Introduction to Whitewater Course

This intro to canoeing and kayaking on moving water (whitewater) is the pinnacle of paddlesport, allowing participants to have fun, improve technique & prepare for faster-flowing rivers.

Level: Grade 1 -2 White water At Our Dedicated Training Centre

£55

27th April 2025
Duration: 2.5 minutes

Learn White Water Skills at Our Dedicated Facility which is perfect for honing and developing moving water progressive skills in canoes and kayaks

What's Included

Craft
Buoyancy Aid
Bank Based Briefing
Dry Bag
Paddles
Helmet
Professional Coaches
Activity Equipment

We also have some back support for those with back problems

What else we can provide on request

Waterproofs
Hire of Wetsuits
Hire of Drysuits

Learn skills to take to our white water rivers around Britain and further afield.

Dates

27th April 2025

Requirements

Suitable for ages 12+ Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult 21 years and over. Participants should be confident paddling flat water with the basic ability to manoeuvre a canoe or kayak. This course is entry-level for tandem or solo canoeing or kayaking on moving water.

Location Bedford

We have the perfect river location for paddlesports such as canoeing, kayaking and SUPs on the River Great Ouse, our white water feature Bedford. It is well situated just 30 minutes from Milton Keynes, an hour North of London and half way between Cambridge and Oxford.

Timings

2.5 hour course

What you will need to bring

Bring comfortable clothing such as gym wear, shorts, a t-shirt or wetsuit, along with a pair of water shoes, or old trainers. Bring a towel and a change of clothes. No special equipment or clothing is required.

Lesson Details

We invite you to a fun-packed and skills-based introduction to whitewater on our ' Ride the Rapids' course. Ideal for complete beginners to those who have some experience but want to start finessing their skills.

The term whitewater is used when a river's gradient increases enough to disturb its laminar flow and create turbulence. The river has an aerated and unstable current producing frothy (white) water. This exciting course teaches you how to read and paddle canoes or kayaks in this water.

The course is coached by our team of expert instructors sharing knowledge and skills to tackle whitewater (moving water) at our purpose-built venue in Bedford**. The controlled venue allows a brilliant location to practice safely and learn autonomous skills under our watchful instructors. We can also help you progress your qualifications and also run the British Canoeing Discover Award. We have a range of paddlesport courses, If you need a bespoke course such as a group introduction to bigger moving water or expedition training then please contact us.

Session Objectives

Introduction to equipment
Introduction to types of moving water
Safety and self-rescue briefing
Effective forward paddling and driving the canoe forward
Trim and edge control
Breaking in
Breaking out
Ferrying (ferry gliding)
Tandem and solo paddling skills
Other useful hints and tips

Session Notes

If for any reason, dates may need to change at Canoe Trail's discretion. This will be notified in advance.
The day is based at our Bedford Training Facility or another suitable location which will be agreed upon in advance.

Reviews

Second time I've done this course and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is interested in getting a taste of paddling on moving water or just looking to improve. Our instructor Rich took us through the basic techniques for manoeuvring on white water and then we got a few hours on the water to practice. The group size was small so we were able to get plenty of individual coaching and advice and it's all done in a very safe venue so suitable for all abilities including beginners. Really friendly and helpful staff who will go out of their way to make sure you have a good time.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ John

Hire FAQ's

What's the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

If you're not sure of what each craft is, then read our guide here.

Are the trips guided?

There are no guides or instructors needed for hire. This is simply a hire where you paddle out and back to our launch point. We recommend our preferred route, however, you are free-range and able to explore the river.

What if it rains?

Unless you hear from us then your booking will run on the day agreed. Canoe Trail runs watersports, paddling, and adventurous activities throughout the year with people enjoying the river and our woodland campsite during the different seasons. On rare occasions (it only happens a couple of times a year) we may move or change your booking. This will be in freak weather conditions such as extremely high river flows in spate or during heavy storms with lightning. You can read our full FAQ here.

How does the booking process work?

We use a live booking system that will assign you the relevant craft and resources. Once you have confirmed your booking date, it is not then transferable and non-refundable in the same way you book an airline seat. Bookings are to be paid in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable. There will be no refunds for early returns, poor weather, or non-usage as per our general terms & conditions.