Do I need prior kayaking experience to join this course?

Yes, you should be competent on flat water and comfortable with basic paddling skills before attending.

Are all the rivers in one location?

No, the course takes place across various rivers in the UK and Europe depending on water levels and seasons.

What safety measures are in place during the course?

All sessions include thorough safety briefings, use of protective gear, and coaching by certified instructors.

Is the course physically demanding?

The course is moderately challenging and requires good physical fitness, especially upper body strength and endurance.

What happens if the river conditions are not suitable?

Rock The Boat monitors water levels and may postpone or refund if conditions don’t meet safety requirements.

Can I rent gear if I don’t have my own?

Yes, equipment rental is typically available but it’s best to confirm in advance with Rock The Boat Activities Ltd.

Whitewater Kayak Training with Rock The Boat Activities Ltd | Canoe | Kayak

Rock The Boat Activities Ltd offers a thrilling gateway into the demanding yet rewarding world of whitewater kayaking. Based in Dorking, England, this company specializes in a dynamic two-day Intro River Skills course aimed at paddlers eager to advance from calm flat water to tackling grade 2/3 river rapids. These locations span across the UK and Europe, placing adventurers right in the heart of authentic river environments.

Dorking itself sits on the edge of the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering easy access to varied river conditions—a perfect launchpad for whitewater training. The rivers selected for the course often feature diverse geological influences, such as exposed sandstone and chalk beds that shape unique rapid formations, providing natural challenges that demand refined technique and sharp instincts.

What sets this course apart is its practical emphasis on building essential river navigation skills paired with hands-on coaching. Expert instructors guide participants through river reading, advanced paddle strokes, and safety maneuvers tailored to grade 2 and 3 whitewater conditions. This approach ensures kayakers don’t just learn techniques but also develop the confidence to apply them in changing river landscapes.

Additionally, Rock The Boat’s commitment to small group sizes allows personalized instruction, fostering rapid skill progression in a supportive environment. The experience taps into the energy of flowing water, blending adrenaline with technique — a combination unique to real river running as opposed to controlled whitewater centers.

Conservation is integral to the company’s ethos, promoting Leave No Trace principles to safeguard the natural rivers and their ecosystems. This ensures that each trip not only advances paddling abilities but also nurtures respect for these wild waters.

For anyone based near or visiting southern England or looking for guided river adventures across Europe, Rock The Boat Activities Ltd provides an unmatched training course that raises paddlers up to confident river runners.

About Rock The Boat Activities Ltd

Rock The Boat Activities Ltd is a Totnes-based paddlesports provider specialising in river skills, stand up paddle boarding (SUP), canoeing and wild camping experiences. The company runs a range of courses and guided trips across the UK and selected European locations, including day tours, two-day courses and multi-day development weeks.

Experienced instructors and expert coaches deliver instruction focused on technique, decision-making, safety and leadership. Coaching covers progression from flat-water skills to grade 2/3 whitewater, advanced river skills and junior (Groms) development. Where stated, participants can work toward Paddle UK awards and practical certification during full-day and multi-day programmes.

Popular offerings include introductory and progressive white water kayak courses, advanced river skills courses, youth development (Groms) sessions, a five-day Scotland Classics river week, Dartmoor advanced development days, a two-day wild camp on Dartmoor, stand up paddle boarding experiences including full-day Discover SUP and evening Golden Glow SUP social paddles, and guided canoe trips on the River Dart from Totnes Dewerstone Store.

Rock The Boat Activities Ltd adapts sessions to individual and group goals, with tailored coaching options for leadership, personal technique and river decision-making. Small group formats and experienced on-water supervision are used where appropriate to support skill development and safe river practice. Based in Totnes, England, the company combines local river knowledge with off-site expeditions to deliver practical paddling experience. Rock The Boat Activities Ltd is featured on The Adventure Collective and presents detailed trip information for prospective paddlers seeking guided river and paddleboard adventures. Booking details are available online.