Whitewater Beginner's Course (4 Days)

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.

Day 1

6:30am – 4:00pm

Your course begins at Wharenui Pool in Christchurch, where you’ll build confidence in a calm, controlled environment. You’ll learn exactly what to do if you capsize, how to stay safe in the water, and you’ll even have the opportunity to begin learning how to roll.

After the pool session, we move to Lake Rua in Christchurch to introduce you to the essential gear you’ll need for whitewater paddling. You’ll also have the option to purchase any equipment you’re missing from our shop at a discounted rate.

The rest of the day focuses on developing the foundational boat-handling skills that will set you up for success when you hit the river tomorrow.

Day 2

7:00am – 5:00pm

We leave Christchurch at 7:00 a.m. and travel to Murchison — home to some of the best grade 2 training runs in New Zealand.

Murchison offers everything a developing paddler needs:

• Grade 2 runs that are beginner friendly and great for learning.
• Multiple river sections just minutes from our accommodation, giving you plenty of river time.
• Reliable options in all weather so you know you're going to have a great program regardless of the forecast.
• A perfect training site right beside camp, where you’ll learn to control your kayak in gently moving water before progressing to your first full grade 2 run.

Once in Murchison, you’ll paddle from midday until around 5:00 p.m., then we’ll meet for dinner at a local restaurant where you can chat with your coach and connect with other like-minded people. 

Day 3

8:00am – 5:00pm

With no long travel required, day three is all about maximising your river time.

You’ll spend the full day paddling real whitewater, repeating key features, and building the consistency and control that only come from getting in lots of reps.

Each run helps you improve faster, reinforcing everything you learned on day two while giving you the river mileage you need to feel genuinely confident.

We wrap up with another relaxed dinner together in Murchison.

Day 4

8:00am – 2:00pm

Your final day, you’ll paddle more independently, using the skills you’ve developed over the past three days. Your coach will still be alongside you — offering guidance when needed — but you’ll be taking the lead.

The course concludes with personalised advice on kayak choice and your next steps to joining your local club and continuing on with more paddling.

We aim to finish in Murchison around 2:00 p.m. so you have time to travel home.

Every year, we have the pleasure of working with paddlers from all over the world who come to Canterbury Kayaking for our highly regarded whitewater program.

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.

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)

Gear You'll Need:

• Long sleeved thermal base layer tops
• Long sleeved mid layer tops
• Full length thermal base layer pants
• Neoprene (wetsuit) shorts
• Kayak booties
• Dry-bag

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% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your place on a course or trip.

By making a booking, you agree to pay the full course or trip fee in accordance with these terms and conditions.

The remaining balance must be paid no later than 21 days before the scheduled start date of the course or trip.

If full payment is not received by the due date, Canterbury Kayaking reserves the right to cancel the booking and offer the place to another participant. Any deposit paid will be forfeited.

All prices are quoted in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include 15% GST.

Payments may be made by direct bank transfer, Visa, or Mastercard. Credit card payments incur a 2.9% processing fee.

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

At Canterbury Kayaking, we understand that plans can change due to injury, illness, work commitments, family circumstances, travel disruptions, or other unforeseen events.

As a small business, course numbers are limited and cancellations at short notice are often difficult to fill. This policy helps ensure we can continue to operate while remaining fair to all participants.

We strongly recommend participants obtain appropriate travel insurance and cancellation insurance where available.

No refunds, credits, transfers, or reschedules will be provided except where expressly stated in this policy or where required by New Zealand law.

COVID-19 and Infectious Illnesses

For most illnesses, injuries, and personal circumstances, the standard cancellation and rescheduling policy below applies.

However, if you are unable to attend due to a contagious illness such as COVID-19, influenza, gastroenteritis, or another infectious condition, Canterbury Kayaking may offer one complimentary transfer to a future course date, provided:

• You notify us before the course begins.
• You provide a medical certificate or doctor's note confirming you are unfit to attend due to an infectious illness.
• A suitable future course date is available.

