Who it’s for
Taking on the Coast to Coast?
Our four-day Grade 2 Certificate courses are designed with one goal in mind: a safe, successful paddling leg on the Waimakariri River. We start from the very beginning, so no kayaking experience is needed. This course is for you if you:
- Are a first-timer entering the Coast to Coast
- Are on the waitlist, or thinking about it for a future year
- Have some experience but don’t have your Grade 2 Certificate yet
- Feel nervous, curious or excited – or all three!
With over 30 years of teaching, an international reputation and thousands of success stories, you’re in the right place. Have some experience already? We can build the assessment into any of our four-day skills courses. Already have your certificate? You might be ready for our Intermediate or Advanced courses. Not sure? Contact us and we’ll help you choose.
What you’ll work on
Race-ready skills
- 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
- Video feedback and theory to see your progress and fine-tune your technique
The Coast to Coast is exciting – and a little intimidating. Daily rolling practice and time on the river build a reliable roll, the most efficient way to save time and energy on race day. Every group is different, so our instructors adjust the plan as they go, and you’ll leave knowing your next step in your Coast to Coast journey.
Our certificate promise
Know you’ll get your Grade 2 Certificate
As a registered certificate provider, we make sure you meet all the safety and skill criteria before we sign you off – and we’ll keep checking in so you always know where you stand. If you’re not quite ready after 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 providers are held accountable – and we take that seriously. Our goal is for you to paddle the Waimakariri safely and confidently.
A typical day
Three sessions, lots of paddling
Pool session
Daily rolling practice at the school pool, three minutes from the lodge.
Training session
Strokes and skills on a river, lake or our onsite pond – whatever the weather.
River trip
Put it into practice on one of five rivers nearby, with time back at the lodge in between.
Why choose us
Why NZ Kayak School?
Certificate support
Need more 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, an on-site support team, and fully Adventure Activity Safety Audit certified.
All included
Four nights’ accommodation, our full equipment fleet and transport during the course. Just bring your food.
Purpose-built lodge
Kayaker-designed with a full kitchen, bunk-rooms, hot showers, drying lines, cosy couches, a winter fire and a summer deck. See the lodge.
More paddling, any weather
Three minutes from the pool and five rivers close by. With lakes and our onsite pond too, we run in all manner of weather.
Honest gear advice
Learn about the right gear for you – in person at our shop, or second-hand online. Clear, honest and accurate.
How to book
Book online in a few minutes
1
Pick your dates
Choose a course in the calendar below and click Book now.
2
Choose your spots
Up to 4 spots per course – book for yourself, friends or teammates.
3
Tell us about you
Your experience, age, height, weight and whether you need gear hire.
4
Check out
Pay securely by card and get a confirmation email straight away.
Once you’ve booked, our team will review your details and be in touch with everything you need to know. Prefer to talk first? Email courses@nzkayakschool.com or call +64 3 669 3330 – tell us your race date and we’ll help you choose a course that gets you ready in time.
Upcoming dates
Choose Your Grade 2 Certificate Course
Tap a highlighted course to see places left and book online.
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