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Course Description

This course is a deep dive into the world of whitewater kayaking where you hone your basic skills further and also get introduced to advanced skills for greater stability and control of the kayak in whitewater.

Students will get to progress to harder sections on Alaknanda River based on their progression and safety considerations by instructors.

Food and accommodation is provided at our base in Shivanandi River Lodge which is located on the banks of the Alaknanda river.

Season

October - June

Location

Shivanandi River Lodge, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

Group Size

Maximum 7 participants per batch

Skill Level

Beginner - no prior experience required

Duration

6 days

Shivanandi River Lodge

The lodge in located on the banks of the Alaknanda River and has easy access to other classic Himalayan Rivers - Pinder, Mandakini, Bhagirathi and Ganga.

The place is built for kayakers by a kayaker — a riverside home where paddlers train, rest, and share the valley with a fun community that lives the sport.

Facilities

  • Freshly cooked home-style, healthy meals
  • Comfortable rooms
  • Natural swimming pool overlooking the Alaknanda to relax-in, swim-in and practice kayaking skills
  • GREAT COMPANY!!
Main buildings at Shivanandi River Lodge
A riverside room at Shivanandi River Lodge
Guest room at Shivanandi River Lodge
Fresh home-cooked meals at the lodge
Natural swimming pool at Shivanandi River Lodge
Kayaks arranged in front of the lodge
Sunset over the Alaknanda from Shivanandi
Rainbow over the river at Shivanandi
Lodge dogs at Shivanandi River Lodge
Mornings in front of Shivanandi River Lodge
Walking around Shivanandi River Lodge

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

  • Paddle more effectively
  • Navigate grade 3 rapids with improved control and stability
  • Perform eskimo roll
  • Progress to harder river sections under instructor guidance

Eligibility

  • Previous kayaking experience not required
  • Above age 12
  • 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

Our courses are conducted with high safety standards:

  • Learning sessions in a safe and comfortable environment
  • Effective and well tested methods of teaching and progression
  • Instructors with decades of experience in white water
  • Instructors are certified first aid and CPR providers and whitewater rescue experts
  • High quality, international standard equipment

Curriculum

Introduction

  • Kayak design
  • About equipment
  • Kayak fitting
  • Kayak carrying technique
  • River safety briefing

Core skills

  • Forward stroke
  • Back stroke
  • Eddy in
  • Eddy out
  • Eskimo roll
  • Ferrying
  • Edge control

Self rescue

  • Wet exit
  • Throw bag rescue
  • White water swimming
  • Eskimo roll

Down river skills

  • River running (Class 3)
  • Dodging obstacles
  • Signals
  • Safety Protocols

Advanced skills

  • Efficient forward stroke
  • High brace
  • Low brace
  • Sculling brace
  • Draw stroke

Fees

₹36,000 ₹30,000
*For accommodation and food pricing please see other costs section below*

What's Included

  • Professional instruction from top instructors and kayakers in India
  • All whitewater kayaking and safety equipment(kayak, paddle, spray skirt, helmet, life jacket, splash jacket, wet suit)
  • Safety kayakers on river trips
  • 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

Other costs

ACCOMODATION AND FOOD OPTIONS:

1) Pitch your own tent - Rs. 500 / tent / night (Breakfast - Rs. 200 / head, Lunch - Rs. 400 / head, Dinner - Rs. 400 / head)

2) 3 sharing room - Rs. 2000 / head / night (Includes dinner, breakfast and lunch)

3) 2 sharing room - Rs. 2500 / head / night (Includes dinner, breakfast and lunch)

4) Private room - Rs. 5000 - Rs. 6000 / night (Price depends on type of room. Includes dinner, breakfast and lunch)

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.
  • Make 50% advance payment and complete the course registration form to reserve your slot
  • Receive your slot confirmation

Gallery

Kayaking POV in Alaknanda River
Kayaking POV in Alaknanda River
Kayaks arranged in front of the lodge
Pro kayaker practicing in the pool
Pets at Shivanandi River Lodge
Fresh healthy homely food
The main lodge buildings
Rainbow by the river. Surreal feeling
A room at Shivanandi River Lodge
A room at Shivanandi River Lodge
A surreal sunset at Shivanandi
Kayaking POV in Alaknanda River
Mornings in front of Shivanandi River Lodge
Pro kayaker practicing in the pool
Practicing eskimo roll
Walking around Shivanandi River Lodge

Things to Carry

To ensure you have a comfortable experience during the course, please bring the following items with you:

Essential Items

  • Quick-dry clothing (synthetic or wool, avoid cotton) - Preferable full sleeves and tight fitting
  • Swimming shorts/trunks
  • Water shoes or light weight sports shoes (that can get wet)
  • Water bottle (1 liter minimum)
  • ID Proof
  • Personal medications(if any)

Additional Good To Have Items

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen (water-resistant, SPF 30+)
  • Towel
  • Hat or cap
  • Dry bag
  • Camera (waterproof)
  • Snacks or Energy Bars

Important Note

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

Instructor Profiles

Shalabh Gahlaut

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. He is deeply passionate about rivers and has produced some of the top talent in the whitewater industry through his mentorship and guidance. He 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.
Jogi Nayak

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 the Indian sub-continent. He is a Certified White Water Rescue Technician from Rescue 3 International and a certified river guide from US National White Water Center, which is the training ground for olympic 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.
Arjun Sagoi

Arjun Sagoi

Arjun has vast experience working as a river guide and rescue professional in whitewater operations across India and Iceland. Arjun's specialty is smooth lines, calm and calculated river running with top notch human skills. When not on his home rivers the Alaknanda and Pindar he can be found hucking falls in India and Iceland.
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. Daman is also a certified white water professional. He has vast experience working as a river guide in India, Nepal and Iceland.

Enquiry form

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