Grade 2 Certificate Course (4 Days)
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- Certification Guaranteed*
- Coast to Coast Approved Training Provider
- Kayak & Paddle Hire Included
- 2 Nights’ Accommodation Included
- Free Reschedule With 21 Days’ Notice
Want to do the Coast to Coast, but don't have a grade 2 kayak certificate?
- Are you entered in the race, on the waitlist, or plan to enter next year?
- Are you just getting started, or have very little kayaking experience?
- Do you not feel confident in your current paddling ability?
On Canterbury Kayaking's 4-day Grade 2 Kayak Course, you’ll gain the skills and certification you need through a safe and structured step-by-step process. Once you've developed your paddling ability and achieved your grade 2 certificate, you'll be able to train towards the Coast to Coast with confidence and achieve a race result you can be proud of.
Without certification, your Coast to Coast goals are simply not possible.
Many athletes aspire to kayak in the Coast to Coast but lack the skills and qualifications to actually make it happen. Without solid paddling skills and an official grade II certificate, your Coast to Coast ambitions can feel like a far-away dream.
In this course, you’ll learn how to read the river, handle rapids, and keep yourself safe. You'll also earn your grade 2 certificate, serving as evidence that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to race.
Once you've become a certified paddler, you'll feel confident on the river, your training will gain momentum, and you'll feel ready to kayak in the Coast to Coast race.
Meet Your Coach
Sam Milne is the most experienced kayak instructor on the Waimakariri River and the founder of Canterbury Kayaking. Having coached over 1,000 athletes for the Coast to Coast, he knows one thing for certain: success on race day comes down to strong paddling skills.
When Sam began his career in Christchurch, he noticed that most courses didn't spend enough time on the skills that really matter for Coast to Coast. He was amazed by how many grade 2 certified paddlers still ended up swimming during the race. He realised that if he followed the norm, his clients would show up underprepared, nervous, and likely to fall out too.
That’s why he founded Canterbury Kayaking in 2012 and developed a training framework unlike anything else in New Zealand. His unique approach focuses on building a foundation of whitewater skills first, which gives his paddlers the tools they need to handle the rapids of Waimakariri Gorge with confidence — and stay upright in their kayak when it counts.
By the end of Canterbury Kayaking’s Grade 2 Course, you’ll not only have the certification required to enter the Coast to Coast, but also the skills and confidence you need to enjoy your race.
How it Works
- Select your dates and complete your booking at the top of this page
- Download your information pack, learn to kayak over 4 days, and gain your certification.
- Email your signed certificate to the Coast to Coast, securing your race entry.
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Maximum Weight: 110kg
- Minimum Fitness: You must be reasonably fit and able to swim.
- 4 days of professional kayak coaching
- Kayak and paddle to use for the entire course at no extra cost
- Accommodation for nights 2 and 3
- Personalised advice on kayak choice
- Official grade 2 certificate for Coast to Coast
- Exclusive access to a 20 minute Gear Guide video
- Additional 5% discount on kayak gear from our shop
Day 1 – We start at 6:30 a.m. at Wharenui Pool in Riccarton. After your pool session, the rest of the day is at Lake Rua in Harewood, where you’ll work on core skills in a calm, controlled environment. We finish at around 4:00 p.m., giving you time to rest and get ready for the river days ahead.
Day 2 – We leave Christchurch at 7:00 a.m. and head to Murchison – New Zealand’s whitewater capital. Unlike the Waimakariri, which offers only one Grade 2 section (the Gorge) that is inaccessible by road, Murchison has several safe, high-quality runs within minutes of each other. This means you’ll get far more time on real rapids, and can repeat key sections to really focus on the skills that matter. We’ll be on the river from about midday until 5:00 p.m., then meet for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 – Meet at Riverside Holiday Park at 8:00 a.m. for a theory session, then paddle until midday. After lunch, we’ll head back to the river for more practical training until around 5:00 p.m. Being in Murchison, we can match the day’s river choice to your needs and the conditions, ensuring the best possible training in all weather. We’ll finish the evening with dinner at another local restaurant.
