The Grade 3-4 Paddler Development Week is designed for paddlers looking to advance their white water skills in challenging environments. This week-long course, set in the stunning and challenging rivers of Devon, focuses on developing the key skills and tactics needed to navigate Grade 3-4 rivers with confidence and precision. You’ll be coached by Andrew, a highly experienced white water paddler and Paddle UK Level 5 coach, who will guide you through the techniques, decision-making, and teamwork necessary to excel on advanced rivers like the Upper Dart, Erme, East Lyn, and Plym.
This development week focuses on several critical aspects of advanced white water kayaking:
By the end of this week, you will have a deep understanding of advanced river running and the ability to make confident decisions in complex water conditions. You’ll also leave with the skills and knowledge to apply these techniques to rivers around the world.
The course takes place on some of the most iconic rivers in Devon, including the Upper Dart, Erme, East Lyn, and Plym. These rivers offer the perfect training ground for Grade 3-4 paddlers, with a variety of challenging features such as tight lines, drops, and fast-moving water. The stunning landscapes and natural beauty of the area provide an inspiring backdrop for your development.
We recommend staying locally in Devon during the course. We can assist in recommending accommodation options, such as bunkhouses or lodges.
To join the Grade 3-4 Paddler Development Week, you should:
If you’re unsure about your current skill level, feel free to contact us to discuss whether this course is right for you.
We have over a decade of experience in training white water paddlers across the globe. Here’s why you should choose us for your Grade 3-4 development:
Whether you want to push your white water skills to the next level or gain confidence in tackling advanced rivers, this week will provide the tools and techniques you need to succeed in any white water environment.
This course is ideal for paddlers who are comfortable on Grade 3 white water and want to develop their skills further to confidently tackle Grade 4 rivers. It is designed for those looking to refine their techniques, improve river reading and decision-making, and enhance their safety and rescue skills in more advanced river environments.
Yes, this course is intended for paddlers with some experience in Grade 3 white water kayaking. You should already have a basic understanding of white water techniques, be comfortable in moving water, and have a reliable roll. If you're unsure of your current skill level, please contact us to discuss whether this course is suitable for you.
We’ll be paddling on some of Devon’s most exciting and challenging rivers, including:
These rivers are perfect for honing Grade 3-4 paddling skills in a variety of conditions.
The course focuses on a range of advanced white water paddling skills, including:
By the end of the course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of advanced river techniques and be better equipped to tackle challenging white water conditions.
Yes, you will need to bring your own white water kayaking equipment, including:
Your equipment should be in good condition and appropriate for advanced white water. If you’re unsure about your gear, feel free to contact us for advice.
The course runs from approximately 9am to 5pm each day, with a mix of on-water sessions, rescue practice, and feedback sessions. Mornings are typically focused on personal skill development and technical paddling, while afternoons involve more complex river challenges and teamwork exercises. Each day ends with a debrief to review progress and set goals for the next session.
We closely monitor river levels and weather conditions throughout the course to ensure safety. If conditions are not suitable for a specific river, we will move to an alternative location or adjust the schedule to ensure you still gain valuable experience. The safety of our participants is our top priority, and we will make sure that the course remains both productive and safe, regardless of conditions.
No, accommodation is not included in the course fee. However, we can help you find local accommodation near the rivers in Devon, such as bunkhouses, lodges, or campsites. Many participants choose to share accommodation to keep costs down, and we’re happy to help coordinate this if needed.
Yes, you’ll need to bring your own packed lunches, snacks, and water each day. We recommend bringing plenty of high-energy snacks and water to stay hydrated during long days on the river. There may be some local options to purchase food, but it’s best to come prepared for the day.
You should have a reasonable level of fitness, as white water kayaking can be physically demanding, especially in Grade 3-4 conditions. You’ll be paddling for several hours each day in challenging environments, so a good baseline fitness level is essential for both safety and performance.
Yes, throughout the week, you will receive personalised coaching and feedback from Andrew and the team. We focus on identifying areas where you can improve and provide tailored advice to help you progress. Daily debriefs will ensure you leave the course with a clear understanding of your strengths and areas for development.
During the week, you’ll build on your existing white water safety and rescue skills. You’ll learn advanced rescue techniques suited for Grade 3-4 rivers, with a focus on practical, real-world scenarios. Our aim is to equip you with the confidence and skills to handle complex rescues efficiently and safely.
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About the centre
Buckfastleigh, Devon
Operated by ABC Kayaking, a partner of adventuro.
