Adult Keener Program: Whitewater Kayak Instruction

Foresters Falls, Ontario

Multi-day, action packed program for whitewater kayakers looking to progress their kayaking game!

Designed for adult intermediate/advanced paddlers, this program follows the same fast-tracked progression used in our world-famous Keener Program.

Overview

Experience the Ultimate Whitewater Adventure with Ottawa Kayak School

Join us for an unforgettable kayaking experience on the world-renowned Ottawa River! With flexible arrival options, you can choose to join us for 5 days, or extend your adventure with the Montreal Weekend at $750 CAD, adding two extra days for a total of 7 days.

Alternatively, for the ultimate experience, opt for our 14-day program, which explores the best whitewater in the region.

Explore the Best Whitewater in the Region
Your journey will take you through the Ottawa River, the Lachine Rapids in Montreal, and many of the region’s top kayaking destinations, including the Gatineau, Petawawa, Rouge, and other rivers, depending on water conditions. Please note: the Lachine Rapids trip is included in our 14-day program.

Perfect Water Conditions for an Epic Adventure
Mid-June offers ideal water temperatures, and with high water levels across the region’s watersheds, it’s the perfect time for an adrenaline-pumping whitewater experience in the Ottawa Valley.

Why Choose Ottawa Kayak School?
When you visit Ottawa Kayak School, you’re not just booking a trip, you’re investing in an educational exeperience. Learn from some of the best instructors in the world on one of the world’s top playboating rivers. Our expert team is dedicated to improving your skills while you experience the thrill of the water.

The Ottawa River is recognized as the finest playboating river globally. Our school has earned a prestigious reputation, having hosted major events such as the 2006 World Cup of Kayaking, and the 2007 and 2015 Freestyle World Championships. If the International Canoe Federation, the governing body of Olympic paddlesports, trusts us to run these high-profile events, you can too.

Exclusive Discounts for Groups
At Ottawa Kayak School, we value our community. If you book a trip with 4 friends, your entire trip will be 50% off! Plus, bring 5 or more kayakers to join us for the next season, and enjoy additional discounts. Be part of our #1 Club and take advantage of these amazing offers!

Need More Information?
Visit our FAQ section for answers to your questions, or feel free to reach out to us directly at [email protected]. We’re here to help you plan your next kayaking adventure!

 

Before You Visit

What’s Included

5-14 Days of Expert Whitewater Kayak Instruction:
Depending on daily river conditions, your kayaking adventure with us can span anywhere from 5 to 14 days. Each day, your instructors will prioritize both your safety and your enjoyment, adapting to the conditions to offer the best learning experience possible.

Professional Instructors with Industry-Leading Expertise:
At Ottawa Kayak School, our professional instructors are not only renowned for their top-tier kayaking skills but also for their friendly, approachable personalities. They are dedicated to creating a supportive and positive environment to help you improve your skills while having fun on the water. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced paddler, our instructors provide personalized coaching to help you reach your goals.

All Meals Included for a Stress-Free Experience:
We believe that an unforgettable paddling adventure should be about more than just the water. That’s why we’ve included all meals as part of the program, starting with a hearty breakfast on your first day of paddling and ending with lunch on your final day. Enjoy delicious, nutritious meals to keep you energized throughout your kayaking experience.

5-14 Nights of Comfortable Shared Accommodation
As part of your package, you’ll enjoy comfortable shared accommodations for 5-14 nights depending on the duration of your program. Whether you’re with friends or fellow kayakers, our accommodations provide a relaxing atmosphere after a day on the river. The shared lodging ensures you have everything you need for a restful stay, so you’re ready for the next day’s adventure.

Convenient Daily Shuttle Service
Each day begins with meeting your instructor at the Rafters Pavilion, a convenient location to kick off your adventure. After a group breakfast, you’ll receive a daily orientation and gear load-up, preparing you for the day’s journey. Then, you’ll board our shuttle bus, which will take you directly to the river. At the end of each day, the shuttle returns you to Rafters Pavilion, just a short walk from your vehicle, ensuring a hassle-free experience.


 

Necessary Items (for Adult Keeners)

  • Kayak
  • Paddle
  • Sprayskirt
  • Helmet
  • Pfd
  • Drytop or Paddle Jacket
  • Shorts/swimwear
  • Water shoes or old sneakers (flip-flops and crocs are not suitable)
  • Synthetic T-shirts (long sleeve is preferable)
  • Sunscreen/lip balm
  • Towel and change of clothes each day
  • Reusable water bottle 
  • Carabiner clip (to retain equipment you would like to keep inside your kayak)
  • Clothing and personal items
  • Rain gear
  • Synthetic long underwear
  • Light fleece hoodie/pullover

Optional Items

  • Nose clips
  • Sunglasses (will need glasses strap for on-water time)
  • Eyeglass strap
  • Running hat or visor
  • Earplugs (if sensitive to water)

*Please ask your instructor about our coin operated lockers or you always have the option to leave your personal belongings in your car or accommodation, our instructors will have a lockable key box which you’re welcome to leave your keys in prior to each day of kayaking.