Day 4 – Meet at Riverside Holiday Park at 8:00 a.m. for pre-assessment feedback, then complete your fourth and final river trip of the program. The course wraps up with your assessment outcome and personalised advice on which kayak models best suit your size, skills, and goals. We aim to finish in Murchison by about 2:00 p.m., so you have time to travel home.
We promise it will be worth the trip!
Here's how it works:
- Fly to Christchurch the day before your course begins, and book your return flight for the evening of the final day (or the following day, if you prefer).
- Book just 2 nights’ accommodation in Christchurch — the night before your course starts, and the night of Day 1. We provide accommodation for the remaining two nights.
- Pack light. You only need one checked bag with your personal paddling gear. We’ll supply your kayak, paddle, spray skirt. Helmet, and PFD hire is also available.
- Don't worry about food. There are plenty of opportunities to buy what you need throughout the four days.
- On the first morning, take a short taxi or Uber ride from your accommodation to the pool. From there, you'll be able to grab a ride with another participant for the rest of the course — we're happy to help coordinate this.
- On the final day, you'll be finished in time to reach Christchurch Airport by around 6:00 p.m.
All required gear can be purchased from the Canterbury Kayaking website in advance of your course at a discounted rate. You can also purchase gear from us on the first day.
Required Gear
- Long sleeved thermal base layer tops
- Long sleeved mid layer tops
- Full length thermal base layer pants
- Neoprene (wetsuit) shorts
- Kayak Booties
- Dry-bag
Gear We Provide for Free
- Kayak
- Spray Skirt
- Paddle
Gear Available for Hire
- Bouyancy vest ($5 per day)
- Helmet ($5 per day)
- Long sleeved semi-dry or full-dry paddle jacket ($20 per day)
Canterbury Kayaking is the only Coast to Coast grade 2 certificate provider in New Zealand to guarantee you will pass. If you do not meet the requirements by the fourth day, we will invite you to another course completely free (conditions apply).
Participating in activities such as whitewater kayaking, multisport kayaking, river safety training, and associated travel involves inherent risks and potential hazards, including the risk of serious injury or even death. These risks include, but are not limited to, capsizing, drowning, or being swept downstream by strong river currents; injury from hitting rocks, trees, submerged obstacles, other paddlers, or jet boats; hypothermia, muscle strains, or dislocations; psychological stress caused by challenging situations; falling while walking on uneven surfaces like rocks, mud, or riverbanks; environmental risks such as changing weather conditions, flooding, or natural hazards; and damage to personal property or equipment. These risks may arise from your actions, inactions, or negligence, as well as the actions, inactions, or negligence of Canterbury Kayaking staff, other participants, or third parties.
You must inform Canterbury Kayaking staff of any medical conditions, injuries, or medications that may affect your ability to safely participate in activities, as well as any other factors, such as fitness level, that could impact your safety or enjoyment. You must be physically fit and able to participate in the activities, as advised by a medical professional if necessary, and not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs (whether legal or illegal) that may impair your ability to safely undertake activities. You agree to wear appropriate clothing and use all safety equipment as required by Canterbury Kayaking staff, and to follow all instructions given by guides, instructors, and coaches at all times. You must act in a safe and respectful manner, avoiding reckless or dangerous behaviour that could endanger yourself or others. You understand that failure to follow instructions or engaging in reckless behaviour may result in your removal from activities without a refund, and you agree to comply with any decision made by Canterbury Kayaking staff to withdraw you from activities for safety reasons.
If you damage any equipment, property, or landowner belongings, you agree to cover the cost of repairs or replacement. A cleaning fee will apply if you urinate in a Canterbury Kayaking fleet kayak. Canterbury Kayaking reserves the right to cancel or modify activities at any time if we have concerns for your safety or the safety of others.
