Kayak Development Course by Canoe & Kayak on North Shore
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 sessions of 3 hours each
Fitness Level
Participants should have a reasonable fitness base including endurance and core strength to handle paddling and balance challenges.
Overview
Elevate your paddling finesse with Canoe & Kayak’s three-session Kayak Development Course on Auckland’s scenic North Shore. Challenge dynamic waters while refining skills and connecting with a passionate paddling community.
Kayak Development Course
This course is for those who wish to expand their kayaking skills and knowledge.
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About This Adventure
Join the Kayak Development Course to elevate your paddling skills over three engaging sessions at scenic North Shore locations. Perfect for those ready to advance, you'll refine techniques, gain confidence, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Experience dynamic conditions and personalized instruction from expert guides, making every moment memorable on the water.
Kayak Development Course - What is it?
A series of three skill development sessions.
Dates:
Courses will run for 3x Saturdays in October 2025, November 2025, & February, March, April 2026
Time:
Courses will run from 3pm to 6pm (3hr sessions)
Who is it for?
This course is for those who have completed the Yakity Yak Enrolment Course/Kayaking Skills Course and wish to expand their kayaking skills and knowledge. If you have not yet completed this course, bookings can be made https://canoeandkayak.co.nz/product/kayaking-course-northshore/.
Outline for course:
Three Saturday skills development sessions. They will be based at a North Shore beach/lake or estuary, depending on weather and tides. The sessions will build on your personal paddle and kayaking skills, with the aim to develop a strong competent paddler capable of enjoying a wider range of kayaking adventures.
What you’ll gain:
Develop your skills, knowledge, and confidence along with meeting a network of new friends, allowing you to expand your kayaking adventures and to make the most out of the opportunities that the Yakity Yak Club and NZ kayaking have to offer.
Each of the three sessions is designed to progressively build your paddling skills, with a focus on refining technique and improving boat control.
Session 1: Focus on efficient forward paddling for distance and endurance. Learn how to refine your stroke and use edging to assist turning and overall boat control.
Session 2: Develop skills including bracing, draw strokes, and rudder techniques. Understand how your body position and paddle placement impact kayak movement through the principle of “action and reaction.”
Session 3: A flexible session tailored to the group — this has often included a surf session if conditions allow, recovery strokes, and low brace techniques, giving you the chance to apply everything you’ve learned in more dynamic conditions.
Equipment:
Hire equipment is available and will be transported to the sessions by the Canoe & Kayak team. Participants must have suitable personal paddling clothing.
Cost:
$50 for Yakity Yak club members with their own equipment. $150 for Yakity Yak club members with equipment hire. $350 for non-club members, including equipment hire (but have completed the 1-day Kayak Course).
Testimonials:
The course leaders were really helpful and related their knowledge in an easy to understand way. Doing the course gave a great boost to my confidence on the water. Highly Recommended! Duncan M
I’ve been kayaking for over 20 years and thought it was time for a skills refresher. The staff were very generous with their time and knowledge, made the course super fun, creating a positive learning environment. A great opportunity to refine paddling techniques, be re-introduced to great paddling locations and meet potential paddling buddies- highly recommended Janet W
The instruction team:
The course is run by the Canoe & Kayak team of experienced instructors.
Numbers are limited to 12.
Adventure Tips
Check tides before each session
Tide changes impact water conditions greatly, so review tides in advance to prepare for surf or estuary paddling.
Bring layered paddling clothing
Wearing moisture-wicking layers helps regulate temperature when transitioning between water and shore.
Use sun protection
UV exposure on the water is intense—wear water-resistant sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat.
Arrive early to get fitted for gear
Arriving at least 30 minutes early ensures smooth gear fitting and maximizes your water time.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Tākahi (New Zealand dotterel) often seen nesting near shorelines
- Long-tailed bats that flutter across dusk skies along the coast
History
The North Shore area has a rich Māori heritage with archaeological sites and traditional fishing grounds nearby.
Conservation
Canoe & Kayak emphasizes low-impact paddle practices to preserve fragile marine habitats and coastal vegetation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Auckland
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Personal flotation device (PFD)
A mandatory safety item to keep you buoyant and secure on the water.
Wetsuit or paddling top
Protects against cold water and wind chill during cooler months.
spring|fall|winter specific
Waterproof dry bag
Keeps phone, keys, and snacks dry during wet paddling sessions.
Paddle gloves
Help maintain grip and protect hands in colder or wetter conditions.
fall|winter specific