Grade 2 Certificate Course (4 Days)
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Reschedule anytime before the course starts (fees apply)
Get Your Grade 2 Certificate for the Coast to Coast
Even if you've never been on a river before, this course will take you from complete beginner to becoming a skilled and confident grade 2 certified kayaker.
- No Experience Required
- Certification Guaranteed*
- Officially recommended by Coast to Coast
What You’ll Learn
- How to read the river and navigate wave trains, holes, buffer waves, bluffs, eddylines, side currents, and boils.
- The correct paddling technique for efficiency and control.
- How to stay balanced in rapids and avoid the common mistakes that lead to swims.
- What to do if you fall out and how to recover safely on your own.
- Which models multisport racing kayaks are right for your ability and goals.
Want to do the Coast to Coast, but don’t have a grade 2 certificate?
If you’re registered for the Coast to Coast, on the waitlist, or planning to enter soon, then you’ll need to get a grade 2 kayaking certificate to be eligible to race.
But if you’re new to kayaking, it’s normal to feel nervous about the river, or simply unsure what to expect.
Boat choice, river-reading, paddling technique, and what to do if you capsize – there is going to be a lot to learn. But your number one priority should be to gain the skills to stay in your kayak on race day.
This 4-day course will help you gain the skills and certification you need.
On Canterbury Kayaking’s Grade 2 Kayak Course, you’ll qualify for the Coast to Coast race by earning your official grade 2 kayaking skills certificate.
Even if you’ve never paddled before, this program will help you feel comfortable with kayaking and well prepared for the Waimakariri River.
With the help of a professional coach, you will be introduced to everything you need to know about grade II kayaking through a safe and supportive step-by-step process.
You’ll be taught how to paddle properly, how to choose good lines down rapids, how to remain balanced, and how to recover safely if you fall out. Plus, you’ll get personalised recommendations on the best multisport kayak models for you.
Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll know how to handle Grade II water with confidence — and you’ll approach Coast to Coast knowing you have the skills to enjoy your race.
Meet Your Coach
Sam Milne is a grade 5 kayaker with a Bachelor's Degree in Outdoor Education. He is an NZOIA-qualified kayak instructor and is the most experienced kayak coach currently operating on the Waimakariri River.
“When I finished my studies in 2010, I got a job at my local kayak shop, where I spoke with a lot of Coast to Coast customers who felt unhappy with the grade 2 courses they’d done.
I was shocked to hear that many of these people actually felt less confident after their course than before it began!
Remembering what it was like to feel nervous about the river myself, I wanted to help beginner multisport athletes gain the skills they need to feel better about kayaking.
So in 2012, I started Canterbury Kayaking with the goal of creating the best grade 2 kayak course in New Zealand.
My approach to teaching multisport kayaking is to first build a solid foundation of whitewater skills that help to eliminate as many swims as possible. Then spend a lot of time on river-reading and developing independence around the sorts of features that most Coast to Coast paddlers struggle with.
I think it’s important that novices make a smart decision about the model of kayak they use – and I want them to leave my courses feeling really confident about what to do if something goes wrong on the river.”
Sam has now helped over 1,000 individuals gain their grade 2 certificate and complete the Coast to Coast for the first time – and he's now available to help you too.
Watch the Course Video
Watch this video to find out if this course is right for you 👇
Why Choose Canterbury Kayaking?
Develop more independence – Most courses spend a lot of time playing follow-the-leader. With Canterbury Kayaking, you’ll get more opportunities to learn how to read the river for yourself and paddle your own lines, with your coach nearby for support and feedback.
Gain more confidence in rapids – Instead of waiting until the end of your course to paddle a small number of rapids, you’ll stay two nights away from Christchurch and start paddling dozens of real Grade 2 rapids from day two. This gives you up to five times more whitewater experience than many other programs.
Feel safer on the river – While most courses only briefly cover the minimum rescue skills needed to “tick the box,” with Canterbury Kayaking you’ll spend time every day learning what to do if you fall out or something goes wrong.
Know you’re in the right boat – We don’t pressure you to purchase a kayak before you know what actually suits you. You can use our kayaks free of charge for the entire course, then get personalised boat recommendations on the final day once your skills and needs are clear.
Feel more prepared for Coast to Coast – Many Grade 2 instructors are guessing what skills you’ll need for the Coast to Coast. With Canterbury Kayaking, you’ll be taught by Sam Milne, who has coached over 1,000 Coast to Coast first-timers and guided more beginner paddlers through the Waimakariri Gorge than anyone else.
