24FEB | White Water Day

This one day course, is a bespoke accelerated intro to whitewater kayak by South Island Whitewater Club & BestCoast Outfitters. It will build on your prior kayaking skills, and introduce you to whitewater river paddling, in a fun and supportive environment, with a focus on building core river running skills. 

Instructor: student ratio: Max 1:3. Delivered by experienced whitewater kayak coaches 

Location: Target location is the Upper Cowichan river, near Lake Cowichan. Exact meeting location and timings are subject to river flow, and will be detailed in a confirmation email, which will be sent the week prior to the course. The meeting time/location will allow for sufficient time for a departure from Victoria or Nanaimo by 08:00. (typical arrival at 09:30 in the Cowichan Valley) 

Pre requisites: Prior kayaking experience is required. Participants should be comfortable with wet exits, sweep & forward strokes. They should have had exposure to dynamic water. Whitewater (river) kayak experience or ability to roll isn’t required. 

We provide:
Modern whitewater kayak with airbags
Whitewater kayak paddle
Spray skirt
Shuttle from Victoria to and from the meeting location

We can also provide dry suit, helmet, footwear, and PFD rental upon request. 

Please bring:

Warm layering for under riverwear (tops, bottoms, and socks). Wool, fleece, or synthetic (no cotton). 2-3 layers. 
Warm clothing, including waterproofs and outdoor footwear, for off 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.

Overview of the day - approximate timings 09:30 - 10:30 
Meet at the river, per instructions in the confirmation email
Complete waiver, distribute gear, set shuttle and safety talk 
10:30 - 12:30 
Intro to key river running skills, with a focus on eddy turns, utilizing friendly river eddies 
12:30 - 1:00
Riverside lunch  
1:00 - 4:00 
River trip, building on eddy-turns and river running skills. In class 1-2 section of whitewater. 
4:00 - 5:00
Reverse shuttle, load gear & de-brief