River Kayaking

A. Whitewater Kayaking Basics (Pool Session)

Get a taste of whitewater kayaking in the U of C pool to prepare you for the river! In this course, you will learn how to wet exit and paddle a kayak with fun games and expert instruction. This is a great course to take with your whole family and sample the world of whitewater kayaking! Prerequisite: No Experience Necessary and 14+. Includes: instructor, all river kayak gear.
POOL CHANGING ROOM CLOSURE from May 1st - TBD (middle-end of June)

During this time, there will be no access to the locker rooms from the main entrance.  
User groups will be asked to enter the pool deck from the north pool deck doors.  

 

Whitewater Kayak Roll Introduction (Pool Session)

A kayak roll is an essential skill to learn once you have learnt the basics and it will increase your confidence on the river. In this course, receive step-by-step instruction to help you complete your first roll in the safety and warmth of the University pool. Prerequisite: Whitewater Kayaking A (Basics) or equivalent. Participants 16+ may join with parents. Includes: instructor, all river kayaking gear.
POOL CHANGING ROOM CLOSURE from May 1st - TBD (middle-end of June)

During this time, there will be no access to the locker rooms from the main entrance.  
User groups will be asked to enter the pool deck from the north pool deck doors.  
 

Whitewater Kayak Roll Clinic (Pool Session)

Master or re-learn the kayak roll with practice and hands-on professional coaching in this pool session. Stay sharp and learn the different types of rolls such as the sweep roll and the back deck roll. Use this session to prepare you for the paddling season! Prerequisite: Whitewater Kayak Roll Intro or previous roll experience. Participants 16+ may join with parents. Includes: instructor, all river kayaking gear.
POOL CHANGING ROOM CLOSURE from May 1st - TBD (middle-end of June)
During this time, there will be no access to the locker rooms from the main entrance.  
User groups will be asked to enter the pool deck from the north pool deck doors.  
 

ABC. Whitewater Kayaking Complete Beginner Weekend

Give whitewater kayaking a try with this popular weekend course that combines the ABCs and an intro to roll session over one weekend. Plus it's at a discounted rate. You'll start with lessons in the pool and finish with an exciting Class I+ whitewater run just outside Calgary. This weekend course starts Thursday night and go all day Saturday and Sunday. Prerequisite: No Experience Necessary but a wetsuit is required and 16+. Includes: instructor, all river kayaking gear.
POOL CHANGING ROOM CLOSURE from May 1st - TBD (middle-end of June)

During this time, there will be no access to the locker rooms from the main entrance.  
User groups will be asked to enter the pool deck from the north pool deck doors.  
 

Custom Paddle Program

Hire a guide to take you on the trip of your choosing or to give you expert instruction to improve your paddling skills! We also instruct school groups and other non-profits at Bowness Lagoon at an affordable rate. Customize a group booking through the Outdoor Centre today! All gear can be provided by the Outdoor Centre.

Fill out the Outdoor Centre Custom Group Activities Booking Form to book now.

The programs listed in this section are for custom groups to register only and not open to the public. If you are interested in booking a custom program yourself, please fill out the form or contact ocprograms@ucalgary.ca

B. Intro to Whitewater Kayaking

Continue to build on what you know about whitewater kayaking as you learn to identify river features and hazards, and how to safely navigate a river run. In this full day or evening session, you'll learn eddy turns, ferry glides and the essentials of confident river running. Prerequisite: Whitewater Kayaking A (Basics) or equivalent and 16+. Includes: instructor, all river kayaking gear.

C. Whitewater Kayaking Continued

After you have moved onto the river, come improve your river-running and maneuvering skills as you experience the rapids on some fun and exciting class I+ whitewater just outside Calgary. Gain confidence in whitewater safely under the guidance of a trained professional. Prerequisite: Whitewater Kayaking B (Intro) or equivalent and 16+. Includes: instructor, all river kayaking gear.

D. Whitewater Kayaking

This 1 day course is designed to build upon particpants kayaking abilities, river running and manouvering skills on moving water class II & II+ rapids. It offers participants the to opportunity to take the next step in their whitewater kayaking journey and continue to develop their their kayak paddle skills, and their understanding of river safety and hazard assessment.
Prerequisite: A, B & C Whitewater Kayaking Basics, Intro & Continued courses or equivalent kayaking experience on class I+ & II rivers
You MUST be able to confidently perform a wet exit, as taught in course:  A. Whitewater Kayaking Basic.
Includes: instructor, all river kayaking gear.

C+. Whitewater Kayak Refresher Weekend

Start off the paddling season strong by refreshing your skills early. Over the weekend, we'll practice river maneuvers, rescues and safety. The first day is on the Bow River west of Cochrane and the second on the Kananaskis River. There is an option to join us Saturday only if you can't do the full weekend. Prerequisite: Whitewater Kayaking ABC or equivalent and 16+. Includes: instructor, all river kayak gear.