Grade 2/3 Paddler Development Week

This course is designed for paddlers who are confident on Grade 2 rivers and looking to progress to solid Grade 3 skills. It’s ideal for those who have some experience in white water kayaking but want to improve specific areas like rolling, river reading, and making sharp turns. You should be comfortable paddling in moving water and have a basic roll (or be working towards one).

Participants are expected to bring their own kayaking equipment, including a boat, paddle, buoyancy aid, helmet, spray deck, and other personal gear. If you don’t have your own kit, we offer equipment hire at £25 per day for a boat and £10 per day for a paddle. Please let us know in advance if you need to hire any equipment so we can arrange it for you.

The course takes place on the rivers of Dartmoor, which offer a mix of calm sections and more challenging rapids, making them perfect for developing Grade 3 paddling skills. You’ll experience various features such as eddy lines, small drops, and surf waves, allowing you to practice your techniques in real-world conditions. The specific rivers and sections will be chosen based on water levels and conditions at the time.

Each day typically runs from around 9am to 5pm, with a mix of on-water sessions and debriefs. Mornings usually focus on specific skill development, such as rolling, breaking in and out of eddies, or boofing, while afternoons are spent applying these skills on the river. We finish each day with a debriefing session to review progress and provide feedback. The schedule may vary depending on weather and river conditions.

White water kayaking can be physically demanding, especially when working on more advanced techniques like rolling and boofing. You should have a reasonable level of fitness and be prepared for full days on the river. That said, our coaching is flexible, and we can adjust the intensity based on your needs to ensure you’re both challenged and supported. If you have concerns about the physical demands of the course, feel free to discuss them with us.

This course focuses on essential Grade 2/3 skills, including:

• Rolling: Develop a reliable roll to build your confidence on the water.
• Forward Paddling: Refine your technique to improve efficiency and control.
• Posture & Core Tension: Learn how good posture and core engagement can enhance your paddling.
• Breaking in and out of eddies: Master the technique of crossing eddy lines smoothly and effectively.
• Sharp Turns & Boofing: Learn to turn quickly and boof with precision.
• Surfing: Take advantage of river waves to practice and enhance your surfing skills.
• River Reading: Improve your ability to read river features and make smart decisions on the fly.

We closely monitor the weather and river conditions throughout the week. If conditions are unsuitable for one location, we will move to an alternative site within Dartmoor to ensure the course remains safe and productive. Our instructors have extensive local knowledge, allowing us to adapt the schedule as needed while ensuring you get the most out of your time on the water. Safety is always our top priority.

No, accommodation is not included in the course fee. However, we can assist in organising group accommodation with other participants to keep costs down. Many paddlers opt to share bunkhouse-style accommodation near the course locations. If you prefer to arrange your own lodging, there are plenty of options in and around Dartmoor.

That’s absolutely fine! The course is designed to help you develop and improve, so you don’t need to be confident in all areas from the start. If you’re still working on certain skills, such as rolling or reading the river, our experienced coaches will provide the support you need to progress at your own pace. By the end of the week, you’ll have a solid foundation to move forward in your paddling journey.

Yes, you’ll need to bring your own packed lunches, snacks, and water for each day. While there may be opportunities to purchase food locally, it’s recommended to bring enough to stay energised during long days on the water. Be sure to pack plenty of water, as staying hydrated is crucial, especially when kayaking in active conditions.

Throughout the week, you’ll receive personalised coaching from our experienced team, led by Andrew, a Paddle UK Level 5 coach. Each session will include specific, tailored feedback based on your performance, and we’ll work with you to set goals and track your progress. Daily debriefs ensure that you understand where you’re improving and what areas to focus on next.