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White Water Kayaking Foundation Course

Kodancherry, Kerala

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Course Description

Whitewater kayaking is a water sport where individuals navigate rivers using specialized kayaks to paddle through rapids, waves, and obstacles while maintaining control and balance.

The course provides all the foundational knowledge for the student to pursue the highly exciting and rewarding journey of learning white water kayaking.

The course aims to not just cover practical skills required for kayaking but also impart theoretical knowledge about dealing with river features, currents and water in general. The course will cover the basics of river safety and rescue techniques.

Learning white water kayaking opens up doors to explore the world in unimaginable ways. It gives people the opportunity to reach prestine, untouched places that are only accessible by water. The sport also helps in building confidence in the outdoors, makes you more comfortable in water and helps build mental and physical resilience.

Season

Jun, Jul, Aug

Location

Kodancherry, Kerala

Group Size

Maximum 5 participants per batch

Skill Level

Beginner

At the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Navigate a white water kayak in grade 2 rapids
  • Perform basic self-rescue and rescue techniques
  • Swim and float comfortably in grade 2 rapids
  • Notice river features and learn to deal with them in a safe manner

Eligibility

  • Previous kayaking experience not required
  • Above age 16
  • Must not suffer from medical issues that prevents the participant from taking part in physical intensive activities
  • Ability to swim and float comfortably in deep water with the help of a PFD
  • Proven physical fitness

Safety

We understand that learning kayaking is an enjoyable experience when practice is conducted in the safest environment possible among highly experienced instructors and rescue professionals. Here are some highlights about safety during the course:

  • Practice sessions in a highly safe and secured environment
  • Certified instructor with decades of experience in white water
  • Certified rescue professionals on the river during the course
  • Every instructor is a certified first aid and CPR provider
  • High quality safety equipment like PFDs, throw ropes and helmets
  • Beginners will not be taken in rapids above Grade 3

Curriculum

White water kayaking introduction

  • Kayak design
  • About kayaking equipment
  • River safety briefing
  • Seat positioning
  • Kayak carrying technique

Basic paddling skills

  • Forward stroke
  • Back stroke
  • Basic Rescue skills
  • Wet exit
  • Throw bag rescue
  • T rescue
  • White water swimming

River features

  • Waves
  • Holes
  • Eddies
  • Pour overs

Core skills

  • Eddy in
  • Eddy out
  • Eskimo roll
  • Ferrying
  • Edge control

Down river skills

  • Momentum
  • Moving laterally
  • Leaning
  • Signals

Daily Schedule

All days Schedule

  • 6:30am - 7:00am

    Exercise / Warm up / Yoga

  • 7:00am - 7:30am

    Breakfast

  • 7:45am - 8:15am

    Travel to training location

  • 8:30am - 1:00pm

    Theory & Practical Sessions on the river (with 30 minutes break)

  • 1:30pm - 2:30pm

    Lunch

  • 2:30pm onwards

    Practice / Pool Sessions (optional)

Fees

Course fees

₹5000 ₹4500 / head / day
*Further discount for past students - reach out to us for more details*

What's Included

  • Professional instruction from certified kayaking instructors
  • All kayaking equipment rental (kayak, paddle, spray skirt, helmet, life jacket)
  • Course completion certificate
  • Transportation to and from the training location

What's Not Included

  • Accommodation
  • Food & Beverages

Refund Policy

  • 100% refund:If cancelled 20+ days before course start date
  • 50% refund:If cancelled 15-19 days before course start date
  • 30% refund:If cancelled 7-14 days before course start date
  • No refund:If cancelled less than 7 days before course start date

Other costs

Food:

Approximately Rs. 200 - Rs. 300 per head per day.

Accommodation:

Approximately Rs. 500 - Rs. 1200 per room per night depending on the type of accommodation chosen. Dorms, Private rooms and Homestay options are available.

**You are free to choose your own accommodation anywhere in Kodancherry as per your budget. Contact us for recommendations.

Gallery

View of river from the bridge
Kodancherry ariel view
Learning under water breath control
Enjoying tasty food with river view
Eddy out practice
Ferry practice
Serenity of Kodancherry
Instructors giving personal
Post kayaking fun
Kayaking in the rain
Kayaking down a rapid
Kayaking down a rapid
Kayaking down a rapid
Rapid scouting before kayaking
Ride on top of the vehicle
River crossing practice
Practicing eskimo roll
Practicing eskimo roll
Roll training session
Roll training session
Happiness of first successfull roll
Practicing eskimo roll in the swimming pool
Rapid run
T-rescue practice
Walking with kayak
Wet exit training

Things to Carry

To ensure you have a comfortable experience during the White Water Kayaking Foundation Course, please bring the following items with you:

Essential Items

  • Quick-dry clothing (synthetic or wool, avoid cotton)
  • Swimming shorts/trunks
  • Water shoes or sneakers (that can get wet)
  • Sunscreen (water-resistant, SPF 30+)
  • Towel
  • Water bottle (1 liter minimum)
  • ID Proof

Additional Good To Have Items

  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or cap
  • Lightweight rain jacket
  • Dry bag
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal medications
  • Camera (waterproof)
  • Snacks
  • Small first aid kit

Important Note

All specialized kayaking equipment will be provided by National Outdoor School.

Instructor Profiles

Jogi Nayak

Jogi Nayak

Jogi is a passionate kayaker and an advocate for the sport. His passion for the sport has made him explore more than 20+ rivers across India, Nepal and USA. He believes that kayaking is not just a sport, but a way of life that connects people with nature and helps them discover their true potential. He is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience with others, and helping them develop their skills and confidence on the water. He is certified as a White Water Rescue Technician from Rescue 3 international, Swift Water Rescue Technician from ITRA and river guide from US National White Water Center. He has previously trained over 100 students at General Thimayya National Academy of Adventure and various other kayaking schools in India. His mission with National Outdoor School is to make white water kayaking accessible to all, create a community of kayakers who are passionate about the sport and the environment, and produce athletes in India that reach the world stage.
Daman Singh

Daman Singh

Daman Singh is a highly accomplished white water kayaker in India. He has won accolades in International competitions and has vast experience across rivers in India, Nepal and Iceland. He loves sharing his knowledge and experience with others, guiding them into becoming better paddlers. He is among top white water kayakers in the country. Daman is also a certified white water rescue professional. He has vast experience working as a river guide in reputed companies like Alakananda Whitewater, India and Arctic Rafting, Iceland.

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