Multisport Kayaking NZ

Our multisport instructors and assessors help you gain grade two river skills and confidence through planning and preparation for kayak stages

Kathmandu Coast to Coast Race Day Countdown

Days
Hours
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9th & 10th February 2024

Multisport adventure racing
Social Nature Movement

SNM Multisport River Training & Grade Two Certificate Dates 2024:

February 16-19, 23-25

March 1-3, 15-18, 22-25, 29-1

April 12-15, 19-20, 26-29

May 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 24-27

Google Reviews

Scott Murch
Scott Murch
Google Review
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Had a great time doing the 4 day Grade 2 Multisport Kayak course with Chris. Learnt a lot on the course taking me from a beginner to feeling confident on the rapids, also was a lot of fun throughout both kayaking and during down time. Highly recommended! Will definitely being going back to get some more river time leading up to the Coast to Coast!
Allison Robinson
Allison Robinson
Google Review
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Chris has been so helpful....am yet to book one of these awesome trips on offer but he has helped me with getting organised with the right tools to take on the Coast to Coast in 2022... Thanks mate 🙂
Mark Needham
Mark Needham
Google Review
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I'm glad my first time on river rapids in a kayak were with Social Nature Movement as they were great at teaching you the process for doing it safely and swiftly. Plus I had a great time on and off the water.
Seumas Dunlop
Seumas Dunlop
Google Review
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I did my grade 2 certification with Chris on the Mohaka and had a great time. He thoroughly covered all the key skills and gave us plenty of tips to help make it down the river as quickly and safely as possible. He also really went the extra distance to help us throughout the whole trip so the experience was much more than the time on the water.
Tim Hanson
Tim Hanson
Google Review
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Chris is awesome. I did my grade 2 kayak certificate through him and I left with so much more confidence and a lot more of an appreciation of all the elements of white water paddling. He is so knowledgeable and has the natural ability to pass on his knowledge to you in an effective way. You'll have a great few days away with him and I am looking forward to getting some more paddle time in with him before race day. Thanks Chris!
Evan Greenwod
Evan Greenwod
Google Review
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I attended their kayak training course as a total noob - only having been in a multisport kayak twice before (and the first time was actually mostly out of the kayak!). Despite this, under Chris's instruction I was able to traverse the Mohaka, and had a fantastic time. Overall the experience was very well organised, professional, and just plain good fun. Chris is knowledgeable and patient, a good instructor. I would highly recommend it for anyone wanting to enter multisports. A great opportunity if you are planning on entering the Coast to Coast!
Kerri Dewe
Kerri Dewe
Google Review
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Did the 4-day training and Grade 2 certificate kayak course down the Mohaka, and glamping, with Chris (Social Nature Movement). A really great experience, helping us build our confidence over the time and an easy-to-follow style of explaining the river and how to approach the different parts. Managed the group of us really well and clearly prioritised safety, and got the most out of the time. After this experience I managed my first multisport event down the Waioeka Gorge just 4 days later feeling confident picking my lines, and NOT swimming! Absolutely fantastic, highly recommend. (Will definitely be going back for some more river time and trips in the build to Coast to Coast.)
Ben Herbert
Ben Herbert
Google Review
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Chris provided an excellent experience and adventure. He was very engaging and approachable along with clear technical expertise around multisport kayaking and the dynamics of the river. I felt at all times safe and Chris was in control of the situations presented. An extremely enjoyable trip and would recommend Social Native Movement (and Chris) to anyone interested in kayaking quality rivers and gaining further understanding and skills in this space. Epic!
Charlie Hurring
Charlie Hurring
Google Review
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Can't recommend Chris and Social Nature Movement highly enough. We had a fantastic weekend on the Waioeka River gaining our Grade 2 Kayak Certifications for the Coast to Coast. Chris was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, and you really got the feeling that he cared about his clients. Five stars.
Morne du Plessis
Morne du Plessis
Google Review
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Highly recommended. I have been with other operators and SNM is in my opinion one of the best. Good communication and feedback from Chris, with a very encouraging and open minded approach to teaching. I would not hesitate to go with them again.
Jonathan Advice Plus
Jonathan Advice Plus
Google Review
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I was a complete beginner when I met Chris. I went on two courses with him. A four day trip to the Mohaka River and a 2 trip to the Waioeka Gorge. He was an excellent coach who was very technical and encouraging, but extremely clear in his communications. Most importantly we all felt very safe on the river due to his guidance. I would highly recommend anyone no matter what level of competence to go one one of his adventures.
Henry Sullivan
Henry Sullivan
Google Review
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I completed the two day Grade 2 Kayaking Skills course with Chris. He provided great advice to improve my knowledge of risks and hazards, paddling technique, and navigation of the river. We all felt safe on the river and had a great time. I would highly recommend SNM to anyone trying to gain their Grade 2 Kayaking Skills certificate.
Eoin Ó Murchadha
Eoin Ó Murchadha
Google Review
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What I paid for: 3 day course with camping in Motueka river farm. Grade 2 certificate in multisport kayak What I got: I arrived late on Thursday(it was here I regretted not paying the extra dollars for glamping). Friday morning I was greeted warmly by Chris. He gave a very thorough safety brief while keeping it engaging and light. With questions, jokes and valuable insights, he began to gel 4 people who happened to be doing a course together into a team to take on rivers with confidence. On the water he continued this focus ensuring we all looked out for each other and really found the enjoyment in learning a new skill. The teaching and team building didn't end there. The evenings were filled with food(the pizza was amazing!), stories and a few drinks around the firepit. This trend continued for all 3 days. I left with the confidence to take on the Waimakariri in the coast to coast along with some fast friends and fond memories. If you are considering doing a kayaking course in the North island, look no further. I cannot recommend Chris as instructor enough. With catered options for all skill levels you can't go wrong. Thanks for everything Chris
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Grade 2 certificate courses

