First-Timer's Guide to Kayaking in the Coast to Coast

If you are thinking about entering the Coast to Coast for the first time, the kayak stage can feel like one of the biggest unknowns in the whole race.

For some people, it is the section they are most excited about. For others, it is the part they are most nervous about. The Coast to Coast kayak stage is a serious challenge, but it is also something that many first-timers successfully prepare for every year.

The key is to start early, make good decisions, and build your skills in the right order.

This guide walks you through the main things first-time competitors need to think about, from deciding whether the Coast to Coast is a realistic goal for you, through to training, gear, and race preparation.

1. Decide if the Coast to Coast is realistic for you

This is important to consider.

A lot of first-timers assume the kayak stage is only for people with a long paddling background. That is not true. Many people enter the Coast to Coast with little or no kayaking experience. What matters more is whether you have enough time to learn properly, whether you are willing to train consistently, and whether you are realistic about the process.

There are a few things worth thinking about early.

Previous kayaking experience

You do not need to be an experienced kayaker to get started. Plenty of people begin from scratch. But if you are a total beginner, it is important to understand that the learning curve will be steeper, and you will need more time on the water than someone who has paddled before.

Age

The minimum age for the Longest Day (one-day individual) is 18 years on race day. For the Two Day event, the minimum age is 16. Participants under 18 require parental consent.

We have worked with a wide range of ages, including a significant number of customers in their 60s, although only a handful in their 70s. It may not come as a surprise that younger athletes often pick up whitewater skills faster than older students. But with age often comes patience and good judgement, while younger paddlers can become frustrated more quickly, even when they are actually progressing well.

From a physical standpoint, what matters more than age is your mobility, general fitness, and how well your body can tolerate the training load.

Weight and body size

Body size matters because it affects which kayaks will suit you best. Some multisport kayaks are better suited to lighter paddlers, while others work much better for medium or heavier paddlers. This is one reason beginner boat choice needs to be personalised rather than guessed.

If you are above 100kg, your boat options become more limited, and you will usually find balance more difficult than a lighter paddler in the same kayak. Our Grade 2 Certificate Course has a weight limit of 110kg. If you are near this limit, do not be discouraged, but do understand that you may face some additional challenges.

Swimming ability and water confidence

To pass your Grade 2 Certificate, you will need to be able to capsize in a rapid and rescue yourself by swimming to the side of a moving river while dragging your kayak and paddle behind you.

You do not need to be an elite swimmer, but you do need to be reasonably comfortable in the water. If the idea of capsizing causes major panic, or if you are very uncomfortable being underwater, this is something to take seriously and work on early.

Mobility and injuries

The kayak stage involves sitting in the paddling position for a long time. Shoulder issues, back pain, hip mobility restrictions, and previous injuries can all affect how comfortable and capable you feel in the kayak. None of these automatically rule you out, but they do affect how you should prepare and how quickly you are likely to pick up the necessary whitewater skills.

Training environment

Where you live matters. If you are close to flatwater paddling and can regularly access rivers, preparation is much easier. If you live somewhere with limited paddling options, you may need to be more deliberate with trips, coaching, and training blocks.

Budget

The kayak stage is not just the cost of race entry. You also need to think about a boat, paddle, PFD, helmet, spray skirt, paddling clothing, transport setup, course fees, and possibly travel. It is much easier if you (and your significant other), understand that upfront rather than discovering it all later.

The main point is this: you do not need to be a natural kayaker or lifelong paddler to do the Coast to Coast. But you do need enough time, the right support, and a willingness to prepare properly.

2. Enter the ballot and start paddling early

Once you have decided this is something you want to do, the next step is to get organised early.

The Coast to Coast is not the kind of event where you can figure it all out in a couple of weeks. Between race entry, training, gaining your Grade 2 Certificate, organising gear, buying a boat, building fitness, and getting enough river experience, there are too many moving parts to leave until the last minute.

If you are serious about the event, it makes sense to understand the entry process early, keep an eye on key dates, and give yourself plenty of runway.

