Waimakariri Gorge Course
Suitable for grade 2 certified kayakers training for the Coast to Coast, this safe and supportive 3-day package will provide you with the river experience you need to race with confidence.
- Experience the full 70km Coast to Coast route
- Get 2 days of structured preparation before paddling the Gorge on day 3
- Hire kayaks available for travelling athletes
- Only 3 left available!
Doing Coast to Coast, but haven't paddled the Waimakariri Gorge yet?
- Are you training towards your first Coast to Coast?
- Maybe you've done Coast before, but havn't paddled the Gorge in a while?
- Are you feeling apprehensive about the kayaking stage of the race?
On Canterbury Kayaking's 3-day Waimakariri Gorge Course, you’ll receive the skills coaching, preparation, and support you need to enjoy a safe and positive first experience through the Waimakariri Gorge.
Ensure your first Gorge expereince is a safe and successful one.
Most Coast to Coast athletes understand the importance of paddling the Waimakariri River before the race, but many end up falling out multiple times during their first trip through the Gorge. Without the proper preparation and guidance, kayaking the Gorge for the first time can feel intimidating and even dangerous.
During this 3-day course, you’ll be able to build up to the Gorge gradually, refining your skills on easier water over two days first. On the third and final day, you’ll have the opportunity to paddle the Waimakariri Gorge for the first time with the safety support of an experienced guide who knows the river and your paddling ability.
Once you've successfully paddled through the Waimakariri Gorge, you'll be able to relax knowing you have made it down the river and you’ll feel much more prepared for your first Coast to Coast race.
How to Book
- Select your dates and complete your booking at the top of this page.
- Download your information pack and train for 3 days on the Waimakariri River with professional guidance.
- Relax, knowing your Coast to Coast training is on track.
Meet Your Guide
Sam Milne is the most experienced kayak guide on the Waimakariri River and the founder of Canterbury Kayaking. Through helping over 1,000 athletes prepare for the Coast to Coast, Sam has learned that paddling the Gorge before the race gives competitors a big advantage.
Over the years, Sam has found that single-day Gorge trips do not provide beginners with a process conducive to success. If he continued to rush first-timers down in a single day, he knew that many more paddlers would have a stressful and potentially unsafe first experience with the Gorge.
That’s why Sam created a 3-day plan to support novice paddlers through their first Gorge trip in the best possible way. In this course, you’ll receive skills coaching to help you feel ready for the bluffs, boils, and wave trains, then guidance down the river to ensure your first Gorge trip is safe and enjoyable.
After you complete Canterbury Kayaking's Waimakariri Gorge Course, you’ll have had a positive and safe experience paddling the Gorge, allowing you to continue training towards the Coast to Coast with confidence.
What do I get with this 3-day package?
- 2 days of skills preparation with Sam Milne, the Waimakariri River's most experienced kayak guide.
- 1 day guided trip through the Waimakariri Gorge.
- Pre-Gorge skills assessment and advice on kayak choice.
- Transport and shuttle for the Gorge on day 3.
- Option to hire a boat, paddle, spray skirt, PFD and helmet.
- Drills you can take away and use to keep improving beyond the course.
- Pre-scheduled bad weather backup day for day 3 (Gorge day).
- Option to renew your Grade 2 Certificate
- Multisport kayak or lightweight sea kayak (hire available)
- Spray skirt (hire available)
- 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 available to purchase through us and can be collected at the course.
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.
Yes. Only a 25% deposit is required to secure your spot now. We will invoice you for the balance (due 21 days before your course). You can pay this balance via NZ bank transfer which you are welcome to split this over a couple of payments, or pay in full with a credit card (credit card processing fee applies).
