A. Whitewater Kayaking Basics (Pool Session)
Get a taste of whitewater kayaking in the U of C pool to prepare you for the river! In this course, you will learn how to wet exit and paddle a kayak with fun games and expert instruction. This is a great course to take with your whole family and sample the world of whitewater kayaking! Prerequisite: No Experience Necessary and 14+. Includes: instructor, all river kayak gear.
POOL CHANGING ROOM CLOSURE from May 1st - TBD (middle-end of June)
During this time, there will be no access to the locker rooms from the main entrance.
User groups will be asked to enter the pool deck from the north pool deck doors.
Whitewater Kayak Roll Introduction (Pool Session)
A kayak roll is an essential skill to learn once you have learnt the basics and it will increase your confidence on the river. In this course, receive step-by-step instruction to help you complete your first roll in the safety and warmth of the University pool. Prerequisite: Whitewater Kayaking A (Basics) or equivalent and 14+. Includes: instructor, all river kayaking gear.
POOL CHANGING ROOM CLOSURE from May 1st - TBD (middle-end of June)
During this time, there will be no access to the locker rooms from the main entrance.
User groups will be asked to enter the pool deck from the north pool deck doors.
ABC. Whitewater Kayaking Complete Beginner Weekend
Give whitewater kayaking a try with this popular weekend course that combines the ABCs and an intro to roll session over one weekend. Plus it's at a discounted rate. You'll start with lessons in the pool and finish with an exciting Class I+ whitewater run just outside Calgary. This weekend course starts Thursday night and go all day Saturday and Sunday. Prerequisite: No Experience Necessary but a wetsuit is required and 16+. Includes: instructor, all river kayaking gear.
POOL CHANGING ROOM CLOSURE from May 1st - TBD (middle-end of June)
During this time, there will be no access to the locker rooms from the main entrance.
User groups will be asked to enter the pool deck from the north pool deck doors.
Custom Paddle Program
Hire a guide to take you on the trip of your choosing or to give you expert instruction to improve your paddling skills! We also instruct school groups and other non-profits at Bowness Lagoon at an affordable rate. Customize a group booking through the Outdoor Centre today! All gear can be provided by the Outdoor Centre.
Fill out the Outdoor Centre
Custom Group Activities Booking Form to book now.
The programs listed in this section are for custom groups to register only and not open to the public. If you are interested in booking a custom program yourself, please fill out the form or contact ocprograms@ucalgary.ca
B. Intro to Whitewater Kayaking
Continue to build on what you know about whitewater kayaking as you learn to identify river features and hazards, and how to safely navigate a river run. In this full day or evening session, you'll learn eddy turns, ferry glides and the essentials of confident river running. Prerequisite: Whitewater Kayaking A (Basics) or equivalent and 16+. Includes: instructor, all river kayaking gear.
C. Whitewater Kayaking Continued
After you have moved onto the river, come improve your river-running and maneuvering skills as you experience the rapids on some fun and exciting class I+ whitewater just outside Calgary. Gain confidence in whitewater safely under the guidance of a trained professional. Prerequisite: Whitewater Kayaking B (Intro) or equivalent and 16+. Includes: instructor, all river kayaking gear.