When it comes to kayaking, the earlier you start, the more enjoyable the whole process becomes. You have more time to improve, more time to make smart decisions, and far less pressure on every session.

In recent years, the Coast to Coast has become so popular that a ballot system has been introduced. You should get your name in the ballot, then immediately begin your kayak training.

Do not hold back until your entry is confirmed. What we have seen is that many people who are not offered a place immediately are put on a waitlist and later offered a spot. Plenty of those people sit on the waitlist without training, or without any serious commitment to doing the race. That is one reason the waitlist tends to move so much.

Even if you are a long way down the waitlist, you may still be offered a place at some point. If that happens in November or December and the race is in February, you need to be ready to go. Most people are not.

Once you gain your Grade 2 Certificate for the first time, it remains valid for two years. The Coast to Coast has also stated publicly that if you are near the end of the waitlist and do not get offered a spot in the first year, you will be prioritised for the following year. But if you are offered a spot in the first year and decline because you are not ready, you will lose your position.

So if you are seriously keen to do this race in the next year, or even the year after, there is very little downside to getting underway now.

3. Choose the right kayak

For many first-timers, this feels like the biggest decision.

It is also one of the easiest places to go wrong.

Unless you are travelling from overseas for the race and plan to hire equipment, you will definitely want your own kayak for both training and racing.

A lot of beginners underestimate how important this decision is and buy based on price alone. In reality, the right kayak lets you learn properly, build confidence, and paddle efficiently for your current ability level. A kayak that is technically faster on paper is not faster for you if you are constantly unstable, tense, or swimming a lot.

For most first-time Coast to Coasters, it makes sense to start by looking at more stable, novice-friendly multisport kayaks. These types of boats are usually a much better platform for learning good habits and building confidence.

There are also faster, more ambitious models that can suit some paddlers, especially if they have strong balance, previous paddling experience, or a lot of time to train. But this is where getting advice becomes important. Boat choice should be based on your size, skill level, confidence, and timeframe, not just ambition.

This is also why the timing of buying a kayak can vary.

Some people buy a boat early because they want something to begin flatwater training in straight away. That can work well if they get good advice and choose conservatively.

For others, especially complete beginners, it makes more sense to wait until after a Grade 2 Course or some initial coaching. By that stage, you usually have a much better feel for what suits you and what does not.

Do not make a rushed decision based on ego, marketing, or guesswork.

Multisport kayaks fall into three categories: Stable, Intermediate, and Elite.

All first-timers must race in the same category of kayak as noted on their Grade 2 Certificate. This does not mean you need to complete your Grade 2 Course, or be assessed, in the exact same model you plan to race in. But it is important that you understand what category of kayak you are buying, because almost all novices are first certified to race in a Stable category boat.

Even if you see yourself as a capable athlete, the reaction most beginners have to multisport kayaking is that it is more difficult than they expected.

Be very conservative when choosing your first kayak. The single biggest mistake we see every week is first-timers in kayaks that are too advanced, or not stable enough, for them.

If you are new to kayaking and want to buy a boat right now, these are three of the most stable and forgiving kayaks to start with:

• Barracuda Beachcomber: for paddlers 70 to 100kg
• Barracuda Enigma: for paddlers under 80kg
• Ruahine Whio: for paddlers over 95kg

If you are interested in something faster, these are some of the most popular quicker Stable category kayaks:

• Flow Aspire: for paddlers 70 to 90kg
• Ruahine Shadow: for paddlers 70 to 90kg
• JKK Eclipse 5.7: for paddlers 70 to 90kg
• JKK Eclipse 5.2: for paddlers under 70kg

But be warned. We see many first-timers unable to handle these faster Stable models. Even with good coaching and plenty of perseverance, every year we see paddlers move out of them and into a Beachcomber, Enigma, or Whio. Falling out all the time is not much fun, and it is a very slow way to get down the river.

4. Get the gear you need

You will need more than just a boat.

The good news is that not everything needs to be purchased at once. But you do need the right essentials to get started.

