Whitewater Kayak Skills Improver
(Whitewater Award)
If you've got your sights on developing you understanding of moving water, improving your skills and gaining confidence then this weekend is for you.
Based on grade 1/2 rivers we'll look at a whole host of skills and techniques to allow you to enjoy river journeys at this grade, moving around the river, staying in control and having fun!
You will learn how to use the environmental factors to identify where and when to paddle. This includes the water grade, the weather, other paddlers and the features. You will learn to choose the best equipment to keep you warm and safe on the water. As well as any water etiquette that there may be for the water on which you wish to paddle.
White water is a dynamic and ever-changing environment. You will learn the skills required to ensure that you stay in control of your boat at all times and can drive your boat proactively around the river. This includes crossing flow; you will look at how your speed angle and edge can help improve the outcome. As well as how you can look at “future water” to ensure you cross successfully. You will look at how you can link different strokes to help you maintain the direction of your boat. As well as those that you will need to change direction and steer.
You will look at how to run a river. This includes identifying features that you may need to avoid and others that can help you manoeuvre and steer your boat.
Each day spent on white water will further expand our skills and knowledge, creating a more enjoyable experience on the water. With no two experiences ever the same, we never stop learning. Continually evaluating the choices we make creates a natural evolution of decision-making and paddling ability.
Key Skills You Can Expect To Cover:
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Effective Forward Paddling
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Maintaining Stability
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Entering, Exiting and Crossing the Flow
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Recognising River Features
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Running Simple Rapids
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Keeping Yourself and Your Group Safe
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Planning a Trip and Logistice
£199 per person
FAQs
Where do we meet?
To make the best use of water and weather conditions, the exact venue will be decided day to day, this is normally a dropped pin shared in a whatsapp group chat.
How long are the days?
This is a two-day course. We’ll normally meet at 9am and aim to be off the river before 4pm
What do you provide?
Two days of expert guiding and coaching tailored to the group and with emphasis on enjoyment. This course doesn’t include equipment but I may be able to help with certain items, feel free to ask and I’ll see what I can do.
What do I need to bring?
Whitewater suitable kayak with airbags
Paddle
Bouyancy Aid, Spraydeck & Helmet
Suitable Clothing
Packed Lunches
Personal Medication
Is this suitable for me?
This is aimed at paddlers with a little moving water experience who would like to progress into this environment under an expert eye. If you're not sure please do get in touch and we can chat, maybe there is another course that is more suitable to your needs
Will I get a certificate?
The intended content of this course aligns with Paddle UK's Whitewater Award so if you meet the standards a certificate can be awarded. This costs about ten pounds. More info can be found here
Where can I stay?
Assuming you agree, we'll have a Whatsapp group chat with everyone in, this will allow you to potentially share lifts & book accommodation as a group which helps keep costs down and reduces our impact on the environment. We'll also use this to share photos and videos taken during the course. Depending on where this course takes place I have got a few suggestions on where to stay. Get in touch at the time of booking and I'll give you some reccomendations.