Session 1: (June 22 – July 12, 2025) – $1,395 CAD/week
Session 2: (July 13 – August 2) – $1,595 CAD/week
Session 3: (August 3 – 25) – $1,395 CAD/week
The Keener Program is a youth development and high-performance kayaking program designed for motivated teens who are passionate about kayaking and eager to improve their skills. This unique opportunity is specifically for young paddlers aged 12 to 17 who are enthusiastic, dedicated, and have a positive attitude toward life and kayaking.
To ensure success and safety, Keener candidates must meet certain requirements before enrolling in the program:
Age Requirements: The program is designed for teens between the ages of 12 and 17. Younger paddlers (ages 12 and 13) are welcome, provided they demonstrate a mature attitude and are physically capable of kayaking at an advanced level.
Required Skill Level: A strong whitewater kayak roll is essential for participation. This ensures that paddlers are ready for the challenging rapids and dynamic water conditions of the Keener Program.
For parents who are uncertain whether their child is ready for the Keener Program, we recommend starting with Wilderness Tours’ Teen Resident Camp. This week-long kayaking program is designed for beginners and intermediate paddlers and runs from Sunday evening to late Friday afternoon. During this time, parents can assess whether their teen is passionate about kayaking and if they possess the necessary maturity to progress to the Keener Program.
The Keener Program is not your typical summer camp. Instead, it is a youth development program focused on high-performance kayaking. Here’s a breakdown of what your teen will experience and learn:
If your teen is looking to take their whitewater kayaking to the next level, the Keener Program offers unparalleled training, leadership opportunities, and personal development. Not only will they gain technical kayaking skills, but they will also develop essential life skills, such as leadership, communication, and confidence, that will benefit them in all areas of life.
The Keener Program is ideal for teens who are passionate about kayaking and looking to explore potential career opportunities in the sport, such as becoming professional river guides or kayak instructors.
Why Keeners?
The Keener Program at Ottawa Kayak School (part of Wilderness Tours) is one of the premier youth development programs for aspiring kayakers. This specialized program is designed to cultivate the next generation of world-class paddlers, all while focusing on character development, safety, and future career opportunities in the whitewater industry.
The Keener Program focuses on the following core priorities to ensure the success of its participants:
Developing Fine Young Men and Women: The program emphasizes the importance of personal growth, leadership, and respect in all participants, ensuring they develop into responsible and well-rounded individuals.
Producing World-Class Junior Paddlers: The program’s goal is to help young paddlers compete internationally and achieve excellence in whitewater kayaking. In 2015, for example, 30 Keeners competed at the World Championships held at Garberator, with 7 Keeners making it to the podium!
Providing Essential Safety Skills: The Keener Program teaches critical whitewater safety skills, including First Aid, CPR, and Swiftwater Rescue techniques, empowering participants to paddle safely and responsibly.
Preparing Teens for Careers in the Whitewater Industry: The program provides training and experience that set the stage for future work as river guides, kayak instructors, video boaters, and more. Keeners gain hands-on experience that helps them build a career in the outdoor adventure industry.
Compensation Opportunities for Senior Keeners: Senior Keeners have the opportunity to earn compensation by working part-time within Wilderness Tours as they continue their training, gaining valuable work experience.
The Keener Program was founded in the late 1980s by paddling legend Jerry Marquis, a high school teacher and kayak enthusiast. Originally, Jerry’s Kids were his best students from Tupper Lake, New York, who were chosen for their passion and enthusiasm for kayaking. Over time, the program expanded to include paddlers from outside Jerry’s class, and some of the best paddlers in the world were once Keeners, including:
After Jerry’s passing in 1994, the program came to an end, but its legend continued to live on. Several years later, parents of teens in the Wilderness Tours Teen Resident Camp asked if the program could be revived. In response, we brought back the Keener Program, and it has been a tremendous success ever since.
The revival of the Keener Program has seen continued success both in youth development and on the water. Keeners have consistently ranked among the top paddlers, including:
While the program’s primary goal is to foster personal development in young paddlers, the fact that Keeners dominate the junior paddling scene is a rewarding bonus!
Under the expert guidance of Keener Coach Stephen Wright, the program offers top-tier kayaking instruction. Keeners also receive training from guest instructors, including Tyler Curtis, Heidi Walsh, David Silk, Benny Marr, and Clay Wright. These instructors are recognized leaders in the kayaking world, ensuring that Keeners receive high-quality coaching.
Keeners are strongly encouraged to compete in weekly competitions held on the Ottawa River. The friendly competitions serve two purposes: providing valuable practice for those planning to compete and offering skill-building training for those who do not wish to compete. Keeners are responsible for their own entry fees, though Wilderness Tours can process the entries if needed.
While competition is an important aspect of the program, Keeners are also provided with ample opportunity to develop their kayaking skills, including river reading, scouting, advanced maneuvers, and more.