At a minimum, for your flatwater foundations, you will want:

• a wing paddle: ideally an XS or S blade in an adjustable shaft
• a correctly fitted PFD: ideally one with a rear pocket for a hydration bladder
• a spray skirt: get one with a food pocket
• roof racks with kayak cradles: J-cradles such as the Yakima JayLow are a great option

To become river-ready, you will also need:

• booties
• a whitewater helmet
• a paddle jacket
• paddling shorts and good thermal layers
• a dry bag and emergency gear

Depending on your kayak, you may also need flotation bags and other setup items.

This is an area where beginners often waste money by buying gear that is not quite right. They choose a PFD that is not suitable for river use, footwear that comes off in the river, a jacket that is not warm enough, or a paddle that is the wrong size for them.

The smartest approach is to get advice from people who understand Coast to Coast kayaking specifically. These are not always the first people you speak to at your local kayak shop.

You do not need the fanciest setup. But you do need one that is safe, practical, and appropriate for the kind of paddling you will be doing.

5. Build your flatwater foundation

Before you become a confident river paddler, it helps to become comfortable in a kayak.

This is where flatwater training can really help.

Flatwater gives you a chance to build basic technique, balance, comfort, fitness, and familiarity with a kayak without the extra complexity of current. If you are a complete beginner, this phase is hugely valuable.

This stage is often underrated. People get excited about the river and forget that a lot of confidence comes from simply spending time in a boat and making it all feel normal.

At this stage, useful goals include:

• getting comfortable getting in and out of the kayak
• improving your forward stroke
• improving your balance
• learning to edge the boat
• developing your ability to sprint
• building paddling fitness
• gaining confidence in wind, chop, and less-than-perfect conditions
• getting used to the paddling position

Flatwater is not the whole answer, but it is a valuable part of the progression. It gives you a base to build from.

If you would like help with this early phase, you can book a 60-minute Introduction to Multisport lesson here.

Watch this video for a complete guide, including flatwater drills you can do on your own:

6. Learn proper whitewater skills with a Grade 2 course

This is one of the most important parts of the whole journey.

The Coast to Coast kayak stage is not just a flatwater endurance paddle. It involves current, moving water, decision-making, boat control, and the ability to stay upright through bluff corners, buffer waves, holes, seam lines, wave trains, and boils.

A good Grade 2 Course should give you a solid foundation of whitewater paddling skills. It should help you understand how current works, how to control your kayak in moving water, how to make safe decisions, and what to do when things go wrong.

This is not just about ticking a box to get a certificate.

Too many people think of the Grade 2 Certificate as an admin requirement. In reality, it should be the foundation of your whitewater education. If that foundation is weak, everything after it becomes harder.

The truth is that every year, many paddlers swim during the Coast to Coast. Usually, it is not because they were unfit. More often, it is because their whitewater skills were not strong enough for the conditions and pressure of the day.

That is why we place so much importance on learning proper whitewater skills early. Knowing you have solid skills reduces fear, improves safety, and gives you more control when it matters.

A Grade 2 Course is not the finish line. But it is where the most important foundations are laid.

Book your Grade 2 Certificate Course here.

7. Create a training routine that works

Once you have started building skills and have your basic setup sorted, the next step is training consistency.

The paddlers who progress best are usually not the ones doing random sessions. They are the ones who paddle regularly, build momentum, and keep improving over time.

For many first-timers, that means finding a realistic weekly routine that includes a mix of flatwater work, skills practice, and river time where possible.

That could include:

• one or two high-intensity flatwater paddles during the week
• a longer skills or fitness session on the weekend
• club training sessions
• occasional river trips
• a structured training plan if you want more guidance

Kayak clubs can be a huge help here. They make it easier to find paddling partners, access group sessions, and stay accountable. Training with other people also makes the process more enjoyable.

If you are serious about improving, it can also be worth following a proper training plan. A plan helps you structure your paddling, progress your workload appropriately, and make sure you are not wasting your time. Training plans range from pre-built templates you can download through to fully customised one-on-one coaching. Choose something appropriate to your budget, goals, and how much guidance you feel you need.

