About the Course
If you are looking to take your whitewater kayaking skills to a level where they can begin to shine, look no further. The course aims to cement and solidify core skills and to help paddlers use them to build consistency in more challenging whitewater up to grade 3. We hope to send paddlers from this course away feeling knowledgeable and competent in the grade 3 whitewater environment, able to act as part of an independent team of boaters
Throughout this course we'll work with you to develop your abilities in the 5 key elements of whitewater kayaking:
Boat Control
Reading Whitewater
Controlling momentum
River Safety
Mindset
To read more about the 5 elements of whitewater, click here.
Each day we'll meet at a location central to our river options for the course. We'll have a quick briefing over a coffee and then head out for a river adventure. On the water we'll balance technical coaching with adventure mentoring to help you gain experience on the river in a holistic way.
You will need to bring
Your Kayaking equipment: Boat, Paddle, Spraydeck, Buoyancy Aid, Helmet, and wetsuit or drywear, shoes to wear on the river, basic escue kit. Let us know if there is anything you don't have. Boat Hire is available for £25 per day either through us or an external partner.
A packed lunch and drinking water. You should bring a drybag to keep them in while on the water.
What level of paddler is this aimed at?
The semi-experienced grade 2/3 whitewater paddler looking at becoming consistent and stylish at that grade, and looking to develop the ability function as an independent part of a team, without needing to be led down every rapid. Participants on this course should have the core skills necessary to be very comfortable in the grade 2 whitewater environment, and to be able to look at paddling grade 3 rapids. Being consistently able to do a whitewater roll is not essential, but you should be some way on the road toward this.
What is included in the course?
Professional guiding & coaching from an experienced and qualified member of staff.
An action plan for your progression going forward, and further remote input whenever you seek it.
Access to the Paddle365 long-term Mentorship program.
Digital copies of any photos from the trip.
What is NOT included in the course?
Accommodation and food. Contact us for hotel recommendations local to our most likely course venues.
Transport to and from the river (unless agreed otherwise).
Boat hire or equipment use (This can be arranged at additional cost. Please contact us if you require anything).
Car parking or facility fees.
If you have any further questions about this course we are happy to answer them via email
Your Instructor
Joe Halliwell-Dykes
Qualifications:
BCAB White Water Kayak Coach (Advanced Water)
Bio:
Joe has been passionate about kayaking & paddlesports for the majority of his life, starting off on the River Dee and now paddling wherever and whenever he get's the opportunity, whether that's creeking, playboating or whitewater SUP.
Joe has a depth of experience kayaking in the UK and around the world. He runs courses as well as day to day operations in Paddle365 and Paddle the Dee.