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Intro to Whitewater Program

1 day

View all Whitewater Kayaking Courses - For Beginners|Kodenchery, Kerala

Course Description

This is a crash course that introduces you to whitewater techniques in a single action-packed day on the river.

Perfect for anyone curious about whitewater who wants a taste of the sport before committing to a multi-day course.

What's covered

  • Introduction to paddling techniques
  • Whitewater swimming
  • Introduction to currents
  • River reading and hazard awareness
  • Introduction to different types of whitewater crafts – inflatable kayaks & packrafts
  • A fun run in a safe rapid in an inflatable kayak

Season

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Location

Kodenchery, Kerala

Group Size

Maximum 6 participants per batch

Skill Level

Beginner – no experience required

Duration

1 day

What you'll experience

  • Comfort in moving water with a PFD
  • Basic river reading and hazard awareness
  • Introduction to paddling and rapid running
  • Exposure to inflatable kayaks and packrafts

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

Daily Schedule

Morning Batch Schedule

  • 7:15am - 7:45am

    Breakfast

  • 7:45am - 8:00am

    Travel to training location

  • 8:00am - 8:30am

    Gear up

  • 8:30am - 1:00pm

    Training with short breaks

Fees

₹4,500 / head

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

Steps to book

Follow these steps to confirm your spot in the course:

  • Fill out the enquiry form on this page with your details.
  • Our team will contact you to confirm your eligibility for the course.
  • Complete the course registration form
  • Receive your email confirmation

Gallery

View of river from the bridge
Kodenchery ariel view
Learning under water breath control
Enjoying tasty food with river view
Eddy out practice
Ferry practice
Serenity of Kodenchery
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the course conducted and how to get there?

The course is conducted in Kodenchery, Kozhikode district, Kerala.

Google Maps Link

How to get there

The nearest airport is Kozhikode airport (1 hour drive) and the nearest railway station is Kozhikode railway station (1 hour drive). You can take a taxi directly to Kodenchery or bus to Adivaram and then auto to Kodenchery.

When does the season start and end?
The season starts after the onset of monsoon on June 15th 2026 and end in September 2026.
What is the Malabar River Festival?
It is an International Level Whitewater Kayaking Competition organized by Kerala Tourism. It has both Intermediate and Professional categories. Once you do the course, you are eligible to participate in the Intermediate category. The competition happens July end or August first week
Is White Water Kayaking Safe

Yes. When done with a professionals who are highly qualified instructors and have vast experience in whitewater, swiftwater rescue and first aid, kayaking is a safe sport to practice.

The top priority of our team at all times is to ensure students feel safe and comfortable during their learning journey.

What is the batch size?
We take a maximum of 5 people per day for the whitewater kayaking course for a healthy instructor - student ratio which ensures personal attention and higher safety.
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