But remember that you should always prioritise skill, not just fitness. If a session in your plan calls for a long flatwater paddle, run, or bike, but you get the opportunity to go river paddling with your club or take part in a river race, always take that chance to get river time.

8. Prepare properly for the Waimakariri Gorge

At some point, race preparation needs to become race-specific.

For Coast to Coast paddlers, that means paddling the Waimakariri Gorge before race day.

This is where a lot of first-timers can feel out of their depth. They may have done a course, paddled a reasonable amount, and built some confidence, but the Gorge still feels like a big leap.

Outside race day, first-timers should not attempt to paddle the Gorge without the support of a professional guide.

This is where guided trips and skills-based Gorge training can be extremely valuable.

For some paddlers, a single-day guided trip makes sense once they already have a good foundation and just need safety support, logistics, and line guidance.

For others, especially those who want more skill development and more time on the water, a multi-day course like our three-day Waimakariri Gorge for First Timers Course is a much better fit. This gives you more time to build skills and confidence, and to approach the Gorge with a stronger base.

The key is to match the type of support to the paddler. Not everyone needs the same thing.

What matters most is that by race day, the Gorge does not feel like a total unknown.

Keep in mind that the Waimakariri Gorge can only be paddled in low flow levels and calm conditions. The Waimakariri River floods regularly in spring and summer, which can affect plans, and trips sometimes need to be postponed.

9. Get your support crew race-ready

This is one of the most overlooked parts of Coast to Coast preparation.

A well-prepared support crew can make race day smoother, calmer, and more enjoyable. A poorly prepared support crew can add stress to an already big day.

They should know:

• where to be and when
• what your race-day routine is
• what compulsory gear you need
• how to carry and handle your kayak without damaging it
• how to install airbags and a dry bag into your kayak
• how to put your adjustable paddle together at the correct settings
• how your transition works
• how to help you into your kayak
• how to tie your kayak onto your roof securely

It is also worth practising the practical things in advance. That might mean practising your transition, making sure your support crew knows your equipment, and checking that everyone understands the plan.

This is especially important if your support crew has little experience with kayaking. Do not assume they will automatically know the difference between a spray skirt and a cockpit cover, how to seal a dry bag properly, or which way round to hold your paddle.

A bit of preparation here goes a long way.

10. Enjoy the kayaking on race day

By the time race day arrives, your goal should not just be to survive it.

You want to be in a position where you can actually enjoy the kayak stage.

That usually comes down to preparation, pacing, and mindset.

The paddlers who tend to have the best day are the ones who:

• have put in the work beforehand
• do not rely on luck
• trust their training
• paddle within themselves
• stay calm when the river feels busy
• focus on good decisions rather than following others

Race day is not the time to prove how brave you are. It is the time to put together a smart, controlled paddle.

Eat and drink properly. Stay conservative when needed. Focus on clean lines. Do not let the intensity of the event pull you into paddling beyond your ability. A composed paddler is usually a faster paddler over the course of the whole stage.

And remember to take it all in.

The Coast to Coast is a huge challenge, but it is also an incredible experience. If you prepare well, the kayak stage can become one of the most rewarding parts of the whole event.

Final thoughts

The Coast to Coast kayak stage can feel daunting when you are new to it, but it becomes much more manageable when you break it into the right steps.

Start by being honest about whether the event is a good fit for you. Give yourself enough time. Choose the right kayak and gear. Build your flatwater foundation. Learn proper whitewater skills through a Grade 2 Course. Train consistently. Prepare specifically for the Waimakariri Gorge. Get your support crew organised. Then arrive at race day ready to paddle well.

If you are a first-time Coast to Coaster, the best thing you can do is start early and build your kayaking properly. The earlier you begin, the more time you have to make good decisions, build real confidence, and enjoy the process along the way.

If you are ready to get started, our Grade 2 Certificate Course is the best first step for most beginners. If you are not quite ready for that yet, or want help working out which kayak, course, or training path is right for you, get in touch. We are happy to point you in the right direction.

Because the better prepared you are, the more likely you are to perform well, avoid unnecessary swims, and enjoy one of the most memorable parts of the race.