Grade 2 Certificate + Waimakariri Gorge for First-Timers Course Combo

Doing Coast to Coast, but don’t have much kayaking experience?

- Do you need to gain your grade 2 kayak certificate?
- Are you new to paddling and want help getting started?
- Are you nervous about paddling the Waimakariri Gorge?

On Canterbury Kayaking's 7-day Grade 2 Certificate Waimak Gorge for First-Timers Combo, you’ll gain the skills, certification and experience you need through a safe and structured step-by-step process. Once you've achieved your grade 2 certificate and successfully paddled the Coast to Coast race route, you'll be able to train towards the Coast to Coast with complete confidence. Without the Right Preparation, Your First Coast to Coast Can Be Stressful

Many first-time Coast to Coast paddlers struggle through their race—swimming multiple times, taking bad lines, and swearing they’ll never get in a kayak again!

Why? Because they didn’t dedicate enough time to their paddling, gain experience on the actual race route, or train with a professional coach. Without structured training, race day can feel more like survival than competition.

On this course, you’ll build your whitewater skills step by step—progressing from foundational skills training to grade 2 certification, race-specific preparation, and finally paddling the Waimakariri Gorge with expert guidance.

By the time you complete this 7-day program, you’ll be grade 2 certified, confident in whitewater, and have successfully paddled the Gorge. You’ll feel fully prepared for race day and ready to enjoy your first Coast to Coast experience. How to Book
- Select your dates and complete your booking at the top of this page ↑
- Download your information pack and join us for 7 days of paddling (4 days of whitewater skills 3 days of race training).
- Earn your certification, paddle the Gorge, and show up on race day with total confidence. Meet Your Coach

Sam Milne is the most experienced kayak instructor on the Waimakariri River and the founder of Canterbury Kayaking.

Having coached over 1,000 athletes for the Coast to Coast, Sam knows that getting certified is just the beginning—to perform well on race day, you need the skills, confidence, and real river experience to handle the challenges of the Waimakariri Gorge.

The Coast to Coast officially recommends that beginner kayakers "budget for at least six instructional days on grade 2 whitewater" and states that "a guided trip on the Waimakariri is also extremely beneficial".

That’s why Sam created this 7-day combo course—allowing first-time competitors to complete the recommended training in one structured program. This ensures you’re not just ticking the certification box but gaining the skills and experience needed to race with confidence.

By the time you complete Canterbury Kayaking's Grade 2 Waimak Gorge Combo, you’ll have the certification, skills, and first-hand Gorge experience to approach your Coast to Coast race fully prepared and ready to perform. What do I get with the course?

- 4-day Grade 2 Certificate Course:

- 4 days of professional whitewater skills instruction.
- Free use of a boat, paddle, and spray skirt.
- 2 nights accomodation.
- Up to 5x more experience on real rapids compared to other providers.
- Official certification for the Kathmandu Coast to Coast.
- Free second course if you do not pass by the final day.

- 3-day Waimakariri Gorge for First-Timers Course:

- 3 days of professional coaching on the Waimakariri River.
- Option to hire a kayak and gear
- Transport for the Gorge trip on the final day.
- Pre-scheduled bad weather backup day for Gorge trip.

- Exclusive discount on products from our gear shop.
- Personalized advice on which models of multisport kayaks are right for you.
- Drills you can take away and use to keep improving beyond the course.