River training, certifying and combined packages for your Grade 2 Kayak Certificate

Multisport Kayak Training Course

Two-day Multisport Kayak Training Course with our kayak school Coast to Coast kayak training

Multisport Kayak Grade Two Certificate

Two-day Grade 2 Kayak Course Coast to Coast Kayak Stage prerequisite

Training & Grade 2 Certificate Package

Four-day combined river package. Reduce doubling-up on logistics and get it done on one epic trip

Moving Water Workshop

2 hr Auckland introduction and training on easier and safer moving water currents

Multisport Kayak skills lessons

From frequently kayaking rivers, wing paddle technique, performance kayak coaching and more…

Keep kayaking...

Already grade 2 certified? Get extra time on the river with more skills, more knowledge and experience

Multisport Wing Paddle Technique

Master the forward stroke to paddle faster and kayak longer

Multisport Kayak Coaching & Training

Kayak Technique Coaching, Courses, trips, training, skills courses and more…

Multisport Kayak extras

From boat transport, kayak rentals and multisport kayak repairs…

Coast to Coast kayak & bike transport

C2C assistance aside your support crew, our boat & cycle transport helps your gear get there

Coast to Coast kayak hire / rental

Kayak rental & hire booking for race preparation; our multisport fleet has your C2C covered

Auckland Kayak Repairs

Damaged kayaks and paddles repaired in Auckland. Function and look as new

SNM Athletes Hall of Fame

2019

Rodney Coast Challenge

  • 1st, Nathan Livingstone, The Old Farts,
  • 3rd, Nathan Livingstone, Overall Indivudal
  • 3rd, Mike Sullivan, The Old Farts, Male

2020

Coast to Coast

  • 1st, Mike Sullivan, Two Day Individual, Vintage

Rodney Coast Challenge

  • 1st, Nathan Livingstone, The Old Farts,

2021

Coast to Coast

  • 3rd, Jamie Piggins, Longest Day, Mens Open

SNM Athletes Hall of Fame

2022

Rodney Coast Challenge

  • 1st, Olly Ng, Individual Overall,
    1st, Olly Ng, Open Male,
    2nd, Daryl Priestly, Individual Overall,
    1st, Daryl Priestly, Veteran Male,
    1st, Nathan Livingstone, The Old Farts Male
    2nd, Rachel Iversen & Jodie Hanna, Tandem Team,

Motu

  • 2nd, Tim Hanson, Motu Challenge Short Course, Open category
    2nd, Kerri Dewe, Motu Challenge Individuals

Multisport Kayaking

It’s time for a multisport kayak NZ adventure!

You might be thinking “Where can I find kayak classes near me in Auckland?” Social Nature Movement has the answer!

Social Nature Movement has been multisport kayaking as long as rivers have flowed. Our firm foundations in the kayaking industry have seen thousands of people successfully kayak. Our clients adventure race the Kathmandu Coast to Coast Grade 2 in large numbers because we help many in gaining their grade 2 certificate.

Want to do better on river trips?

