Boyd has been a permanent feature of the whitewater world for the last three decades as a member of the Jackson Kayak team, and international guide at the Pucón Kayak Retreat, and more recently with his YouTube whitewater instructional videos.
Boyd is a master of the basics and focuses on developing paddling skills by mastering basic techniques and translating them to higher-end moves.
As Boyd was designing his signature week, one of the most important aspects of this trip was that there was a clear skill delineation so like-minded and skilled paddlers could work on upping their on-water game together. With this in mind, Boyd is offering two Signature Weeks, June 7-14, 2025 for Advanced Kayakers and June 21-28, 2025 for Intermediate Kayakers.
A note from Boyd:
The Ottawa River is a safe, world-class playground for building your big water confidence. We’ll work on advanced strokes, paddling efficiency, precision boat control, and various techniques specific to paddling big water features. We’ll talk about mindset, face our fears, and learn through the lens of our video review. My goal is to help you build confidence so you can enjoy it as much as I do. If you’ve always dreamed of paddling big waves, crashing into that big hole, feeling more comfortable in pushy whitewater, and paddling across those boiling, churning eddylines, then this is the clinic for you. With a bit of playboating and a lot of river-running, we’ll work on the skills to help you raise the bar in your paddling game.
You’ll need to have a solid combat roll, a class III comfort level and skill set, an open mind for learning, and the drive and willingness to keep on charging.“
Need some more information? Check out our FAQ’s section or send us an e-mail at [email protected]
6 Days of Whitewater Kayak Instruction:
Trip timing can vary depending on daily river conditions. Boyd will prioritize your safety and guest enjoyment!
Professional Instructors:
Boyd, is known for his industry-leading skills, as well as his friendly personality and positive attitude.
17 Meals Included:
Starting with breakfast at the beginning of your first on-water day and ending with lunch on your final on-water day.
6 Nights of Camping Included:
All Ottawa Kayak School programs include a campsite, however, camping equipment is not included.
Daily Shuttle Included:
Each day begins by meeting Boyd, your instructor 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.
*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.
All participants must be at least 18 years old OR weigh at least 90 lbs to be participate in this instruction program. No prior experience necessary.
All minors (17 and under) must be accompanied by a participating adult during the activity.
Participants must meet age, 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, Boyd begins his program with a review of 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, Boyd 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.
On Wednesday, Boyd has a special surprise for you, a private wine tasting!
Day 4 | Continue Your Progression:
Boyd will continue to help you progress during Day 4 to help prepare you for the culmination day!
Thursday night, we celebrate the week’s wins together as all adult programs go out to dinner at the Ottawa River Barn. The kayak school leaves at 5:45 pm for our standing 6 pm dinner reservation.
Day 5 & 6 | Culmination Days:
Challenge by choice will be the theme on culmination day. Boyd 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.
Equipment Rental:
Ottawa Kayak School is proud to be the World’s first Jackson Kayak super school. For $330 CAD, you can rent a Jackson Kayak (AntiX 2.0 or Rockstar V), paddle (Werner Rio), helmet (Sweet Wanderer) , sprayskirt (LevelSix King), and PFD (NRS Ion) for the duration of your 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]
All Prices reflect nightly rate with 40% discount applied in Canadian Dollars:
Smaller Units:
Bayside Suites: – $119.40 Sun-Thurs & $143.40 Fri-Sat
Cedar Cabins: – $95.40 Sun-Thurs & $113.40 Fri-Sat
Eco Cedar Cabins: – $107.40 Sun-Thurs & $137.40 Fri-Sat
Super Deluxe Cedar Cabins: $149.40 Sun-Thurs & $173.40 Fri-Sat
Glamping Tent: – $77.40 per night
Hostel Cabin Mini: – $59.40 Sun-Thurs & $77.40 Fri-Sat
Hostel Cabin Plus: – $71.40 Sun-Thurs & $95.40 Fri-Sat
Hostel Motel: – $50.40 Sun-Thurs & $68.40 Fri-Sat
Hostel Motel Plus: – $59.40 Sun-Thurs & $77.40 Fri-Sat
Larger Units:
The Cottage Loft: – $101.40 Sun-Thurs & $137.40 Fri-Sat
The Cottage Main: – $179.40 Sun-Thurs & $239.40 Fri-Sat
London House Center: – $179.40 Sun-Thurs & $239.40 Fri-Sat
London House East: – $143.40 Sun-Thurs & $191.40 Fri-Sat
London House West: – $143.40 Sun-Thurs & $191.40 Fri-Sat
The Manor Main: – $299.40 Sun-Thurs & $401.40 Fri-Sat
The Manor Master: – $155.40 Sun-Thurs & $221.40 Fri-Sat
Take a moment to fill out this form, and we’ll send you a personalized quote—no strings attached!