Private Instruction

Whitewater Kayak Instruction on the Ottawa River

Private instruction is available for individuals and private groups. These sessions offer coaching tailored to your experience and what you want to work on. Refine a particular skill, build confidence, or get help moving past a challenge.

+ $150 per each additional participant 

Overview

Whitewater Kayak Private Lessons on the Ottawa River: Tailored Instruction for Every Skill Level

The Ottawa River offers the ideal setting for learning and refining your whitewater kayaking skills. With its deep, warm waters, winding channels, and diverse rapids, it’s a kayaking paradise for paddlers of all abilities, from beginners to seasoned experts.

Customized Private Kayak Lessons

Our private lessons are personalized to meet your individual goals and skill level, ensuring that each session is designed to maximize your learning experience. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to master advanced skills like kayak rolls, catching eddies, freestyle techniques, or boofing drops, our professional instructors are here to help you succeed.

  • Beginner Kayakers: Learn the essential skills and techniques to get started on the river safely and confidently.
  • Intermediate Paddlers: Focus on improving boat control, mastering rolls, and learning to catch eddies and navigate through more challenging rapids.
  • Advanced Freestyle: Perfect your freestyle techniques and boofing skills, all while tackling more dynamic and powerful river features.

Each lesson is built around your specific needs, allowing you to progress at your own pace while enjoying the adventure and beauty of the Ottawa River.

Group Private Lessons Available

Looking to share the fun? You can bring your friends along for the ride! Private group lessons are available for an additional $150 per person, making it an excellent option for small groups who want to learn together.

Whether you’re paddling solo or with friends, our private kayak lessons provide the perfect opportunity to improve your skills and enjoy the Ottawa River’s thrilling whitewater in a customized, supportive environment.

Before You Visit

Your package includes one day of instruction, a lunch, and a shuttle to the river.

You will need to bring your own kayaking, or arrange a kayak equipment rental before your visit.

What’s included
Included in your package
  • Two days of instruction with Ottawa Kayak School
  • Five meals, from breakfast on your first paddling day through lunch on your final day
  • Two nights of camping
  • Daily river shuttles departing from and returning to Rafters Pavilion

What is not included
  • Dinner on your arrival evening
  • Your tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and other camping equipment
  • Kayaking equipment (helmet, pfd, paddle, sprayskirt, kayak)
  • Drytops or paddle jackets
  • Optional accommodation upgrades and additional services


Halal, gluten-free, and vegan meals carry an additional charge of $2 per person, per meal, plus HST.

Program prices are subject to 13% HST.

Who can join?

Participants must meet the program’s age (13+), weight (90 pound minimum or 40 kilograms), and equipment-fit requirements. If you have questions about eligibility or equipment sizing, contact info@ottawakayak.com before booking.

What to pack
For paddling
  • Kayak
  • Paddle
  • Sprayskirt
  • Helmet
  • Pfd
  • Drytop or Paddle Jacket
  • Shorts or swimwear
  • Water shoes with a heel strap or old sneakers Flip-flops and Crocs are not suitable
  • Synthetic shirts; long sleeves are preferable. Avoid cotton on the water
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A carabiner for securing suitable items inside your kayak
  • A towel and change of clothes for each day

For your stay and cooler weather
  • Personal clothing and toiletries
  • Rain gear
  • Synthetic long underwear
  • A light fleece hoodie or pullover
  • Your tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and other camping equipment if using the included campsite

Optional items that will make you more comfortable
  • Nose clips
  • Sunglasses
  • An eyeglass strap
  • A hat or visor
  • Earplugs if you are sensitive to water
  • Bug spray
  • An extra pair of shoes
Arrival and meal details
Daily meeting point

Meet your instructor at the Rivershop located in the back of the Rafters Pavilion at 8 am. This is where  your instructor will confirm the schedule and river plan.


Lunch included

Your lunch is included in this program.

Please tell us about dietary requirements when booking. Halal, gluten-free, and vegan meals are available for an additional $2 per person, per meal, plus HST.

Discounts & group offers
Ottawa Kayak School #1 Club

Book four friends into an Ottawa Kayak School program and receive 50% off your own trip. Email info@ottawakayak.com to arrange the offer.


