We have the incredible Ottawa River in August, averaging around 15,000 cfs and 70 degrees at that time of year. Two separate channels sharing the same put-in and take-out make the 5 mile stretch a kayakers dream.
I will be breaking the instruction into several distinct courses each day. You need a decent roll to start but then we will take our rolling and bracing to the next level, learning hand rolls, speed rolls, offside, onside, and every which way, with a goal of bombproofing your roll.
You will learn EJ’s Strokes and Concepts program, which will be a fun way to lay down the right foundation, or erase bad habits for river running, playboating, or even racing. There will be more playboating than your body can handle, guaranteed. How much you can do simply depends on your fitness level.
You won’t get off the river with energy left over. We will learn a variety of key river running skills and put them to the test. At the end of the week you will receive a feedback sheet filled out by me, that you can use to coach yourself back at home.
EJ
Founder | Apex Water Craft
Don’t forget about the Ottawa Kayak School #1 Club! Book 4 friends to the Ottawa Kayak School and your trip is 50% off! Just like our rafting programs we also have a #1 Club for kayakers, bring 5 or more kayakers and receive a discount for the next season!
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. EJ will prioritize your safety and guest enjoyment!
Professional Instructors:
Eric Jackson, the godfather of freestyle kayaking, 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 Eric Jackson, 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 [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, EJ begin 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, EJ 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, EJ has a special surprise for you, a private wine tasting!
Day 4 | Continue Your Progression:
EJ 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. EJ 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!
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