Coast to Coast Kayak Hire + River Preparation Course
For international Coast to Coast competitors holding a Grade 2 certificate, this comprehensive package provides three days of guided river preparation on the Waimakariri River, plus a pre-fitted hire kayak ready and waiting for you on race day.
- Get fitted into a stable, race-ready kayak and train in it.
- Paddle the full Coast to Coast kayak section with expert coaching.
- Have your kayak transported to and from the event, stress-free.
Coming to New Zealand for Coast to Coast, but don't have a kayak or any expereince on the Waimakariri River?
- Are you traveling from overseas and need to hire a kayak for the race?
- Do you have limited or no experience paddling multisport boats on whitewater?
- Does the idea of facing the Waimakariri River for the first time on race day feel too risky?
On Canterbury Kayaking’s Kayak Hire + River Preparation Combo, you’ll get three days of guided training on the Coast to Coast race route, including expert coaching and a fully supported trip through the Gorge. On race day, your pre-fitted hire kayak will be waiting for you at the kayak transition area, ready for you to paddle the river with confidence.
Without the proper training in your race boat, your Coast to Coast experience could fall apart.
Many international competitors arrive in New Zealand fit and ready to race. But without time on the Waimakariri River, they struggle to adapt to the conditions, swim more than they should, and risk missing cut-off times.
Without real experience on the race route and a properly fitted kayak, your Coast to Coast ambitions can quickly turn into a stressful and exhausting challenge.
On this course, you’ll train on the full kayak stage, learning how to read the river, handle the infamous bluff corners, and paddle in New Zealand’s dynamic river conditions with efficiency. You’ll also be fitted into a stable, race-ready kayak and receive personalized coaching to help you feel completely in control.
By the time race day arrives, you’ll know the river, trust your boat, and have the skills to paddle with confidence so you can focus on racing, not just surviving.
How to Book
- Complete your booking at the top of this page ↑
- Download your information pack and train for 3 days on the Waimakariri River in your hire kayak.
- Relax, knowing your kayak will be ready and waiting for you on race day.
Meet Your Guide
Sam Milne is the most experienced kayak guide on the Waimakariri River and the founder of Canterbury Kayaking. He is fully qualified through the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association and has helped over 1,000 athletes prepare for the Coast to Coast.
For years, Sam rented out kayaks to international athletes coming to New Zealand for the Coast to Coast—but time and time again, he saw the same issues arise. Paddlers unfamiliar with the Waimakariri River struggled in the Gorge, damaged his rental boats, or returned from the race disappointed in their performance.
Sam also noticed that many international paddlers booked a single-day trip down the Waimakariri Gorge before the race. While this seemed like a good idea, most paddlers struggled on a one-day trip without prior training, leading to swims, frustration, and a lack of confidence heading into race day.
That’s why he no longer offers kayak hire on its own or single-day Gorge trips to international paddlers. Instead, he designed this Kayak Hire + River Preparation Combo—giving international competitors three days of progressive training to build skills and confidence before their trip through the Gorge, plus a properly fitted, race-ready kayak waiting for them on race day.
This program has been a game-changer for international athletes—eliminating the stress of logistics, providing real river experience before the race, and setting paddlers up for a smooth and successful Coast to Coast.
By the time you start the race, you’ll know the river, trust your boat, and have the skills to paddle with confidence.
What do I get with this package?
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Hire Kayak:
- Stable hire kayak and spray skirt for the 3 training days and Coast to Coast race day.
- Transport of your kayak to and from the Coast to Coast race.
- Option to hire a paddle, PFD, and helmet at an additional charge.
- Opportunity to purchase any other kayak equipment you may need at the course.
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3 Day Race Preparation Course:
- 2 days of skills preparation with Sam Milne, the Waimakariri River's most experienced kayak guide.
- 1 day guided trip through the Waimakariri Gorge.
- Transport for the Gorge on day 3.
- Pre-scheduled bad weather backup day for day 3 (Gorge day).
We have 2 models of kayak available:
- Barracuda Beachcomber
- Barracuda Enigma
These are lightweight (17kg) plastic sea/river boats that are very popular with novice Coast to Coast paddlers.
In our expereince, these boats are the most forgiving option, which suits international competitors who cannot get much time practicing on the race route.
You will be fitted into either a Beachcomber or an Enigma on the first day of your course based on your height and weight.
The Beachcomber is best for medium to large athletes. The Enigma is best for smaller, lighter athletes.
This program runs over 3 consecutive days and remains flexible based on weather and river conditions.
Day 1: Meet at 8:00 a.m. Lake Rua in Harewood, Christchurch. After a flatwater session, the remainder of the day is based on the Waimakariri River and finishes at around 4:00 p.m. at Waimakariri Gorge Bridge near Sheffield.
Day 2: We will meet at 8:30 a.m. at Waimakariri Gorge Bridge. You will paddle on the lower 15 kilometres of the Coast to Coast kayak route until around 4:00 p.m.
Day 3: We meet in Sheffield at 7:45 a.m. You can leave your vehicle in Sheffield for the day and we will provide transport for you and your kayak for a Gorge trip from Mt White to Woodstock (upper 55 kilometres of the Coast to Coast route). We will finish at 4:30 p.m. in Sheffield.
Backup Day: If weather or river conditions prevent us from paddling the Waimakariri Gorge on Day 3, this day will be rescheduled to a pre-scheduled Backup Day. If conditions also prevent us from paddling the Gorge on your Backup Day, you will receive alternative skills training on this day at the next-best available location, determined closer to the time.
You will need to have ALL of the following items for your course:
- Wing paddle (hire available)
- PFD (lifejacket) (hire available)
- Helmet (hire available)
- Long-sleeved paddle jacket
- Booties
- Neoprene shorts
- Thermal tops and bottoms
- Thermal hat, gloves, and socks
- 20L dry bag
- Waterproof pants
- First aid kit
- Duct tape
- Survival bag
All required gear is availble to purchase through us and can be collected at the course.
Yes. If you are unable to pay in full at the time of booking, please enter the discount code DEPOSIT during checkout to reserve your spot with just a 25% deposit. We will invoice you for the balance, which will be due 31 December.
Should you need to cancel, you will eligible for a full refund less your 25% deposit provided you cancel by 31 December.
Cancellations made after 31 December will not be eligible for a refund.