2-Day Intermediate Kayak Program: Refine Your Skills

Our 2-day Intermediate Whitewater Kayak Program is designed for paddlers who are ready to take their skills to the next level. During this program, you’ll focus on mastering essential skills and building the confidence needed to navigate the mighty Ottawa River. You’ll work on boat control, and stroke refinement, and gain valuable experience paddling in Class II-III rapids, which are ideal for intermediate paddlers looking to expand their knowledge.

However, if you’re serious about advancing your kayaking abilities, we highly recommend considering our 5-day Intermediate Program. This extended program offers more time on the water, providing the opportunity to fine-tune your skills and fully immerse yourself in the challenges and thrills the Ottawa River has to offer.

Prerequisites for the Intermediate Program

To ensure your success in the Intermediate Whitewater Kayak Course, paddlers must have a flat-water roll. Don’t worry—our expert instructors will help you “bombproof” your combat roll to ensure you feel confident in any situation. Additionally, participants should already have proficient boat control in Class II-III rapids before registering for the course.

Key Skills You’ll Learn and Develop:

In our Intermediate Whitewater Kayak Program, you’ll master a variety of skills essential for confidently navigating more challenging whitewater. Some of the key techniques you’ll learn include:

• Scouting & Dissecting Class III Rapids: Understand how to read the river and choose the best lines through challenging rapids.
• Stroke Choice, Timing, and Compound Stroke Refinement: Fine-tune your paddle strokes for greater efficiency and control in dynamic water conditions.
• Ferrying, Eddy Turns & Peel Outs: Master these key techniques for navigating currents and maintaining control in fast-moving water.
• Carving and Redirecting Momentum: Learn how to use river features to carve through eddies and redirect momentum to stay on track.
• Navigating Complex & Powerful Rapids: Develop strategies to navigate through challenging rapids, using river features to your advantage.
• Surfing Waves, Holes, and Spinning: Build confidence in surfing and spinning, essential skills for tackling the exciting features of whitewater.
• Boofing and Using Rocks: Learn how to use rocks and other river features to help you navigate and power through obstacles.
• River Safety Techniques: Gain a deeper understanding of safety in whitewater environments, including self-rescue and assisted rescue techniques.
• Bracing and Rolling: Perfect your bracing techniques and continue to refine your rolling skills for better stability and control.

Structured Daily Instruction with Expert Guidance

Each day of the program begins with a review of basic techniques, followed by a focus on learning and practicing specific whitewater strokes and kayak maneuvers. Under the guidance of your Ottawa Kayak School instructor, you will work on improving your roll and developing the techniques necessary to navigate Class II-III rapids with confidence.

Teen-Friendly Programs: A Perfect Adventure for Young Paddlers

Our 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day programs are open to teen paddlers when accompanied by an adult (18+). This is a fantastic opportunity for young adventurers to enhance their skills in a fun, supportive environment while enjoying the thrill of whitewater kayaking on the Ottawa River.

Special Locals Rate – Ideal for Local Residents

If you’re a local resident of the Ottawa River Valley or don’t require overnight accommodations and meals, be sure to ask about our local rate! This option allows you to arrive at 8 am daily, with lessons typically ending by 4:30 pm. This is a great option for those looking to focus on developing their kayaking skills while returning to their home each evening.