• Overview
  • Trip Outline
  • FAQ
  • Dates & Pricing
  • Gear list

Kayak Training and Grade 2 Certificate Package

Duration: 2 nights / 3 days (Friday-Sunday)

This is a three-day training and certifying course, combining our Multisport Kayak Training Course and our Grade Two Certificate course.

 

Great for beginner kayakers and those with little to no river experience.

Everyone likes this course, because they get it over and done with over an extended weekend. Usually Friday-Sunday so one only has to take one day off work. It also means less logistics, less travelling and less hassle doing it in one go.

Duration: Three days.

Accommodation: Usually at a campground with all facilities. We offer Glamping; everything is done and brought for you.

Meals: Self-catered.

Dates: Press the big orange book now button or the dark green booking tab.

Highlights: Nature-based, physical exercise, good company of people, excellent instruction.

Difficulty: Moderate

Locations: depending on weather and clients; rivers we use are the Mohaka River (Napier), Waioeka River (Opotiki), Rangitikei River (Taihape), Waikato ( Taupo ), Rangitaikei (Rotorua), Otaki River (Wellington), Whanganui (Taumarunui) and Tongariro (Turangi)

 

Get trained and grade 2 certified

The three-day duration is also important, because you really have time for growth and improvement.

The Grade 2 certificate white water kayaking skills you will learn can be viewed, if you click here: Grade 2 certificate white water kayaking skills

The Grade 2 certificate river safety skills you will learn can be viewed, if you click here: Grade 2 certificate river safety skills

 

Guidance for first-time Coast to Coast Kayakers

First: Attend our Kayak Coaching and Training; gain fundamental kayak skills and knowledge, helping you get started.

Then: Join the SNM team for a Moving Water Workshop to master the currents and boat control on easier and safer environments before doing river trips.

Next: Book our Multi Sport Kayak Course; get further into moving water and real river tours. Find a boat, paddle etc. you need to race with. Getting suitable gear that works for you is essential. Visit our shop for more clothing and equipment.

Later: Enter our Kayaking Grade Two Certificate; your grade 2 certificate is required for the Coast to Coast Kayak section. Build river experience by attending our river trips. Our weekends away continue improving your kayak stages.

Duration: 3 nights / 4 days

Itineraries

Day 1

Meet the waters

Meet the team and fellow paddlers, start around 8-9am, theoretical discussions and demonstrations about all your gear. Lunch. Afternoon paddling on easy water, getting familiar with aquatic environments.

Day 2

Consolidate your skills

Drills, skills, strokes, manoeuvres, ropes, rescues, racing, fun, swimming and much more. Usually one big 'lap' (river run). Learning from mistakes, feeling good with progression.

Day 3

Test your skills

Grade 2 certificate day; demonstrate your skills and knowledge. Your instructor will guide you along this and ask you to perform at appropriate locations. Usually 2-3 'laps' (river runs). Feeling confident and competent.

Day 4

Back-up day and upskilling

Last chances to get your grade 2 sign off. Extra for experts. Usually one 'lap' (river run).

No experience is necessary.

Yes, please choose our other options

If on the rare chance you fail (we have a 95% success rate), then you are welcome back at half price.

We provide luxury Glamping accommodation at an additional but affordable cost. Food can also be arranged.

Ideally, but we also rent kayaks.

Yes, we rent everything

We select the best staff for the job based on their skills, knolwedge and experiences. They will be an SNM staff member or we will bring in support from equally competent contractors. Sometimes we also bring in (semi)celebrity guests!

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C2C compulsory kit

Clothing

  • Long sleeve thermal base layer top
  • Long sleeved mid layer top (>220gsm)
  • Waterproof long sleeve 'paddle specific' jacket (seam-sealed and neoprene or cinchable cuffs and neck)
  • Thermal gloves
  • Full length thermal base layer pants
  • Waterproof pants (seam-sealed)
  • Thermal hat
  • Thermal socks

Equipment

  • Barracuda Kayak: Beachcomber, Enigma, Waimak, Duo
  • Two flotation air bags
  • Kayak / river specifc helmet
  • Paddle
  • Spray skirt
  • Bouyancy vest (PFD) (type 406 bottom cinch strap webbing)
  • Repair / duct tape (>10m)
  • Dry-bag (seam-sealed)
  • Survival bag not blanket (must be stored in your PFD)
  • Whistle (must be connected to you)
  • First aid kit (1.5m x 5cm crepe bandage, 2.5m x 2cm strapping tape, 10 Band-Aids, Triangular bandage, Scissors, 4 x pain relief tablets)

SNM extra required kit

Clothing

  • Shorts
  • Swimwear
  • Long sleeve thermal base layer top - we reguire an extra
  • Long sleeved mid layer top (>220gsm) - we require an extra
  • Sunhat
  • Neck warmer / scarf

Equipment

  • Jandals
  • Closed-toe footwear / booties
  • Sunglasses
  • Personal medication
  • Water bottle
  • Head torch
  • Toiletries

Because we are staying overnight, should you choose not to be accommodated and fed by us, here is what you will need:

Sleeping

  • Sleeping bag
  • Pillow
  • Inflatable mattress
  • Tent

Cooking

  • Cooker
  • Fuel / gas
  • Lighter / matches
  • Pot / frying pan
  • Cutlery
  • Crockery

All of the above is available to rent / hire or buy