Intermediate 3 Day: Whitewater Kayak Instruction on the Ottawa River

Foresters Falls, Ontario

Multi-day course for intermediate whitewater kayakers!

Become a confident and proficient paddler. Paddlers will focus on stroke choice, timing, concepts, and using river features to navigate more powerful, complex rapids. This course offers the perfect mix of both instruction and river fun on the iconic Ottawa River. Whether learning to cartwheel for the first time or attempting to loop, we will help you achieve your goals.

Overview

The Ottawa River provides the perfect venue for learning new skills in your whitewater kayak. With its deep, warm waters and endless channels, there is a fun adventure for everyone.

During the 2 day intermediate program, you will work to master the basics and learn necessary new skills to confidently paddle your whitewater kayak on the down the mighty Ottawa River! 

The Ottawa Kayak School offers 2-day, 3-day and 5-day Intermediate Whitewater Kayak instructional programs with the 5-day program being highly recommended for people serious about advancing.
Paddlers will get more time on the water to fine-tune their skills and get to experience the best of the Ottawa River has to offer.

Prerequisite: Paddlers must have a flat-water roll and we will help you “bombproof” your combat roll. Paddlers must also exhibit proficient boat control in class II-III prior to registering for this course.

Skills You’ll Learn and Develop:

  • Scouting & Dissecting Class III Rapids
  • Stroke Choice, Timing and Compound Stroke Refinement
  • Ferrying, Eddy Turns & Peel Outs in dynamic water
  • Concepts like Carving and redirecting momentum in and out of eddies
  • Using river features to Navigate Complex & Powerful Rapids
  • Surfing waves, holes, and spinning
  • Boofing and using rocks
  • River Safety Techniques
  • Fine-tuning bracing and rolling

Each day begins with a review of the basics, learning and practicing strokes, concepts and developing your a variety of whitewater kayak rolls with your Ottawa Kayak School professional instructor.

Teens are welcome for our 2, 3, and 5-day programs when accompanied by an adult 18+

Are you local to the Ottawa River Valley or don’t need the overnights and meals? Ask about the Locals Rate! Arrive at 8 am daily and we are typically done our days at 4:30 pm. 

Before You Visit

What to expect:

3 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.

8 Meals Included:
Starting with breakfast at the beginning of your first on-water day and ending with lunch on your final on-water day.

3 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 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 $629 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.

 

Necessary Items (for Intermediate Courses)

  • 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 [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 intermediate and advanced programs 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
    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.

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.

Equipment Rental:
Ottawa Kayak School is proud to be the World’s first Jackson Kayak super school. For $132 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

Location

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