More than 1,000 Paddlers Taught
Your Course Includes
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Kayak and paddle – You don’t need to bring your own kayak or pay extra fees to hire a boat. Use our kayaks and paddles for the entire course at no extra cost. |
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2 nights accommodation – The nights of days 2 and 3 are spent away from Christchurch, giving you more time on the river. Your cabin accommodation is included in the course fee. |
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4 days of professional skills coaching – Our standard program includes an indoor pool session, a lake session, moving water training, multiple theory sessions, and up to four grade 2 river trips. |
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Personalised kayak advice – Your coach will recommend the specific models of multisport racing kayaks that are best for your ability. |
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Grade 2 certification – Officially endorsed and recommended by Kathmandu Coast to Coast. |
Plus, These Extra Bonuses
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Gear discount – You’ll receive an exclusive discount code to purchase any gear you need from our online store. |
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Rolling sessions – Most courses don’t teach rolling because it’s not a Coast to Coast requirement. With Canterbury Kayaking, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to roll your kayak and practise it every day with your coach. |
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Social dinners – During our two nights away from Christchurch, we meet up for dinner at a local restaurant. Spend time with your coaches and up to 11 other novices who could become long-term training buddies. |
Certification Guaranteed
Canterbury Kayaking is the only grade 2 provider in New Zealand to guarantee you will pass your assessment. If you don't get your certificate in just four days, your next course is FREE! (Conditions apply)*
Course Details
No previous kayaking experience is necessary.
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Maximum Weight: 110kg
- Minimum Fitness: You must be comfortable with water and able to swim.
Every year, a large number of athletes travel from all over the world to Canterbury Kayaking in order to benifit from the highest-quality Coast to Coast kayak training available.
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 away from Christchurch.
- Pack light. You only need one checked bag with your personal paddling gear. We’ll supply your kayak, paddle, and spray skirt. Helmet, PFD, and jacket 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 Wharenui Pool in Riccarton. 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)
Payment Terms
- A 25% non-refundable 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.
Rescheduling
Rescheduling your booking may be possible, subject to course availability as publicly listed on Canterbury Kayaking's website.
You will be charged a rescheduling fee based on a percentage of the total price of the course and the amount of notice you provide as set out below.
| Notice Provided | Reschedule Fee |
| More than 28 days | No fee |
| 21–28 days | 10% fee |
| 14–21 days | 20% fee |
| 7–14 days | 30% fee |
| Less than 7 days | 40% fee |
- A Reschedule Request from you is only considered valid if it contains the new dates requested.
- You cannot reschedule once the course has started.
Cancellations
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.
| Notice Provided | Cancellation Fee |
| More than 21 days | 25% fee |
| 14–21 days | 50% fee |
| 7–14 days | 75% fee |
| Less than 7 days | No refund or credits |
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 reschedule date is available—or if you are unable to attend dates offered—no further 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".
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.
100% committed to helping you succeed.
We are the only Coast to Coast grade 2 provider in New Zealand to gaurantee you'll pass in four days.
How We Assess
Throughout the course, your coach(es) will observe your skills, confidence, and knowledge while teaching and guiding you. Towards the end of the course, we’ll have a pre-assessment check-in, where we’ll honestly discuss your progress and identify which skills you should focus on for the remainder of the program.
At the conclusion of the course, your coach(es) will provide verbal feedback on your assessment and suggest your next steps. Please note that we do not provide written breakdowns of your skill assessment after the course.
Once you've successfully completed the course, your certificate will be emailed to you, which you can then forward to the Coast to Coast.
Moderation
At Canterbury Kayaking, we are committed to fair and high-standard assessments. When you earn your certificate, you can be confident that you've demonstrated the required skills.
We collaborate with Coast to Coast River Safety, local kayak clubs, and other Grade 2 providers to ensure our assessments meet the appropriate standards.
Expectations
For many novices, learning to kayak can be more challenging than anticipated. Four days may not be enough time for everyone to become proficient in all the required skills.
If you're new to paddling, it’s important to be open to the possibility of needing a reassessment at a later date. While some participants may not earn their full certificate right away, almost everyone who continues training ultimately achieves their certification.
We've helped hundreds of people prepare for the Coast to Coast Race, and many of them took time to build their skills.
Reassessment
If you don’t earn your certificate by the end of the course, we will offer you a spot on a second course completely free of charge.
While attending all 4 days again is recommended, you may be able to skip the first day on your second course.
Terms and Conditions
- Our free second course offer is available only to athletes registered (or on the waitlist for) the Kathmandu Coast to Coast.
- To be eligible for a free second course, you must complete the entire 4 days of your first course.
- The offer covers one free course within 12 months and is non-transferable.
- Scheduling for the second course is at Canterbury Kayaking's discretion. We will do our best to accommodate your availability, but specific dates cannot be guaranteed.
- We cannot promise to provide you with a second course before your intended Coast to Coast event, and you may need to delay your first Coast to Coast to the following year. This will give you more time to complete your second course and gain the additional practice and experience needed for a successful race.
Book your spot now at the top of this page.
Spaces strictly limited on each date.
