The Coast to Coast is exciting — and a little intimidating. Our course starts from the very beginning, so no previous kayaking experience is needed. We structure each course to suit the group, covering:

– Gear and equipment essentials.

– Fundamental strokes, skills, and techniques.

– Rolling your kayak and rescue skills.

– Reading and navigating Grade 2 whitewater.

– Skills practice and assessment for your Grade 2 Certificate.

A typical day has three sessions: a pool session, a training session, and a river trip – with time to come back to the lodge in between. Daily rolling sessions combined with on-river practice give you lots of time to practice and refine your roll  – the most efficient way to save time and energy on race day.

We are three minutes away from our local school pool (heated in the cooler seasons), and with five rivers nearby, there are many options for training sessions and river trips. You’ll also benefit from video feedback and off-water theory, helping you see your progress and fine-tune your technique.

Because every group is different, our instructors are constantly adjusting the plan – choosing the river section or skill focus for each session to make sure you get the most out of your time with us.

Our purpose-built lodge is designed for comfort and relaxation. Kayaker-designed for your off-water time, our lodge includes a fully-equipped kitchen, shared bunk-rooms, hot showers, drying lines, cosy couches, a winter fire and a spacious summer deck.

With multiple river sections just a short drive away, you’ll spend less time travelling and more time paddling. Between sessions, come back to the lodge to eat, warm up and relax (with enough time to sneak in a quick nap if you need) before heading out for your next session. [See our Lodge information here].

Nervous? Curious? Excited? We have a world-class team of qualified and passionate instructors and support staff – extraordinary both on and off the water.  Our teaching team customises information on the go, making sure you get exactly what you need – always with safety at the heart of what we do.

We are more than just kayaking – we build supportive, trusting connections, and teach both physical skills and the mindset strategies to help you thrive on the water. Ask as many questions as you like  – we’ll make sure you leave knowing your next step in the Coast to Coast journey.

As a registered certificate provider, we need to ensure you meet all the safety and skill criteria before we can sign you off. Throughout the course, we’ll keep checking in so you know exactly where you stand.

If you’re not quite ready after your first four days, we’ll give you a clear training plan and invite you back free of charge for another course (up to four days) to complete your certificate.

The Coast to Coast safety team tracks competitor swims, so certificate providers are held accountable — and we take that seriously. Our goal is to give you everything you need to paddle the Waimakariri safely and confidently.

– Certificate support | If you need extra time after your four days, we’ll bring you back (at no extra course cost) to complete your certificate.

– World-class team | Qualified, passionate instructors with strong backgrounds in kayaking and teaching. We have an on-site support team and are fully Adventure Activity Safety Audit-certified.

– Purpose-built kayaking lodge |Kayaker-designed for off-water comfort with a fully-equipped kitchen, shared bunk-rooms, hot showers, drying lines, cosy couches, a winter fire and spacious summer deck.

– Gear, accommodation and transport included  | Four nights’ accommodation at our lodge, access to our full equipment fleet, and transport during the course are included. You just bring your food.

– Maximum paddling time | Three minutes from the pool and with five rivers close by, you spend more time paddling and less time in transit.

– Weather-proof courses| We can run in all manner of weather thanks to our expert local knowledge and close access to a range of rivers, lakes, our onsite pond, and swimming pool.

– Personalised gear advice| Learn about the right gear for you, whether in person at our shop, or second-hand shopping online. We’ll give you clear, honest and accurate information.

Send us an email or give us a call. We have a dedicated team that personally manages each booking,  taking great care to match you with the course that’s the best fit for you.

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