 | Beginner Immersion Week |
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Our most popular program, the Kayak Week is best way to introduce you to the exciting world of whitewater. Beginners and novices spend 5 days progressing at a comfortable pace from flat water "strokes and concepts" to running class 3 whitewater by the end of the week.
Day 1 - Beach Day
Your first day in a kayak will be one that you’ll remember for the rest of your paddling experiences. It is spent on our perfect sandy beach at Paddler’s Point. After being outfitted with all of your gear you’ll be taught the very first thing every kayaker must know how to do, the wet exit. The morning will then progress into the forward stroke, reverse stroke, sweep strokes, C-strokes and draw turns and when you think you’re just about stroked out, lunch time comes to the rescue. I know what you are thinking; the answer is yes all of these fancy words are actually applicable in whitewater! After lunch the beach calls again. For the afternoon your instructors will guide you through the wonderful art of bracing and then into what everyone looks forward to, learning how to roll. At around 4 it’s time to wrap up the on water part of the day.
You have plenty of time after your day to relax in the hot tubs, pool or get that margarita that you’ve been thinking of all day. If you are looking to replenish your energy supply our chiefs will ensure that you get all you can eat. Dinner is served at 6 pm in our lodge. To relax and digest after a meal, our instructors will provide you with videos and feed back on your day which is usually just after 7. Our thousands of acres at our resort is your playground. Let us help you make the most of it.
Day 2 - Beach and Current Day
The early bird gets the worm and the second day starts off with another trip to the beach. The whole morning is spent reviewing all of the strokes and concepts that you have learned the previous day. A break for lunch gives you that second wind to take on the latter part of the day and it’s not something you’ll want to miss!
We pack up and head to the river for the second half of the day. This is where you’ll start to learn how to manipulate the current to get your kayak to do your bidding. You will transfer all of your strokes and concepts to the whitewater in small moving current. Who knows, by the end of the day you may even have to opportunity to run your first rapid!
The day then begins to finish around 4 and everyone is back a short time later sipping cocktails and telling stories of their day. Dinner is at 6 and after 7 it’s then time for a little instructor vs. student volleyball games or if the hot tubs are calling your name then you’ll probably find others that have beaten you to them.
Day 3 - First River Day
The third day is your first day down the whole river. Students in the beginner immersion class will run the middle channel. Before heading down the river a flat water review of strokes and concepts enables all to be prepared for an excellent run. This channel you can expect to run anything from a class 1 to a class 2 rapids. The most spectacular thing about the Middle is that you will also have the opportunity to see a class 5!
Halfway though the day we stop at our large lunch facilities at Garvin’s Chute. Here everything is ready and waiting to cater to your every need as we eat beside the magnificent waterfalls. When we are ready and your food is all digested the rest of the Ottawa River awaits.
After the last rapid of the day will find yourself floating to the takeout and the conclusion of your first ever-complete river run. Once dinner is finished back at base camp it’s time for some more rapid education. The evening session finds your instructors ta
lking and demonstrating river rescue techniques.
Day 4 - Boat Cruise
If you were thinking about sleeping in on Thursday you had better think again. This is a day not to be missed. Not only will you get the chance to run the river again, but also you’ll be on camera! That’s right Thursday is video day.
Kodak Courage Thursday doesn’t stop here. This is also most people’s final night at Ottawa Kayak School. What’s a last night with out a BBQ party on a double decker jet boat? We paddle one extra rapid below our takeout. Here our trusty steed waits at a sand bar to pick us up for the journey back home. We lazily drift down the rest of the lower channel telling the stories from the day, while dining in the best BBQ that the Ottawa River has to offer. Upon returning to the resort our video from the day is ready to be viewed. This is your opportunity to prove to your friends that the wave in your story was really as big as you say.
Day 5 - Go for it Friday
The final day down the river for some it may present the Main Channel, which would provide ample challenge to anyone who believes they have conquered the Middle. We are also fortunate enough to have a large log home on the mid point to the main channel to stop for lunch. Most students however find the Middle Channel a large enough challenge to round out their week.
The week is filled with professional, friendly instruction, good food and relaxing evenings with new found friends. We can’t wait to introduce you to this spectacular river and truely unique sport. | | This text will be replaced | | Other Programs |
| | | 2/3 Day Beginner Weekend Clinics |
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 | | | The first day of school start at the nicest beach on the river to learn all of the strokes, concepts, rolling and bracing that will give you the confidence to tackle the beautiful Ottawa River. | |
BEGINNER IMMERSION WEEK GALLERY | | | | COST | | 5 Day Beginner/Novice Kayak Week includes kayak equipment. | $759 |  | | | 5 Day Beginner/Novice Week (Spring Discount June 1-16th) | $615 | |  |  | | | PROGRAM: 5 Days Beginner/Novice Kayak Week | | MEALS: 14, Monday breakfast thru Friday lunch - 5 Day | OVERNIGHTS: 5, Arrive Sunday 7pm, depart Friday 5pm
Bring your tent and sleeping bag or rent a cozy cabin with a 40% discount | | AVAILABLE: Weekly, June - August | | EQUIPMENT: All gear is provided | | WHAT TO BRING: If you're camping, bring tent, sleeping bag, foam pad, pillow, flashlight, folding camp chairs and towel. Our rental accommodations include all bedding and towels. Everyone should bring flashlight, wind up alarm an | FINE PRINT: Note that rates are subject to a $6/person/day service charge and 13% GST. Programs and rates are subject to change without notice.
All rates are in Canadian dollars. Rates in US dollars are approximately the same and will be converted on your credit card bill. A signed waiver/release is required by all participants on site or online by clicking here. | |
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AVAILABLE OPTIONS | Cancellation Insurance
Must be purchased at the time of booking! Redeemable only in the event of illness, accident or bereavement with written 3rd party documentation. Rate is $9/day (tax in). | | Cancellation Insurance (per day) | $9 | | Cancellation Insurance /week | $35 | Bungee Jumping
A once in a lifetime experience is available during your kayak experience | | Save by pre-booking | $79 | | On site | $99 | Memories Package
Kayak photo and DVD or video | | Save $ by pre-booking | $34 | Babysitting
This is very "active" babysitting. Your children will love it! Monday - Friday from 9 - 5 pm and Sunday afternoon 12 - 7 pm. | | Children ages 3+ | $45 | | Additional Child | $29 | Wetsuit & paddle jacket rental
All taxes included (Visa/MC Security Deposit Required) | | Wetsuit 1-day | $18 | | Paddle Jacket 1-day | $10 | | Wetsuit 2-days | $28 | | Paddle Jacket 2-days | $15 | | Wetsuit 3-days | $38 | | Paddle Jacket 3-days | $20 | | Complimentary May and September (not including Labour Day weekend) | $ | | Wetsuit rental - 5 Days | $48 | Overnighter
Dinner, stayover, facility use, breakfast | | Friday night stayover - dinner, stayover, facility use, breakfast | $59 | | Sunday night stayover - dinner, stayover, facility use, breakfast | $35 | Ottawa Airport Pick Up (2 hour drive)
By reservation only | | One way fare | $99 |
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