Kayak Training and Grade 2 Certificate Package

The Kayak Training and Grade 2 Certificate (G2C™) Package is a combined program designed to enhance kayak skills and provide certification. Participants receive expert training in essential techniques, strokes, and river practices. Upon successful completion, you obtain a Grade 2 Certificate (G2C™), demonstrating proficiency in navigating moderate whitewater. This package is a structured pathway for kayakers to progress and gain recognition.

2hr free Flat and Moving Water session in Auckland with every course booked!

Kayak Training and Grade 2 Certificate (G2C™) 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, 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.

 

Who is this for?

  • Technique-driven paddlers (e.g., chasing sub-5-hour kayak splits)

  • Budget-constrained or weekend-only learners

 

Online-Theory training course components: save time and skip the in-person theory for more river time and skill acquisition by to the academia at home: click HERE

 

Course Highlights:

  • Nature-based, physical exercise, good company, excellent instruction

  • Very structured syllabus

  • Small-group focus with elite kayak coaching (20+ years coaching experience)

  • Instant confirmation email

 

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

Meals: Self-catered

Locations:

  • Mohaka River (Napier), Waioeka River (Opotiki), Waikato River (Taupo), Rangitaikei (Rotorua), Whanganui (Taumarunui), Tongariro (Turangi)

 

Core Training Elements:

  • Paddle stroke efficiency

  • Boat control & edging

  • White-water technique

  • Swift-water safety

  • Rescue & rolling drills

 

Certification & Preparation:

  • Fast-track certification: get certified in 3 days

  • Kayak assessment package

  • Kayak leg preparation

  • Grade 2 Certificate (G2C™)

  • Multisport kayak school

  • Weekend intensive clinic

 

Additional Services:

  • Gear hire & transport add-on

  • Can add-on flat-water coaching in Auckland

  • Race-ready training plan included

Kayak Training and Grade 2 Certificate Package

Day 1

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

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.

Weekend-Only Kayak Training and Certification Course
Kayak Training and Grade 2 Certificate Package

Day 3

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

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

Kayak Training and Grade 2 Certificate Package

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: BeachcomberEnigmaWaimakDuo
  • 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 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

No experience is necessary.

Yes, please choose our other options

If on the rare chance you fail (we have a 99% 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!