Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking

Overview

This two‐day course is designed as an introduction to whitewater kayaking. It introduces paddlers to key concepts and the basics of river running, in a safe and supportive environment. The course begins by covering essential concepts and flat‐water skills, such as forward paddling and turning. We then enter class 1+rapids, which are friendly for beginners, to and add moving water skills, such as catching eddies, for a safe and fun descent on the river. On day two we refine our skills on class 2‐ rapids and work towards linking skills to continuously navigate the river.

Prerequisites

The course involves paddling on the water for 4-5 hours per day and portaging the kayak and gear which combined mass ≥ 20 kg (45 lbs.). A reasonable degree of physical fitness is required. South Island Whitewater considers prior experience in flatwater kayak mandatory, which can be a combination of 2-3 lake or pool sessions. An introduction to sea kayaking or similar course from another provider can also be sufficient. The skills that a student should be able to demonstrate satisfactorily are:

  • Comfortable in being capsized in a closed-cockpit kayak and safe use of a sprayskirt to wet exit.
  • T-rescues or Elevensies-rescues
  • Efficient forward and sweep strokes
  • Swim 50m

Questions: please feel free to send us an email at courses@siwhitewater.club.

Location

The course typically takes place on various sections of the upper Cowichan River, near the town of Lake Cowichan. In the rainy months, November—April, if water levels are too high we may change the venue to another river, which could be located between Sooke and Nanaimo. We will not be able to advise on an alternate venue until the pre-course email a couple of days before the course commencement. If you're traveling from further away and needing to book accommodation, we suggest staying in the Duncan area.

Pricing

  • $115: Instruction fee.
  • $20: Gear rental consisting of kayak, paddle, helmet, and PFD. If you wish to provide your own personal equipment, please consult with instructors to ensure it is suitable.
  • $40: Drysuit rental (fitted with latex gaskets at the neck and wrists) and bootie rental. Drysuits are required from October through April; wetsuits are acceptable May through September. We have this policy because we want you to be warm and comfortable in the water as we find this improves retention greatly. Swimming and in-water rescue techniques are part of the program!
  • $30: Annual membership to the South Island Whitewater Club if you are not already a member. $25 for students.

Therefore the maximum total cost is $205. All costs payable via Interac e‐transfer to payments@siwhitewater.club (some banks have issues sending to this domain, if so, you can send to southislandwhitewater@gmail.com).

Personal Gear

Participants must arrive with the following:

  • Warm layering for under river‐wear (tops, bottoms, and socks), made from wool, fleece, or synthetic (no cotton). 1‐3 layers may be appropriate depending on weather conditions and how hot you run.
  • You should anticipate that these layers may get damp - so bring a full spare set of layers for the ride home in case you need it. The drysuit will keep you dry, but sometimes can permit a small amount of water, due to gasket fit, abrasions, etc.
  • Warm clothing, including waterproofs and outdoor footwear, for when not on the water.
  • Towel.
  • Lunch, snacks, and drinks. Have a good breakfast before you arrive. Please bring a packed lunch, including waterproof snacks, such as bars to bring on the river. There is a Country Grocer, Co‐op gas, A&W, and Tim Hortons in Lake Cowichan if you need last minute nourishment options. Instructors will have dry bags for food too.
  • Sun screen, if we are lucky enough to have sunshine.

We also recommend the following items:

  • Footwear to wear over the drysuit socks. This can either be runners or wetsuit booties. They will get wet and muddy. Alternatively we will provide wetsuit booties, but it's helpful to BYO if you have them already.
  • Neoprene paddle pogies or neoprene paddling gloves.
  • Ear plugs and nose plugs. These can be acquired from your local paddling retailer.

Timing

Arrive each day at the designated meet location at the river by 09:30. We aim to finish by 16:00.

Agenda

Pre-trip Homework

  • Please read the Whitewater Kayak 100 course syllabus and watch the suggested videos.
  • If available, it is highly recommended to attend a pool session to do your wet exit in the pool and receive some paddle stroke instruction in a warm environment.

Day 1

Meet at the Cowichan Lake Visitor Centre at 9:30 ‐ [map] All agenda details are subject to change based on conditions. Final details will be confirmed to you via email a few days before the course date.

  • Gather for approximately 90 minutes on land to complete introductions, sign waivers, assess prior experience, discuss the agenda, conduct a safety briefing and warm‐up.
  • Gear up.
  • Set vehicle shuttles.
  • On river for approximately four hours, skills to include:
    • Getting in and out of your kayak, including wet exits and/or T‐rescues.
    • Turning the kayak via the sweep stroke.
    • Forward paddling.
    • Boat tilt in order to take advantage of river currents.
    • Ferrying across the river current.
    • Entering and exiting eddies, our place of safety on the river.
    • River hydrology.
    • Having fun on the river blasting down rapids.

Day 2

  • Meet at Kinsmen Duck Pond at 9:30 (which is across the river from our put-in on day #1). Please note there is no washrooms available here in winter months.
  • On river for approximately six hours:
    • Short land‐based re‐cap of skills from prior day.
    • Set shuttle for the trip.
    • Warm-up on the section we ran on day #1 but at warp speed.
    • Complete longer day on river, proceeding further down to more challenging rapids where we build on skills from the prior day.