Introduction to Multisport Kayaking Lesson (60 Minutes)
- Coast to Coast Approved Training Provider
- Free Kayak & Paddle Hire Available
Need some help getting started with kayaking?
- Doing the Coast to Coast, or thinking about entering soon?
- Are you completely new to multisport kayaking?
- Confused about boats, paddles, and how to adjust everything correctly?
- Need some help with your basic paddling technique?
This 60-minute private lesson gives you the chance to meet with a professional coach, ask questions, and get personalised advice – without the distraction of a larger group.
We’ll focus on whatever you need help with most, such as:
- Kayak choice
- Foot pedal adjustment and leg position
- Paddle set-up including blade size, length, and offset
- Correct paddling technique
- Drills to work on
- General training advice
If your goal is to kayak in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast, this introductory lesson is the easiest way to get started building good habits early. By the end of the session, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to train on your own.
Meet Your Coach
Sam Milne is the most experienced kayak coach on the Waimakariri River. Through helping more than 1,000 beginner paddlers prepare for the Coast to Coast, Sam has seen how what you do in the early stages can impact how confident, capable, and successful you become later on.
When Sam first got involved with multisport, he noticed that most novices were comfortable with running and cycling, but felt lost when it came to kayaking. Many people he worked with were unsure about their equipment, struggled with basic setup, and developed poor habits early — often leading to slow progress and avoidable problems down the road.
By working one-on-one with Sam, you get clear guidance from the very beginning. He can help you build good habits early, understand what to focus on, and avoid the common mistakes that hold many paddlers back.
Sam's Credentials
- Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor Education
- Multiple NZOIA Awards
- River Rescue 2 Certification
- PHEC Advanced First Aid
- Grade V+ whitewater experience
- Canterbury Ambassador for Whitewater New Zealand
- Worked with several Longest Day champions
- Over 300 five-star reviews on Google
- Safety audited by AdventureMark
- Officially recommended by Kathmandu Coast to Coast
Our 3-Step Process
- Book Your Lesson – Choose your date and time at the top of this page and download your information pack.
- Get Private Coaching – Spend 60 minutes working directly with an experienced coach on the areas you need help with most.
- Train With Confidence – Come away knowing what equipment suits you, understanding what to work on next, and feeling confident to hit the water on your own.
Course Details
Kerrs Reach (outside the Arawa Canoe Club), off Avonside Drive, Wainoni, Christchurch.
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Maximum Weight: 110kg
- Minimum Fitness: You must be reasonably fit and able to swim.
Required Gear
All you need is some appropriate layers for the weather that you don't mind getting a bit wet.
For example:
- Running shorts or activewear leggings
- Tee shirt or thermal base layer
- Mid-layer fleece jumper
- Lightweight wind/rain jacket
Gear We Can Provide for Free
- Kayak
- Paddle
- PFD (lifejacket)
If you have your own kayak and paddle, we encourge you to bring these along.
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 14 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 14 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".
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.