The safety and well-being of Keeners are our top priority. 24/7 supervision is provided by our Keener Coordinator, Savannah Westeinde, and other staff members. We maintain a strict code of conduct, and any behavior deemed inappropriate, including smoking, drug use, profanity, or disrespect, will result in immediate dismissal without a refund.
The Keener Program offers more than just advanced kayaking skills. It’s an opportunity for your teen to grow as a person and athlete while pursuing their passion for whitewater kayaking. The program provides:
Whether your teen is aspiring to become a professional kayaker, a river guide, or simply looking for a challenging adventure, the Keener Program provides the perfect platform for success.
1-3 Weeks 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.
All Meals Included:
Starting with dinner on the arrival night and ending with lunch on your final on-water day.
Shared Accommodation:
Our Keener program houses each of the “Keeners” at Keenerville in shared cabins.
Daily Shuttle Included:
Each day begins by meeting your OKS instuctor at the Keenerville. 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 and a shuttle ride back to Keenerville.
When and Where:
Keeners will be accommodated at “Keener Heaven” at the base of McCoy Chute and in cabins at Wilderness Tour’s when appropriate. The program operates June through Labor Day Weekend. We prefer Keeners to arrive Sunday afternoon and depart on Saturday morning but we can be flexible.
Cost:
The program includes instruction, coaching, competition training, supervision, meals, cabin, bedding, local transportation, and traveling to other rivers (shared expense). Keeners are also required to purchase the clothing/gear package.
A minimum of three weeks stay is required for the keener program.
A 50% deposit is due at the time of booking, 85% is refundable up to 120 days prior to the trip date. At 120 days prior the balance payment is taken automatically from the card on file and the total becomes non-refundable.
We strongly recommend the purchase of cancellation insurance outlined on the application.
Airport Shuttles:
Can be arrange, please contact Ottawa Kayak School via e-mail at [email protected]
Travel to Other Rivers:
Training involves traveling to other rivers. Keeners must have a credit card on file to cover the cost of the trip. Trip cost is approximately $50 – $95/trip depending on distance and time away. The trip schedule is tentative based on water levels on other rivers.
Food:
Keeners are well fed with a vegetarian alternative at every meal. Keeners share household chores including dishes, house cleaning, bathrooms, grass cutting, etc. Any allergies or special requirements should be included in the notes on the application or provided to the Keener supervisors on arrival.
Work Training:
A goal of the keener program is to graduate kayak professionals ready for work in the paddle sports industry as river guides, kayak instructors and video/photo boaters. Keeners progress to Senior Keeners and Keener Instructors. Senior Keeners are compensated if appropriate and Keener Instructors are compensated less room and board.
Spending Money:
While little is required, parents can provide money to their children by emailing Joe with the amount. Wilderness Tours’ accounting department will advance the money and the amount will be debited to the parents on file credit card. We also have a new RFID wristband program, you can authorize a specific amount available to spend on the wristband, monitor it online from home and increase the limit if required from your login. This should be set up in advance if you prefer this option.
Useful Information:
Contact keener coordinator Joe Kowalski [email protected] for information and request a keener application form to make your reservation or use the online application on this page.
Living at Keenerville:
Keeners live in several cabins at the base of McCoy Chute, the best location on the Ottawa River. The cabins have bunk beds, mattresses, pillows and sheets. Keeners bring a sleeping bag. Keeners have Wifi access, telephone, TV and computer.
SAFETY IS OUR #1 CONCERN:
During the three week Keener Program, we offer two safety/first aid courses which are mandatory for Keeners not possessing these certifications. Each class costs $249 CAD plus tax.
The first of these certifications is a 2 day First Aid/CPR Red Cross Certification Program, typically held on the first weekend.
The certification is valid for 3 years and is required for all river guides and kayak instructors.
The second certification is a Swiftwater Rescue Course which is offered usually in the second week.
Paddling Safety:
With written parental permission and head coach permission, Keeners can “paddle on their own” under certain conditions.
No One Boats Alone:
No one leaves the Keener area without signing out and back in
Keeners “paddling on their own” follow a safety protocol from the head coach
*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 12-17, 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]
A Typical Keener Week:
Sunday | Arrival 3 pm; 6 pm Dinner and Meeting
Monday – Friday | Formal kayak training takes place Monday through Friday with about 6 hours on the river.
Each evening there is an activity session. Sometimes it’s kayaking related, sometimes just going to the movies. Depending on water levels and features, training can be at 6 am or after dark with glow sticks on helmets. Keeners have high speed internet access as well as movie making equipment for video analysis.
Another weekly highlight is the Friday afternoon “Keener Competition” where the Keeners organize, judge, scribe, time and compete.
Saturday | departure day – free paddling/chores
Note: Prices are subject to 13% HST & $15/day/person Park Pass
*Holiday Rate, **Spring & September Discount – Opening Weekend – and After Labor Day Weekend.
Equipment Rental:
Ottawa Kayak School is proud to be the World’s first Jackson Kayak super school. For $330 CAD per week, 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.
Airport Shuttles:
Can be arrange, please contact Ottawa Kayak School via e-mail at [email protected]
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