All participants must be at least 18 years old OR weigh at least 90 lbs to be participate in this instruction program. No prior experience necessary.

All minors (17 and under) must be accompanied by a participating adult during the activity.

Participants must meet age, weight, and chest size minimums and maximums for the specific trip they are partaking.

Need some more information? Check out our FAQ’s section or send us an e-mail at [email protected] 

Itinerary

Arrival & Check-in:
Your kayak program begins with a 7PM briefing followed directly by a meet and greet.

Day 1 | Gearing Up & Review of the Basics:
To best prepare you for your time on water with us, our coaches begin all of our intermediate and advanced programs with a review of the basics. From the way our boats and gear fit to our most basic techniques, our aim is to master the fundamentals.

  • Gearing Up
    Each program begins the same way: an orientation and personalized sizing of the equipment you will be using.
  • Safety Briefing
    Ottawa Kayak Instructors have your safety in mind. Before getting on the water, your instructor will explain the safety procedures for the day.
  • Let’s Kayak!
    Starting with a basics review and focusing on technique, your instructor will help you achieve your goals!
  • Lunch
    Rehydrate and refuel because your day is only half over!
  • More Kayaking!
    Continue challenging yourself! The second half of the day will build upon the first half of your instructor’s lesson plan.
  • Your arrival back to Park Village
    It’s been a full day of whitewater kayaking but don’t run off just yet! Your instructor will provide you with an itinerary for Day 2 and the evening’s entertainment options.

Days 2 – 5 | Keener Theme Days:
Following the same themes as our world-famous youth development programs, Keenersour Keener Coaches help you progress through competition.

Montreal Weekend:
Included in the two week Adult Keener Program or can be an add on for the one week program: Head to Montreal to the Lachine Rapids for more fun in the sun!

Remaining Days | Keener Theme Days:
Upon your return from Montreal, the second week of the Adult Keener can be booked as a single week as well but the second week will follows the same basic itinerary as week one, however, river levels determine which sections and rivers our instructors will use.

Program Calendar

Note: Prices are subject to 13% HST & $15/day/person Park Pass

*Holiday Rate,  **Spring & September Discount – Opening Weekend – and After Labor Day Weekend.

Choose Activity Date to Begin Booking or Quote

Optional Upgrades

Accommodation Upgrades:
Receive a 40% discount on all accommodation upgrades by booking a multi-day whitewater kayak program.

Equipment Rental:
Ottawa Kayak School is proud to be the World’s first Jackson Kayak super school. For $330 CAD, you can rent a Jackson Kayak (AntiX 2.0 or Rockstar V), paddle (Werner Rio), helmet (Sweet Wanderer) , sprayskirt (LevelSix King), and PFD (NRS Ion) for the duration of your program.

Stayover Package:
Stayover packages bundle your choice of activity with an additional dinner, breakfast, and a night of camping.

Storage Lockers: 
Coin operated storage lockers can be found on-site to keep your valuables safe while you are on the river.

Airport Shuttles:
Can be arrange, please contact Ottawa Kayak School via e-mail at [email protected]

All Prices reflect nightly rate with 40% discount applied in Canadian Dollars: 

Smaller Units:

Bayside Suites: – $119.40 Sun-Thurs & $143.40 Fri-Sat

Cedar Cabins: – $95.40 Sun-Thurs & $113.40 Fri-Sat

Eco Cedar Cabins: – $107.40 Sun-Thurs & $137.40 Fri-Sat

Super Deluxe Cedar Cabins: $149.40 Sun-Thurs & $173.40 Fri-Sat

Glamping Tent: – $77.40 per night

Hostel Cabin Mini: – $59.40 Sun-Thurs & $77.40 Fri-Sat

Hostel Cabin Plus: – $71.40 Sun-Thurs & $95.40 Fri-Sat

Hostel Motel: – $50.40 Sun-Thurs & $68.40 Fri-Sat

Hostel Motel Plus: – $59.40 Sun-Thurs & $77.40 Fri-Sat

Larger Units:

The Cottage Loft: – $101.40 Sun-Thurs & $137.40 Fri-Sat

The Cottage Main: – $179.40 Sun-Thurs & $239.40 Fri-Sat

London House Center: – $179.40 Sun-Thurs & $239.40 Fri-Sat

London House East: – $143.40 Sun-Thurs & $191.40 Fri-Sat

London House West: – $143.40 Sun-Thurs & $191.40 Fri-Sat

The Manor Main: – $299.40 Sun-Thurs & $401.40 Fri-Sat

The Manor Master: – $155.40 Sun-Thurs & $221.40 Fri-Sat

Location

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