Private Instruction: Whitewater Kayak Instruction on the Ottawa River

Foresters Falls, Ontario

Multi-day course for intermediate whitewater kayakers!

Private lessons provide custom-tailored programming with an experienced Ottawa Kayak School Instructor to help achieve the goals of individuals and groups.

Overview

Whitewater Kayak Private Lessons on the Ottawa River: Tailored Instruction for Every Skill Level

The Ottawa River offers the ideal setting for learning and refining your whitewater kayaking skills. With its deep, warm waters, winding channels, and diverse rapids, it’s a kayaking paradise for paddlers of all abilities, from beginners to seasoned experts.

Customized Private Kayak Lessons

Our private lessons are personalized to meet your individual goals and skill level, ensuring that each session is designed to maximize your learning experience. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to master advanced skills like kayak rolls, catching eddies, freestyle techniques, or boofing drops, our professional instructors are here to help you succeed.

  • Beginner Kayakers: Learn the essential skills and techniques to get started on the river safely and confidently.
  • Intermediate Paddlers: Focus on improving boat control, mastering rolls, and learning to catch eddies and navigate through more challenging rapids.
  • Advanced Freestyle: Perfect your freestyle techniques and boofing skills, all while tackling more dynamic and powerful river features.

Each lesson is built around your specific needs, allowing you to progress at your own pace while enjoying the adventure and beauty of the Ottawa River.

Group Private Lessons Available

Looking to share the fun? You can bring your friends along for the ride! Private group lessons are available for an additional $150 per person, making it an excellent option for small groups who want to learn together.

Whether you’re paddling solo or with friends, our private kayak lessons provide the perfect opportunity to improve your skills and enjoy the Ottawa River’s thrilling whitewater in a customized, supportive environment.

Before You Visit

1 Day of Expert Whitewater Kayak Instruction:

Your 1-day whitewater kayaking experience begins with professional instruction tailored to your skill level. Depending on river conditions, timing may vary, but rest assured that your safety and enjoyment will always be our top priority. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate kayaker, you’ll receive personalized guidance to help you build confidence on the water.

Professional Instructors with Industry-Leading Expertise:

At Ottawa Kayak School, our instructors are renowned for their industry-leading skills and positive, friendly attitudes. Each instructor is highly experienced in whitewater kayaking, providing expert training in a supportive and encouraging environment. You’ll learn from the best as they guide you through the various techniques to enhance your paddling ability.

Lunch Included:

Enjoy a delicious, included lunch during your 1-day lesson. Refuel and relax before heading back onto the water to continue improving your kayaking skills with your instructor.

Daily Shuttle Service Provided:

The day begins by meeting your OKS instructor at the Rafters Pavilion, where you’ll receive an orientation and gear briefing. Afterward, you’ll board the shuttle bus to the river for your lesson. At the end of the day, the shuttle will return you to Rafters Pavilion, which is conveniently located within walking distance of your vehicle.

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 Private Instruction)

  • 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 13 years old OR weigh at least 90 lbs to be participate in this instruction program. No prior experience necessary.

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.

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]

Location

Contact Us