White water kayaking at Shivanandi River Lodge in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

White Water Kayaking Foundation Course

Shivanandi River Lodge, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

Limited availability for this course!

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

Apr, May, Oct, Nov

Location

Shivanandi River Lodge, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

Group Size

Maximum 5 participants per batch

Skill Level

Beginner

About Shivanandi River Lodge

Shivanandi River Lodge is built by one of the most experienced and renowned white water kayakers in India, Shalabh Gahalaut. Shalabh is a pioneer in the sport and is a well known personality in the white water kayaking community worldwide.

Shivanandi River Lodge is a popular destination among adventure and outdoors enthusiasts and especially among kayakers from across the world. The lodge offers a family-friendly base with comfortable accommodation, meals, a natural swimming pool and direct access to the river Alaknanda and other classic Himalayan rivers in the region. Its peaceful and natural setting make it ideal for individuals and families to connect with nature and learn white water kayaking.

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

Fees

Course fees

₹10,000 ₹9,000 / head / day

*Special discount for past customers - reach out to us for more details*

What's Included

Professional instruction from highly experienced and certified kayaking instructors
All whitewater kayaking (kayak, paddle, spray skirt, helmet, life jacket, dry top) and safety equipment
Safety kayakers on river trips
Accommodation in a room at Shivanandi River Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Evening Chai
Transportation for River Trips on the Alaknanda River
Course completion certificate from National Outdoor School

What's Not Included

Transportation to course location
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

Gallery

Mornings in front of Shivanandi River Lodge

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

Shalabh Gahlaut

Shalabh is a pioneer of white water kayaking in India with decades of experience in the sport and is the first to kayak a number of rivers in the Indian sub-continent. Shalabh has vast experience in teaching children. He is a father of 2 daughters and has helped his children to become passionate kayakers and environmentally conscious individuals with a deep love for nature and the outdoors. His family built Shivanandi River Lodge together wishing it to be a place of relaxation, a place close to the mountains and rivers, and a home for the family. The family home evolved into a lodge and a popular destination among adventure and outdoors enthusiasts, especially among kayakers from across the world.

Arjun Sagoi

Arjun is a highly accomplished white water kayaker in India. He is the founder along with Shalabh Gahlaut of Alakananda Whitewater, a leading white water kayaking and rafting company in India. Arjun has vast experience working as a river guide and rescue professional in reputed white water kayaking and rafting companies in India and Iceland. Arjun wishes to share his vast knowledge about kayaking, rivers and mountains with children and help them to become better individuals.

Jogi Nayak

Jogi is a passionate kayaker and an advocate for the sport. His passion for white water kayaking has made him explore more than 25+ rivers across various countries. He is certified as a White Water Rescue Technician from Rescue 3 international, Level 2 Swift Water Rescue Professional from ITRA and a certified river guide from US National White Water Center, which is the training ground for olympic level athletes. He believes that white water 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 and outdoors. Jogi's mission with National Outdoor School is to make quality outdoor education accessible to all and build a community of nature lovers, outdoor sports enthusiasts and world class athletes.

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.