A Guide for the First Time Coast to Coaster - Kayaking
The Coast to Coast is an amazing experience. Every February people from all over the world line up to realise their dreams. Each with a different reason for being there and a different goal for finishing. Whether you just want to complete the race or are dreaming of something bigger this is a great place to start if you are going to be a kayaker!
Our Topsport team is well placed to guide you as you take on this new challenge and start learning a new skill. Our team have all competed in the race countless times and each year we will be on the start line alongside you.
The sooner you start the better. Give yourself gift of time to learn river kayaking. Avoid the demise that many past people have found when taking shortcuts or leaving practice and learning to the last minute... yikes! Kate wrote an awesome blog about the gift of time here.
Your goal should be to have Step 1 to Step 4 completed a minimum of 6 months out from your race day.
Step One:
- Sign up for a Grade II Certificate Course
A Grade II Certificate is a requirement if you are going to be doing the kayaking section of the Coast to Coast. During our 4 day 'Grade II Certificate Course' we will teach you all the basic moving water skills you need to get your kayaking started. Our course covers all the essential paddling and safety skills you will need. The sooner you complete a course, the sooner you can begin your paddling journey!
Before you arrive to your Grade II course, consider seeing us for a quick 'Intro to Kayaking session' and we'll help you get started and prepared for your course. If there are no dates available we could still organise something for you.
Step Two:
- Join your local kayak club or/and find others to paddle with
In Christchurch this is the Arawa Canoe Club on the Avon. Arawa has a full range of kayaks and paddles that are available to members to paddle all year round. They have a good selection of multisport boats so you can start to work out which one may suit you. The club also offers group-training sessions www.arawacanoeclub.org.nz
There is also the Downriver kayak club: https://www.sporty.co.nz/drkc/
Not in Christchurch? If you need tips on where the nearest kayak club or local paddlers are to you: Please get in touch! We have contacts all over NZ, Australia and many parts of the world. We'd love to help you.
Step Three:
- Do your Grade II Certificate Course
By the end of this course you will have experienced and learnt everything you need to know about river kayaking in multisport kayaks for the Coast to Coast race. Your guides will make sure you leave the course with a plan on how to continue you kayaking journey through practice/training.
Step Four:
- Find a boat and all your kayaking gear
If you haven't already then after your Grade 2 course is complete you will need to find a boat to train and race in. We often recommend you wait until after your Grade II course to decide which boat is right for you. There are some great novice kayaks around with our picks being the Ruahine Shadow, Flow Aspire, the Barracuda Beachcomer or the Barracuda Enigma These boats can all be purchased new or second-hand. The JKK Eclipse 5.7 & 5.2 are excellent boats too but currently they can only be bought 2nd hand. If you are looking at buying a new kayak you will need to allow for manufacturing time, which can often be months rather than weeks. When looking at second hand boats it is a great idea to get one of our team to check it out prior to purchasing it. That way we can make sure it is going to suit you. Getting the right boat that works for you is essential.
You will also need:
A kayak paddle, airbags for your kayak (unless you have a bulkhead e.g. Barracuda), Whitewater specific helmet, thermal underlayers, kayaking specific waterproof/splash jacket, river specific PFD (personal floatation device), Spray skirt, river footwear e.g. wetsuit booties or running shoes, dry bag for all backup/emergency gear.
Our friends at Further Faster can help you with pretty much all this gear as they KNOW multisport (among many other outdoor activities). Rasdex are also multisport kayaking gear gurus and will provide you with high quality hand made gear that is made specifically to suit a multisporter doing coast to coast such as kayak spray skirts that will fit your boat and waist perfectly, PFD's that are approved and fit well and with all the handy pockets for snacks during the race + many other handy gadgets you will need.
Step Five:
- Build up your fitness and especially your river experience
Now that you have done your course and got a boat + gear you need to get out and start training. Get your roof racks sorted so you are mobile. Reach out to the paddlers you have meet on your Grade II Course or at your local club and start paddling together. There are plenty of great training spots in Christchurch offering a variety of different types of water. Talk to our team about the spots they recommend you start with.
Your goal should be to get to Step Four a minimum of 6 months out from your race.
Step Six:
- Topsport river races
Gain real experience and fun at our organised river races. Catering for beginners and elite. During the winter season they are all on the lower Waimakariri River. During the Spring they are on the Woodstock section of the Waimakariri River, the same section as the final 15km of the Kathmandu Coast to Coast race. See all our events here: https://topsportracing.co.nz/
Step Seven:
- Refresh your skills or improve them
All our courses are designed to help you build confidence, improve your boat control, river reading, rapid running and self rescue skills on the Waimakariri Gorge. This is your opportunity to really take charge of your paddling and gain some further instruction with our team.
Options we have for skills improvements:
1) Woodstock Braids - This 1 day course will help you understand the art of braid reading to a high level. Learn how to make decisions that will enable you to be smooth and fast. Prevent yourself from getting stuck in the shallows and instead: spot the fast lines. There is often time for bluff practice too.
2) Grade 2 Express - Despite the name, this 2 day course also suits anyone looking to upskill as well as looking for a reassessment/revalidation. This course includes bluff and braids practice on day 1 and a gorge trip on day 2.
3) Waimakariri Skills Course - This 3 day course will super boost your skills, it includes bluff and braids practice on day 1, Jet boat ride into the gorge on day 2 and a gorge trip on day
Step Eight:
- Guided River Trip
Experience the first 56km of the Coast to Coast kayak stage, whilst safely in the hands of our experienced guides. This takes you from the 'Start' of the kayak stage at Mount White, through the 26km upper braids and the entire 30km gorge section. From October, Topsport Kayaking runs Guided Trips down the Waimakariri Gorge. A guided trip is an important part of your race preparation. Our instructors will help you to identify the best lines to look for on race day. This trip will help build on your moving water skills as you experience the Rock Gardens, Entrance rapid, Salmon Rapid, Carrington Gorge, Hamilton Rapid, Wu Tang Slam, White Rock Rapid and more.
The kayaking section of the Coast to Coast can be such an exciting and enjoyable section of the race. To have good race you need to get the right gear and put the in time to become a good kayaker. If you follow these above suggestions we know you will be more successful and increase your chances of getting that medal at the finish line!