Grade II Certificate Course

Grade 2 Certificate Course Overview

Book now pay later? Use the code TSKBOOKNOW to secure your space with a 30% no-refundable deposit. We will be in touch to organise final payment or payments at a later date. What's the Topsport difference?

- The only operator in New Zealand to teach a Grade II Course on the Waimakariri River
- Complete three days of your course in a MULTISPORT Kayak
- Our team are unrivalled when it comes to Coast to Coast experience, racing and success

Download everything you need to know here! Course Details

- All whitewater kayaking equipment is provided for Day One
- No previous whitewater experience required (prior kayaking is highly recommended)
- Experienced and qualified instructors
- Coast to Coast approved Grade II Provider
- Registered and approved Adventure Activity Operator

The aim of this course is to introduce you to multi-sport kayaking on the Waimakariri River in a safe and simple manner. Topsport Kayaking will teach you all the essential river skills you need to compete successfully in the Kathmandu Coast to Coast. Our instructors will share their river paddling expertise with you as well as useful tips and skills for racing.

We will cover the following skills throughout the program:

- Boat & Paddle setup
- Gear & Equipment
- Rolling your kayak
- Forward Strokes
- Sweep Strokes
- Edging
- Ferry Glides
- Rapid and Bluff Running
- Picking Braids
- Identifying River Features and Hazards
- Wet-exits
- Swimming Skills
- Self Rescues & Throw-bagging
- Interpreting Weather & River Flow Data Kayak Hire

Hiring a boat is a great way to try a good multi-sport kayak without the investment just yet.

to hire a kayak for your course. Travelling Athlete Info

If you are travelling from outside of Christchurch to spend some time with us on the river or over the mountain here is some information to help plan you trip.

Download the info here. Testimonials

Here what our paddlers say.

"I cannot recommend these guys highly enough! Kate was super organised and squeezed me into my Grade Two last thing. Great communication, very prompt and easy to deal with. Guides were a wealth of knowledge and accommodating to all skill levels across in the group. Drivers were laid-back , chatty and obviously into kayaking themselves. Nothing was ever an issues, they even shouted us morning tea! Honestly I cannot fault these guys one bit. The course was so informative, enjoyable and I look forward to more adventures with Topsport! Thank you again." Bree Purdie, March 2021

"Thanks so much for all the support you guys offer – am still so pleased I chose the Topsport crew to help me on this journey You guys are legends! Nicolle Rosewarne, September 2020

"Topsport Kayaking was instrumental in all three of my Longest Day victories. Len and Caleb’s help was invaluable and I owe my success on the river to them. I completed my Grade Two course with Topsport and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone getting into the sport. Thanks Topsport!" Emily Miazga, Em's Power Cookie Founder and Coast to Coast Champion Requirements

These requirements are in place for your safety and to ensure we can fit you in one of our boats (if required)

- You must be able to swim
- Weigh less than 110kg
- Be shorter than 6'4.
- Reasonable fitness/strength to paddle throughout the course

Please to discuss options if you don’t the fit these requirements.