This complimentary transfer is offered at Canterbury Kayaking's discretion and applies only to infectious illnesses. It does not apply to injuries, non-infectious medical conditions, work commitments, travel disruptions, family commitments, or other reasons for cancellation.

Cancelling Your Booking

If you wish to cancel your booking for any reason, including illness, injury, travel delays, or personal circumstances, you may cancel and receive a refund of any payments made excluding the 25% non-refundable deposit, provided we receive notice at least 21 days before the scheduled start date of your course or trip.

Cancellations made less than 21 days before the scheduled start date are not eligible for a refund. Any outstanding balance remains payable.

You may transfer your booking to another suitable participant at no charge, provided you arrange the transfer and notify Canterbury Kayaking at least 24 hours before the course or trip begins.

Discretionary Refunds and Credits

If a booking is cancelled within the 21-day cancellation period and Canterbury Kayaking is able to fill the course or trip, Canterbury Kayaking may, at its sole discretion, offer a partial refund or future course credit less reasonable administration costs.

No refund, credit, or transfer is guaranteed, regardless of whether the course or trip is subsequently filled.

Partial Attendance

If you arrive late, leave early, miss any sessions, withdraw from the course, or are removed from the course for safety reasons, no refunds, credits, or reschedules will be provided for the unused portion of the course.

Participant Requirements

All participants must meet the fitness, skill, equipment, and safety requirements for the course or trip.

If, in the opinion of Canterbury Kayaking staff, you are unable to safely participate, fail to follow safety instructions, do not meet the required prerequisites, or are removed from the course or trip for any safety-related reason, no refunds, credits, or reschedules will be provided.

Rescheduling Your Booking

If you need to move your booking to another date, we require at least 21 days notice before the scheduled start date.

Bookings rescheduled at least 21 days before the start date may be transferred to another available date upon payment of a $49 administration fee.

Requests received less than 21 days before the scheduled start date are treated as a cancellation and are not eligible for transfer or credit, except where the infectious illness provisions above apply.

If Canterbury Kayaking Postpones a Course or Trip

All courses and trips are dependent on suitable weather, river levels, and other safety considerations.

Your safety, and the safety of our staff, is our highest priority. If conditions are unsuitable, Canterbury Kayaking may postpone, modify, or cancel an activity.

If this occurs, participants will be offered a transfer to another available date at no additional charge.

Refunds, credits, and cash reimbursements are not available where Canterbury Kayaking postpones a course or trip due to weather, river conditions, safety concerns, or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Participants are responsible for ensuring they have sufficient flexibility to attend a rescheduled date.

Important Information for Travellers

If you are travelling from outside the region, we strongly recommend booking flexible flights, accommodation, and transport arrangements.

Weather and river conditions can change rapidly, and no course or trip can be guaranteed to proceed until conditions have been assessed.

Canterbury Kayaking is not responsible for any costs incurred by participants as a result of a postponed, modified, or cancelled course or trip, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, rental vehicles, fuel, meals, lost wages, or other travel-related expenses.

Limited Availability Before Coast to Coast Race Day

As the Coast to Coast race approaches, available replacement dates may become limited.

If a postponed course or trip cannot be rescheduled to a date that suits you, no refund, credit, or reimbursement will be provided.

Exceptional Circumstances

In rare cases, conditions may deteriorate unexpectedly after a course or trip has commenced or after participants have travelled to the start location.

If Canterbury Kayaking is required to cancel, abandon, shorten, or significantly modify an activity after it has commenced, no refunds or credits will be provided.

A minimum charge of $100 per person may apply to cover costs already incurred, including staffing, transport, accommodation, permits, and logistics.

We always aim to make cancellation decisions before departure wherever possible. However, weather forecasts and river conditions can occasionally change unexpectedly, requiring a decision to be made after travel has commenced or once the activity is underway.

Changes to These Terms and Conditions

Canterbury Kayaking reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time.

Any changes will apply to future bookings made after the revised Terms and Conditions have been published.

For existing bookings, the Terms and Conditions in effect at the time the booking was made will continue to apply, unless otherwise required by law.