00 per person for a one-on-one school
Price includes:
- Instruction
- Course materials including booklet, Certificate of attendance, etc.
- Use of equipment
- Camping for 1 night
What you need to bring:
- Personal Kit – River clothes, towel, toiletries, accessories such as nose plug
- Sun block
- Tent & bedding
- Cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils.
- Food & drink
Please download our indemnity form from the downloads page.
Course venue:
Parys, Vaal River, Free State. The Vaal River below Parys is where the largest volume of commercial rafting in the northern part of the country takes place. At normal levels rapids are grade 1 – 3 , ideal grades for instruction. The training camp will be next to the river at a selected campsite that provides electricity, braai facilities and ablutions.
(See map and directions on homepage).
Note: We also offer courses in other provinces/venues. Prices may vary, depending on location. Please contact the office for more info.
Dates and Bookings:
To find out the available dates and/or for a spot on our course you can now do the following:
- Go to the Calendar. Click here. Should you require other dates , please contact us
- Email us at wwt@whitewatertraining.co.za for a booking or call us on : 056 811 2597
- Wait for your Sales order, pay your deposit of 50% to secure your booking and reply with your proof of payment.
- You will receive an email with a welcome document that includes more details about how to prepare for the course
- Wait for the date, pack your kit and come!
- Make sure that you pay the outstanding amount before the start of the course.
We have a non-refundable cancellation policy.
Banking Details:
H. du Preez
Capitec
2015809143
* Please send your proof of payment to wwt@whitewatertraining.co.za and use your name as reference.