Welcome to the Zambezi Prep Week On The Ottawa River.
This program is designed to be the ultimate, high-intensity training ground perfect for intermediate kayakers on the warm, deep, and forgiving waters of the Ottawa River. This is not just a standard kayak clinic. This is a highly targeted, preparation program designed to transition your paddling from defensive to offensive, ensuring that when you arrive in Africa this October, you feel pure excitement instead of fear.
Need some more information? Check out our FAQ’s section or send us an e-mail at info@ottawakayak.com
5 Days of Whitewater Kayak Instruction:
Trip timing can vary depending on daily river conditions. Our instructors will prioritize your safety and guest enjoyment!
Over five days of intensive on-water training, daily video analysis, and off-water instruction, where you will break down the specific skills needed to crush high-volume rapids:
Video Coaching
Learn on and off the water through video analysis. Analyze your blade angles, body posture, and boat speed. You will see exactly what you are doing right and what tweaks you need to make before hitting the water the next morning.
Bonus: You will walk away from this week with a professional, digital media package of your paddling trip to the Ottawa River.
Professional Instructors:
Ottawa Kayak School instructors are known for their industry-leading skills, as well as possessing a 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 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.
*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
Arrival & Check-in:
Your kayak program begins with a 7 PM 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, Your instructor will begin your 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, 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!
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 | 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!
Please Note: Select arrival date of August 2, 2026
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 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 3.0 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