By participating in these activities, you consent to Canterbury Kayaking staff providing or arranging necessary medical treatment in the event of an injury, accident, or illness during the activity. You are required to provide emergency contact details to Canterbury Kayaking staff prior to participation.
Photos and videos taken during activities may be used for promotional or social media purposes. If you do not consent to this, you must inform Canterbury Kayaking staff before the activity begins.
You acknowledge that it is your responsibility to arrange personal insurance for any injuries, property damage, or losses that may occur. We strongly recommend arranging insurance to cover medical expenses, property damage, travel disruptions, or other unforeseen circumstances. You confirm that you understand and accept that New Zealand’s ACC scheme provides limited cover for injuries but does not cover all associated costs or losses.
This risk acknowledgment does not exclude or limit your rights under New Zealand law, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, and the Fair Trading Act 1986. Canterbury Kayaking will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure your health and safety during activities, but you accept that certain risks, including the risk of serious injury or death, are inherent and cannot be eliminated.
By booking a course, you confirm that you have read and understood this Risk Disclosure and Acknowledgment, are aware of the inherent risks involved in the activities, and agree to participate voluntarily while accepting responsibility for your actions and their consequences.
Payment Terms
- A 25% deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Full payment is required 21 days before the start date of the course.
- All prices are charged in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include 15% GST. We accept direct bank transfer, Visa, and Mastercard. A 2.9% transaction fee will be required for credit card payments.
Cancellations
It is strongly recommended that you have comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances that may affect your travel plans. If you cancel, you will be charged a cancellation fee based on a percentage of the total price of the course as set out below:
- Cancellation notified more than 21 days before the course: Canterbury Kayaking will retain 25% of the total course cost.
- Cancellation notified between 20–14 days before the course: Canterbury Kayaking will retain 50% of the total course cost.
- Cancellation notified 13 days or less before the course: No refund, credit, or reschedules.
Reschedules
Rescheduling your booking may be possible, subject to course availability as publicly listed on Canterbury Kayaking's website. A Reschedule Request from you is only considered valid if it contains the new dates requested. You may be charged a rescheduling fee based on the amount of notice provided, as set out below:
- New date requested more than 21 days before the course: No additional fee.
- New date requested between 20–14 days before the course: 25% fee based on the total course cost.
- New date requested 13 days or less before the course: No refund, credit, or reschedules.
Transfers
Bookings may be transferred to another eligible person up to 7 days before the course start date.
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A $40 admin fee applies.
Weather, River Flows, and Unforeseen Events
If weather, river flow, or any unforeseen events require Canterbury Kayaking to alter the original course itinerary, we will find another alternative where conditions are more favorable. Every effort will be made to ensure you can safely enjoy paddling as planned.
If your course cannot proceed at all, Canterbury Kayaking may offer complimentary rescheduled days. If no suitable rescheduled date is available—or if you are unable to attend—the course is considered complete. In this situation, no further reschedules, credits, or refunds are offered.
Partial Attendance
If you arrive late, leave early, miss any sessions, or are removed from the course for safety reasons, no refunds, credits, or reschedules will be issued for the unused portion of the course.
Participant Requirements
All participants must meet the fitness, skill, equipment, and safety requirements for the course. If you are unable to safely participate or if you are removed from the course for any safety-related reason, no refunds, credits, or reschedules will be issued.
Infectious Illness
For the safety of all clients and staff, anyone with an infectious or contagious illness (e.g., COVID-19, influenza, gastroenteritis, norovirus, conjunctivitis) must not attend their course. No refunds or credit notes will be issued.
A complimentary reschedule may be granted only when a valid medical certificate or doctor’s note confirms you were infectious during your booked course dates. Medical certificates must be supplied before or within 48 hours of the missed start date.
Insurance
It's always good to be prepared for any unforeseen incidents, so please arrange travel insurance for your course. In addition to medical/accident cover, we highly recommend purchasing cancellation travel insurance. There are a number of providers who offer great options for international clients as well as domestic. Many also offer cover for "weather interruption" or "cancellation for any reason".
