FEB 22 | 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.

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. 

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

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 suits, helmets, 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. Please bring a packed lunch, including waterproof snacks, such as bars to bring on the river.
• Have a good breakfast before you arrive.

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