- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Gallery
- FAQ
- Gear list
- Dates & Pricing
Kayak Training and Grade 2 Certificate Package
Duration: 3 nights / 4 days
This is a four-day training and certifying course, combining our two-day Multisport Kayak Training Course and our two-day Grade Two Certificate course.
Similar River Trips:
- Mohaka River (Napier)
- Waioeka River (Opotiki)
- Rangitikei River (Taihape)
- Waiohine River (Wellington)
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-Monday so one only has to take two days off work, without writing-off two days of work in one week, instead; one day of both weeks and it means missing weekend traffic. It also means less logistics, less travelling and less hassle doing it in one go.
Duration: Four days.
Accommodation: Boielles Campsite - We can 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: Otaki River (Wellington) - Otaki Forks
River flows: min. 15 - max. 50 cumecs @ gorge click here
Get trained and grade 2 certified
The four-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).
Maximum operating flow 50cumecs/1.5m @ Pukehinau
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!
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
- Kayak
- Two flotation air bags
- Kayak 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
