Beginner Whitewater Kayak Course
- Have you always wanted to kayak on rivers but lack the skills and experience to get started?
- Does the idea of paddling rapids sound fun, but you are unsure about how to do it safely?
- Are you looking for structured coaching to help you paddle with confidence?
On Canterbury Kayaking's 4-day , you’ll learn the fundamentals of river paddling in a safe and supportive environment. Through expert coaching and plenty of time on the water, you’ll gain the skills you need to navigate rapids, read the river, and feel in control—so you can explore New Zealand's kayaking destinations with confidence. Without the right skills, whitewater can feel intimidating.
Many people dream of paddling down New Zealand's beautiful rivers but don’t know how to do it safely. Without proper instruction and hands-on experience, it can feel overwhelming—and even dangerous—to venture onto moving water.
In this course, you’ll learn how to read the river, maneuver through rapids, and keep yourself safe on whitewater. Our step-by-step approach ensures you progress at your own pace, building confidence and skill with each session.
Once you've completed the course, you'll be ready to take on more challenging rivers, go on kayak adventures with your local club, and enjoy the thrill of whitewater kayaking. How to Book
- Select your dates and complete your booking at the top of this page ↑
- Download your information pack and learn to kayak over 4 days with expert coaching.
- Join your local kayak club and enjoy a lifetime of paddling New Zealand rivers with confidence. Meet Your Instructor
Sam Milne is one of New Zealand's most experienced whitewater instructors and the founder of Canterbury Kayaking. Having taught over 1,000 people how to kayak, he understands that strong foundational skills are the key to both success and enjoyment on the river.
While training as an instructor, Sam noticed that most beginner courses don’t spend enough time focusing on the basic skills that truly help novices succeed. Without a solid foundation, new paddlers often struggle with control on moving water and feel overwhelmed on the river.
That’s why Sam developed his own training framework—one that prioritizes fundamental boat control techniques, helping paddlers experience success early and feel confident through rapids. In this course, you’ll follow a proven method designed to help you become a skilled and capable whitewater kayaker. What do I get with the course?
- Free use of a boat, paddle, and spray skirt for the entire program.
- 4 days of professional skills coaching with Sam Milne, one of New Zealand's top kayak instructors.
- 2 nights accomodation in Murchison
- 1 day of pool and lake sessions, plus 3 river days.
- Exclusive discount on products from our gear shop.
- Personalized advice on which models of kayaks are right for you.
- Guidance and support in joining your local kayak club.