Eli Geisenberger Signature Week: Whitewater Kayak Instruction

Foresters Falls, Ontario

Eli is ready for an action packed program for whitewater kayakers are you?

Join Eli on the Ottawa River for a his signature week focusing on developing your freestyle kayaking skills

Overview

Join Potomac Paddlesports River Manager and Jackson Kayak team member, Eli Geisenberger for his signature week at the Ottawa Kayak School! Eli is a top-notch instructor and is excited to bring his brand of whitewater kayak instruction to the Ottawa River. This program is intended for intermediate kayakers who are looking to develop their freestyle kayaking skills. 

A message from Eli: “Don’t just sit back and float the river. Come out and ride the waves as we explore the best of what the Ottawa River has to offer. Work on turning the river into your playground and have a blast doing it! This week we will be working on playing in big water, challenging ourselves surfing, trying freestyle moves, half slicing, and putting ourselves in new situations!”

To take full advantage of this course, you will need a reliable whitewater roll to start. 

Need some more information? Check out our FAQ’s section or send us an e-mail at info@ottawakayak.com 

Before You Visit

What to expect:

5 Days of Whitewater Kayak Instruction:
Trip timing can vary depending on daily river conditions. Eli will prioritize your safety and guest enjoyment!

Professional Instructors:
Eli, 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. Add $2 per person per meal for Halal, Gluten Free, and Vegan Meals +HST.

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 Eli, your 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.

Necessary Items (for Signature Weeks)

  • Kayak
  • Paddle
  • Sprayskirt
  • Helmet
  • Pfd
  • Drytop or Paddle Jacket
  • Shorts/swimwear
  • Water shoes or old sneakers (flip-flops and crocs are not suitable)
  • Synthetic T-shirts (long sleeve is preferable)
  • Sunscreen/lip balm
  • Towel and change of clothes each day
  • Reusable water bottle 
  • Carabiner clip (to retain equipment you would like to keep inside your kayak)
  • Clothing and personal items
  • Rain gear
  • Synthetic long underwear
  • Light fleece hoodie/pullover

Optional Items

  • Nose clips
  • Sunglasses (will need glasses strap for on-water time)
  • Eyeglass strap
  • Running hat or visor
  • Earplugs (if sensitive to water)

*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 info@ottawakayak.com 

Itinerary

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, Eli 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.

  • Gearing Up
    Each program begins the same way: an orientation and personalized sizing of the equipment you will be using.
  • Safety Briefing
    Eli has your safety in mind. Before getting on the water, your instructor will explain the safety procedures for the day.
  • Let’s Kayak!
    Starting with a basics review and focusing on technique, Eli will help you achieve your goals!
  • Lunch
    Rehydrate and refuel because your day is only half over!
  • More Kayaking!
    Continue challenging yourself! The second half of the day will build upon the first half of Eli’s lesson plan.
  • Your arrival back to Park Village
    It’s been a full day of whitewater kayaking but don’t run off just yet! Eli will provide you with an itinerary for Day 2 and the evening’s entertainment options.

Days 2 & 3 | Implementation of New Skills:
As the program continues, Eli 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, Eli has a special surprise for you, a beer tasting!

Day 4 | Continue Your Progression:
Eli will continue to help you progress during Day 4 to help prepare you for culmination day! 

Thursday night, we celebrate the wins of the week 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. Eli will provide opportunities for you to use the new skills you’ve learned throughout the week and push yourself as far as you can!

Program Calendar

Note: Select Date Range July 25, 2026 

Prices are subject to 13% HST & $15/day/person Park Pass

*Holiday Rate,  **Spring & September Discount – Opening Weekend – and After Labor Day Weekend.

Choose Your Arrival Date to Begin Booking or Quote

Optional Upgrades

Accommodation Upgrades:
Receive a 15% 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 info@ottawakayak.com

Location