Grade 2 Certificate Course

Welcome! Whether you’re a first-timer taking on the Coast to Coast, on the waitlist, or just considering it for the future — this is the course for you.

Designed with one goal in mind: a safe, successful paddling leg on the Waimakariri River. With over 30 years’ teaching experience, an international reputation, and thousands of success stories, you’re in good hands.

No previous kayaking experience is needed. We cover gear essentials, core strokes and techniques, rolling and rescue skills, reading Grade 2 whitewater, and certificate assessment. Each day includes a pool session, a training session, and a river trip, with time back at the lodge in between. We’re three minutes from the local pool (heated in winter) and close to five rivers, so you’ll get video feedback, off-water theory, and a plan our instructors adjust to your group.

Already kayaking? We can build the Grade 2 Certificate assessment into any of our four-day skills courses — we’ll place you on the right intermediate or advanced course for both upskilling and assessment.

As a registered certificate provider, we confirm you meet all safety and skill criteria before signing off. If you’re not quite ready after four days, you’re welcome back free of charge to finish your certificate.

Course highlights:

• World-class team | Qualified, passionate instructors with strong kayaking and teaching backgrounds, on-site support, and full Adventure Activity Safety Audit certification.
• Purpose-built kayaking lodge | Kayaker-designed comfort: full kitchen, shared bunk-rooms, hot showers, drying lines, cosy couches, a winter fire, and a spacious summer deck.
• Everything included | Four nights’ lodge accommodation, full equipment fleet, and transport during the course — just bring your food.
• Maximum paddling time | Minutes from the pool, close to five rivers — more time paddling, less time in transit.
• Weather-proof courses | Local knowledge and access to rivers, lakes, our onsite pond, and pool mean we can run in almost any weather.
• Honest gear advice | Clear, accurate guidance on the right gear for you, in-store or shopping second-hand online.

This course covers the training and assessment required for your Grade 2 Certificate. Please read our cancellation policy before booking.