Kids Kayak Week: Beginner Whitewater Kayak Instruction on the Ottawa River

Foresters Falls, Ontario

Whitewater kayaking camp designed for kids.

Kayaking is no longer just an adult sport. Because kids learn at different rates and in different ways than adults our instructors tailor your little kayakers’ experience with this in mind.

Overview

Teaching your kids to kayak will change their lives forever. Externally we teach them about kayak paddling skills and water safety. Internally, we teach them self confidence.

Kayaking is no longer just an adult sport. Because kids learn at different rates and in different ways than adults our instructors tailor your little kayakers’ experience with this in mind.

Running from Sunday night to Friday, your little kayaker will learn on the safe and warm waters of the Ottawa River which provides the perfect arena for kids to try whitewater kayaking.

Children are only supervised during instruction and spend the rest of the time enjoying the resort with their parents.

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.

 

Before You Visit

What to expect:

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.

Locals Rate: For residents of Whitewater Region

Our local rate includes on-water instruction and your lunches for a reduced rate of $949 per person.

Ottawa Kayak School #1 Club 

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] 

Kayak Club Discounts

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 kayakspaddlesPFD’shelmetsspray skirts, and wetsuits (top and bottoms) for colder days.

Necessary Items (for Kids Courses)

  • 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.

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] 

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, 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.

  • Gearing Up
    Each program begins the same way: an orientation and personalized sizing of the equipment you will be using.
  • Safety Briefing
    Ottawa Kayak Instructors have 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, your instructor 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 your instructor’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! Your instructor 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, 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!

Program Calendar

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

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

Choose Activity Date to Begin Booking or Quote

Optional Upgrades

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]

Location

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