Perhaps this is your first time kayaking down a river or you might simply be a nervous beginnner multisporter. Or, you are on the fast-track to your personal race best, this adventure racing service will extend your ability. Many individuals, serious C2C competitors and athletes are coached by us after they have completed their certification, need to refresh or simply want more multisport kayaking water time.

Our endorsed multisport instructors have a thirst for improvement through training and preparation and our business has only strengthened. We coach and train primarily on flat and moving waters close to your home, school or work. The Mohaka, Waioeka and Rangitikei rivers we know best! Contact us for more info about kayak lessons, we will help!

Guidance for first-time Coast to Coast Multisport kayakers

First: Attend our Kayak Coaching and Training; gain fundamental kayak skills and knowledge, helping you get started for the C2C.

Then: Book our Multi Sport Kayak Course; get further into moving water and real rivers like the Mohaka, Waioeka and Rangitikei. 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 Kathmandu Coast to Coast Kayak section. Build river experience by attending our river trips. Our weekends away continue improving your kayak training.

Where do we multisport kayak?

 
Mohaka River:

Click the graph for past and current Mohaka river flows (min. 15 – max. 100 cumecs @ Mc Vikars Bridge)

Mohaka River flow NZ  

 

Rangitikei River:

Click the graph for past and current Rangitikei river flows (min. 15 – max. 120 cumecs @ Mangaweka)

Rangitikei River Flow NZ

 

Waioeka River:

Click the graph for past and current Waioeka river flows (min. 15 – max. 80 cumecs @ Cableway)

Waioeka River Flow NZ

 
Otaki River:

Click the graph for past and current Otaki river flows (min. 15 – max. 50 cumecs

Otaki River Flow

 
Waiohine River:

Click the graph for past and current Waiohine river flows (min. 15 – max. 60 cumecs @ gorge)

Waiohine River

Taupo Multisport Course Kayak Auckland

SNM are the North Island’s premier multisport kayaking instructors and guides

Adventure racing and multisport kayaking is ‘up there’ as a fantastic kayaking experience. APPROVED Coast to Coast race Provider; our instructors are multisport-endorsed!

Adventure racing the Kathmandu Coast to Coast? SNM is a preferred multisport kayaking training provider in the North Island for the Coast to Coast race. Come and join our team on the Mohaka, Waioeka and Rangitikei rivers!

If you are training for the Kathmandu Coast to Coast and living in the North Island then we are the option for you. Join our talented Kayaking Specialists for training and adventure racing. Spend days on the Mohaka, Waioeka and Rangitikei river sections.

 

Multi-sport kayaking in a safe and simple manner

SNM multisport will teach you all the essential C2C river skills you need to compete successfully in the Coast to Coast race. Our kayak instructors share their river paddling expertise with you as well as useful tips and skills for river racing.

 

Multisport Kayaking Coast to Coast Gear and Nutrition

Want to know what all the Top 10 and Elite Athletes use when competing? Click our photo to link to Bobby and Anna’s blog: 

Multisport Kayak Course Taupo

 

Your Kayaking Grade Two Certificate is just the beginning

This C2C course will help you improve both your river reading and paddling skills, with the aim of growing in both confidence and ability. This is a great couple of days on the river and we cannot recommend it enough, in fact do the trifecta with us on all three of the Mohaka, Waioeka and Rangitikei rivers.

Custom Multisport Kayaking Sessions

Multisport boat or White Water boat, Beginner or Advanced, we have the kayak instructors and resources to make you a better kayaker on any water or the river.

These are custom designed multisport kayaking sessions that will take you to the next level and beyond. Choose from 1 hour through to multiple days on the Mohaka, Waioeka and Rangitikei rivers. See the rivers and rapids as you have never seen them before.

If you’re about to do your first Coast to Coast Race, gaining solid grade 2 kayaking skills and confidence will be one of your most important steps.

Prepare yourself for the Kayaking Race in February. Everyone can learn to kayak and compete in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast.

SNM is about preparing new beginner multisport kayaking paddlers for the Coast to Coast race river section in the best possible way. Our aim is to provide a fresh, modern approach that is both unique and positive for our kayak stage clients.

We are super passionate about what we do, and we’re always looking for ways to improve the teaching methods we deliver to our C2C adventure racing athletes.

Learning to multisport kayak can be a huge challenge for many people, but SNM are confident that we can help any paddler become competent and confident on the river.

 

Already signed up for the Coast to Coast race?

Our team can provide you with the support and expertise you need to tackle the C2C and multisport kayaking with confidence.

Learn about our Workshops, our kayak camps on the Mohaka, Waioeka and Rangitikei rivers, Training Sessions and Grade 2 Certificate.