Groups of seven or more

Special group pricing is available. Send us your group size, preferred dates, and program so we can provide a quote.

Contact us before booking to confirm the applicable discount and whether offers can be combined.

Itinerary

Please note: daily timings and river plans may change with weather conditions and participant progression.

Full daily itenerary
Arrival evening

Join the 7 pm briefing at Rafters Pavilion and meet other participants. Get oriented before your first day of instruction, share your paddling goals, and meet the people you’ll be learning alongside!

Day 1
  • Equipment check: Meet your instructor and review the fit and setup of your own or rented kayaking equipment.
  • Safety briefing: Review the procedures and communication you’ll use on the water.
  • Morning practice: Review the fundamentals in a combination of flat water and whitewater, focusing on boat control, stroke technique, and identifying areas to develop.
  • Lunch: Take a break to eat and refuel.
  • Afternoon instruction: Build on the morning’s practice, applying skills in whitewater with coaching tailored to your experience and goals.
  • Return to base: This is the end of your program. Before you depart, your instructor will provide feedback on the day and how you can continue to progress.

Program Calendar

Choose an activity date below to view available pricing and begin your booking or request a quote.

Note: Prices are subject to 13% HST

Booking information

Reservations can be made online or by calling the Ottawa Kayak School at Wilderness Tours Resort at 1.888.723.8669 with VISA/Mastercard/Amex/Visa-Debit. E-transfers are also accepted with minimum booking/payment 7 days in advance of arrival.

A 50% deposit is required to confirm your trip reservation with the balance due 30 days in advance of arrival (the Ottawa Kayak School at Wilderness Tours will automatically charge your credit card).

Reservations within 30 days of your trip require full payment with the reservation.

Full refunds are issued only if trip cancellation notice is received more than 30 days prior to the trip date.

No refunds or alternate dates will be issued within 30 days of trip date without cancellation insurance.

Cancellation protection & insurance
More than 30 days before your arrival

Your trip is eligible for a full refund, less any non-refundable accommodation deposits. Cancellation insurance purchases are final sale and non-refundable.

7-29 days before your arrival
  • With cancellation insurance: qualifying cancellations are eligible for a refund, less the cost of insurance and any non-refundable accommodation deposits.
  • Without cancellation insurance: you receive a rain check, less $25 per person, per day and any non-refundable accommodation deposits.

7 days before your arrival

Without cancellation insurance, no refund or credit is available.


What does cancellation insurance cover?

Cancellation insurance covers unexpected illness, accident or family bereavement. Supporting third-party documentation, such as a doctor’s note, is required.

Insurance must be purchased at the time of reservation. It is not available for discounted gift certificates or trips sold as non-refundable.

Are accommodation deposits refundable?

For London House, Manor and Cottage, $100 of the accommodation deposit is non-refundable if you cancel at any time.

Optional Upgrades

Explore upgrades, extra nights, and transportation options for your visit. Contact our team to confirm availability and pricing before booking.

Kayak equipment rental

Add a kayaking equipment package for $70 CAD for the duration of your program.

The package includes:

  • Kayak: Jackson AntiX 3.0 or Rockstar V
  • Paddle: Werner Rio
  • Helmet: Sweet Wanderer
  • Sprayskirt: Level Six King
  • PFD: NRS Ninja


Contact info@ottawakayak.com to arrange your rental and confirm equipment availability and fit.

As the world’s first Jackson Kayak super school, Ottawa Kayak School offers top-of-the-line kayaks like the AntiX 3.0 or Rockstar V, giving you the chance to choose the right boat for your kayaking adventure, whether you prefer a mild or wild ride. At the beginning of every course, our instructors will help you with equipment fitting before you head onto the water.

Extra nights and meals

Extend your visit with a stayover package that adds a night of camping, dinner, and breakfast.

Please fill out our custom quote form and our team will arrange the additional night and confirm pricing for your stay.

Ottawa Airport transfers

Shuttles from Ottawa Airport are available upon request.

Email info@ottawakayak.com with your flight details to confirm availability, pickup arrangements, and pricing before finalising your travel plans.

Location

Ottawa Kayak School at Wilderness Tours
1260 Grants Settlement Road
Foresters Falls, Ontario