Grade Two

The aim of this course is to introduce you to kayaking in a safe and simple manner. We will teach you the basic skills needed to paddle a kayak in different water types including grade 2 rivers and open water. For most of the teaching section of the course we use short white water kayaks. These will allow you to get down to the basics of white water paddling and learn the core skills without the distraction of a fast, long, tippy race boat.

Kayaks and all paddling equipment will be provided for the Starter Sessions and Weekend Trip. After the teaching sessions we will have a final assessment trip (under Coast to Coast Grade 2 requirements). For this you are required to provide your own kayak and necessary safety equipment.

  • Paddling Sessions:
  • 1. Getting stared – Basic Theory and Pool Session
  • 2. Introductory to moving water - Lower Waimak
  • 3. Introduction to white water - Hurunui Trip
  • 4. Lower Waimak river trip in long boats

The first day consists of a classroom session in the morning then a session in a heated pool to follow. We will cover all the basic things you need to know when learning to kayak. From correctly fitting your gear through to basic paddle strokes, today we will cover it all. The next session we will take you on a short river trip where we will begin to develop your moving water skills. Today is filled with drills that will help you begin to understanding river paddling and the correct way to handle a kayak on moving water. The section of the Waimak that we use is very tame and a perfect place for growing confidence. All these sessions are done in our short white water kayaks. We also provide helmets, life jackets, paddle jackets, wetsuits, spray skirts and paddles. You will be required to bring your own booties, warm clothes, thermals and lunch.

Hurunui Day Trip:

After the completion of these local sessions, we will take you to the Hurunui River where you will be able to put into practice, all your new kayaking skills! You will be in short white water boats but covering techniques, which are needed for paddling long race boats. All kayaking equipment is provided.

While you are at the Hurunui you will learn the following;

  • • All basic short and long boat paddling techniques
  • • Moving water paddling
  • • Basic river reading skills
  • • Wet exits / self rescues
  • • Basic wind and weather reading skills
  • • Throw bag and other rescue techniques
Following the Hurunui we will have a day in long boats on the Lower Waimak integrating the skills that you have learnt in the previous sessions.

Final Assessment:


Before we can issue your Grade 2 certificate, you will need to have your kayaking skills assessed in a long boat (multisport boat). We will travel to a Grade 2 river and do a trip of approx. 10 – 25kms. You will need to demonstrate all of the skills that you have been taught during your course. It is a requirement of the Speights Coast to Coast that you are assessed in the kayak that you will be paddling in the race (if doing C2C). It is therefore important that you have your own kayak and safety gear at this stage.

Course Cost: $795 Including Final Assessment