2-Day Sea Kayak Course Build confidence and skills for safe sea kayaking in New Zealand / Public Courses / Sea Kayak Courses / 2-Day Sea Kayak Course Overview Join our introductory sea kayaking course designed for those who want to explore local harbours, lakes, and bays safely. Over the weekend, you’ll learn everything you need to know about sea kayak equipment, paddling techniques, and self-rescue methods. This is our most popular sea kayaking training course, and no prior experience is necessary. Course Details Course Location This course is delivered in Lyttelton Harbour, close to Christchurch. The course starts at the Ōtoromiro Hotel in Governors Bay (30 minutes from Christchurch). We access the water and use the picturesque and sheltered area of the harbour to practice our paddling techniques and rescues. The group and instructor will decide the exact location for the second day at the end of Day 1, and it will vary depending on local weather and tides. The course finishes at 4 pm in Charteris Bay (approximately 50 minutes from Christchurch airport). Accommodation Accommodation is not included in this course. If you travel from out of town, we recommend staying in Lyttelton, Governors Bay, the south side, or Christchurch City Centre. If you don’t have transport in Christchurch, we are happy to pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation each day. Food This is a self-catered course. We recommend packing plenty of snacks and lunches that don’t require cooking. Free Transport If You’re Travelling From Out Of Town: Free transport is available from Christchurch for those travelling to attend our courses. Check our FAQ’s for a list of hotel pickup locations. We recommend that you arrive in Christchurch the day before your course. At the end of the course, we are more than happy to drop you back at your accommodation or directly to the airport. Meeting locations (catch a ride with us): If you are bringing your car and want a lift, please meet us at one of the following locations: Opposite Princess Margaret Hospital on Cashmere Road at 8:20 am (see on Google Maps) Ōtoromiro Hotel (Governors Bay Hotel) lower car park at 8:45 am (see on Google Maps) *Our preferred meeting location is the Ōtoromiro Hotel . OENZ Vans Gear & Equipment You will need personal paddling clothing for this course. We will supply the sea kayaking equipment if you don’t have your own. Gear List Is this the right sea kayaking course for me? Download Flow Chart Course Outline This introductory 2-day course is designed to equip you with basic sea-kayaking skills so that you can explore New Zealand’s harbours, lakes and bays safely and with confidence. Day 1: Skills & Equipment Kayaking Skills Paddle techniques Power and touring strokes Kayak control/manoeuvring Low Brace Sea Kayak Equipment Fitting out your boat Overview of sea kayak equipment Care and maintenance Transporting and storing kayaks/gear Day 2: Rescue Techniques Rescues Paddle float rescues Scramble self-rescue Supporting a rescue Emergency communications and equipment Download Course Outline Meet Some of Our Sea Kayak Instructors Sarah English John Kirk-Anderson Alan Haslip Ruby Tan Frequently Asked Questions Do I need prior experience to attend this course? You don’t need any prior experience to enrol in this course. It is specifically designed to cover the basic skills you will need to explore New Zealand’s harbours, lakes and bays. How many people will be on my course? We believe that small groups are better for this type of training. So we have a maximum client-to-instructor ratio of just eight clients to one instructor. I can’t swim, will this be a problem? No, this is not a problem at all! During sea kayaking with OENZ, you will wear a PFD (personal floatation device). This means you will be kept safe and afloat whenever you are on the water. Our instructors are there to support you through the day and to ensure you have a great time. How fit do I need to be for Sea Kayaking? Each sea kayaking day involves being active and paddling your boat throughout the day. We aim to make our introduction and experience days accessible for everyone. So, upon meeting your instructor, they will make a plan for the day, which will be appropriate and enjoyable for everyone in the group. Contact our friendly office staff if you’re concerned about your fitness levels. What is the minimum age? 16 years old. Ask about our Family Friendly courses for children aged less than 16 years old. Water Safety course photos T-rescue Practicing a brace stroke Loading kayaks safely Wet exiting a sea kayak Customer Reviews “It was a really professional course – 5 Stars” Sinaritie, Christchurch, NZ “Fantastic team at OENZ. Excellent fun and learning with a great group of like-minded people. Thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and the skills will inevitably allow greater access to our beautiful country. Highly recommend!” Rob James, Canterbury, NZ “The experience, enthusiasm and communication from the instructors was great. We’re off to buy a sea kayak and try out the stuff we learned” Carlos Rosado, Christchurch, NZ “A brilliant, comprehensive course. Can’t wait to buy our own kayaks and get out there!” Ruth Bentley, NZ “Sarah was great – helped everyone and lots of great kayaking to practice what we had been shown.” Kerrie, NZ “Awesome course, learnt so much, challenging but really supportive learning environment.” Lydia, NZ Still Have Questions? Get in touch with our team — we’re happy to help you prepare for your outdoor adventure. Contact Us
