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The Lil Ripper program, at the Ottawa Kayak School, is designed for promising up and coming children aged 8-12 who want to take their whitewater abilities to the next level.
This week-long program (arrival Sunday evening) will take children with a roll and a basic understanding of whitewater and help them step up their game.
Freestyle coaching on some of the Ottawa river’s world-class whitewater, opportunities to learn essential whitewater rescue skills, river reading and line selection, injury prevention, goal setting, and competition preparation.
Lil Rippers also have to engage in daily diary writing reviews to help improve writing and self-reflection skills, all while having a ton of good old fashioned fun.
Lil Ripper participants must be supervised by a parent or guardian in the evenings.
Are you local to the Ottawa River Valley? Ask about the day camp option! Drop off at 8am – 9am and pick up at 4:30 pm. To book use this link or the Locals Booking link below. Note: booking day is the Sunday, but your drop off / arrival time everyday is still 8 am.
5 Days of Whitewater Kayak Instruction:
Trip timing can vary depending on daily river conditions. Our professional Instructors always prioritize safety and guest enjoyment!
Professional Instructors:
Ottawa Kayak School instructors are known for their industry-leading skills, as well as their friendly personalities and positive attitudes.
14 Meals Included:
Starting with dinner on the arrival night and ending with lunch on your final on-water day.
5 Nights of Camping Included:
All Ottawa Kayak School programs include a campsite.
Daily Shuttle Included:
Each day begins by meeting your OKS instuctor at the Rafters Pavilion. After breakfast, a daily orientation and gear loading, you will board the bus which takes the class to the river. Each day ends at Rafters Pavilion within walking-distance from your vehicle.
Our local rate includes on-water instruction and your lunches for a reduced rate of $949 per person.
This discount is simple, when you book 4 friends to any Ottawa Kayak School program your trip is 50% off! To redeem this discount please send us an e-mail: [email protected]
Kayaking clubs are so important to the longevity of the whitewater kayaking community. In recognition of their importance Ottawa Kayak School has a special discount for kayak clubs and their organizers.
Choose any one of our preexisting beginner or intermediate 2, 3, or 5-day programs.
When you book 5 for one instructor and 10% off per person.
5+ for two instructors and 20% off per person.
10+ for three instructors and 25% off per person.
Want to add an additional instructors? It’s $175 per day.
The Ottawa Kayak School at Wilderness Tours provides the primary gear needed for all beginner kayak courses including kayaks, paddles, PFD’s, helmets, spray skirts, and wetsuits (top and bottoms) for colder days.
*Please ask your instructor about our coin operated lockers or you always have the option to leave your personal belongings in your car or accommodation, our instructors will have a lockable key box which you’re welcome to leave your keys in prior to each day of kayaking.
Participants must meet age range of 7-12, weight, and chest size minimums and maximums for the specific trip they are partaking.
Need some more information? Check out our FAQ’s section or send us an e-mail at [email protected]
Arrival & Check-in:
Your kayak program begins with a 7PM briefing followed directly by a meet and greet.
Day 1 | Gearing Up & Review of the Basics
To best prepare you for your time on water with us, our coaches begin all of our programs with the basics. From the way our boats and gear fit to our most basic techniques, our aim is to master the fundamentals.
Days 2 & 3 | Implementation of New Skills:
As the program continues, our instructors will encourage you, the participant, to take the skills you learned in Day 1 and implement them in more dynamic scenarios providing feedback along the way through verbal coaching and video review.
Day 4 | Continue Your Progression:
Our instructors will continue to help you progress during Day 4 to help prepare you for culmination day!
Day 5 | Culmination Day:
Challenge by choice will be the theme on culmination day. Our instructors will provide opportunities for you to use the new skills you’ve learned throughout the week and push yourself as far as you can!
Note: Prices are subject to 13% HST & $15/day/person Park Pass
*Holiday Rate, **Spring & September Discount – Opening Weekend – and After Labor Day Weekend.
Accommodation Upgrades:
Receive a 40% discount on all accommodation upgrades by booking a multi-day whitewater kayak program.
Stayover Package:
Stayover packages bundle your choice of activity with an additional dinner, breakfast, and a night of camping.
Storage Lockers:
Coin operated storage lockers can be found on-site to keep your valuables safe while you are on the river.
Airport Shuttles:
Can be arrange, please contact Ottawa Kayak School via e-mail at [email protected]
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