With our comprehensive Kayaking Grade Two Certificate package designed to build your kayaking skills in a safe and progressive manner, we help you become a safe and self-sufficient paddler capable and certified to race in events such the Kathmandu’s COAST TO COAST Multisport competition. Starting with the basics of kayak knowledge, progressing through white water techniques and finishing up with river running, this course will cover all the areas and skills that you need to know for multisport adventure racing. This multisport kayaking course includes all training and assessment and you will be awarded a Kayaking Grade Two Certificate.

 

Kayak Coaching & Certification

Increase your multisport kayaking speed and safety. Kayak training and grade 2 certification as well as tailored coaching programs for Coast to Coast, multisport and Ironman athletes.

On this course we help you navigate your journey from being a complete beginner to a competent grade 2 certified kayaker with the knowledge, skills, technique, and equipment to not only take on the Kathmandu Coast to Coast race, but to feel you belong on your adventure across the South Island of New Zealand.

By taking SNM on as your multisport kayaking instructor and mentor you will have the confidence of having someone at your side who gives 100% on the water and who has travelled the same road as you are about to take yourself, who knows that trepidation one feels at the beginning of their multisport and kayaking journey. 17+ years of multisport and kayaking at all levels provides SNM with the foundation of experience to help you become the best you can be as efficiently as possible.

 

The Coast to Coast – a rite of passage

It’s true for multisport athletes from around the world with over 20,000 people having completed the event in the 39 years to date. Held every February, the adventure race starts on the West Coast, at Kumara Beach and traverses the width of the South Island, crossing the main divide and finishing on the East Coast with the finish at the Pier on New Brighton Beach in Christchurch.

The adventure race is one of the world’s longest running multi-sports events. From similar roots, Robin Judkins founded the event in 1983 when just 25 hardy souls took on the 243km challenge over two days.

The One Day race was introduced in 1989 and has the title of the World Multisport Championship with the top athletes covering the entire course in close to 11 hours. The other end of the field sees some competitors in the Two Day race taking closer to 24 hours.

The mighty Waimakariri River. 70kms of braids and a stunning gorge, the multisport kayaking river section is for many both the highlight and the crux of the adventure race. The water flows swiftly in places and mixes long calm sections with rapids up to grade 2 in size.
It takes competitors from the heart of the Southern Alps out on to the Canterbury Plains.

If you have done all the above then we also arrange Kathmandu Coast to Coast gear transport and kayak hire / rental.

 

Train with us for the following kayaking events:

Motu Challenge
Rasdex Classic River Race
Rodney Coast Challenge
GODZone Adventure Race
Rangitikei Adventure Race
Kayak HQ Multisport Triathlon Race
The Waikato 100
Cambridge to Hamilton Kayak Race
The Clutha Classic
Ruamahanga River Race

Check out our booking tab, click the book now button or make a trip enquiry.

Get help booking. Have questions? Click our FAQ’s, call a specialist (0800 76 62 66) or message one (support@snm.nz)

Multisport Kayak Endorsements

SNM are recommended and endorsed, by Kathmandu Coast to Coast.

Since 2017, SNM has helped 100’s of people train for kayaking and achieve river certifications. We are Endorsed NZOIA Grade 2 Multisport Kayak Instructors.

SNM are externally audited in Adventurous Activities.

AdventureMark™ is New Zealand’s largest adventure certification body. They work with over 200 operators here in New Zealand and in several countries worldwide providing our health and safety audit and adventure certification services across the globe.

SNM are Whitewater NZ members.

We are members of White Water NZ, helping protect and restore Aotearoa’s whitewater rivers and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely. 

SNM are NZOIA qualified kayak guides.

Promoting excellence in outdoor instruction and guiding through qualifications for professionals since 1987. Our instructors can organise, instruct and lead multisport kayaking on flat water and moving water up to and including class II. Our team have awards in both whitewater and multisport instruction.

SNM are water safety and river rescue qualified.

Our staff have the Rescue3 Whitewater Rescue Technician Professional (WRT-Pro). The qualification is designed for professional river users who require a rescue capability in a whitewater environment, e.g. safety kayakers. This course is recognized by Maritime New Zealand and the New Zealand Rivers Association as an appropriate qualification to work as a river guide.

SNM are approved Kayaking (River) operators through:

WorkSafe is New Zealand’s primary workplace health and safety regulator. Our audit is registered by WorkSafe New Zealand under the Adventure Activities Certification Scheme

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