Do I need prior kayaking experience to join?

Yes, participants should be comfortable with intermediate whitewater skills and Eskimo rolls.

Is this course suitable for solo paddlers or groups?

Both; the course emphasizes leadership and decision-making, beneficial for individuals and groups.

What safety measures are in place during the course?

Trainers carry throw bags, helmets, and PFDs are mandatory, and thorough scouting of rapids ensures safety.

Will equipment be provided?

Typically, participants bring their own specialized gear, but some rental options may be available upon request.

How physically demanding is the course?

It requires strong fitness due to sustained paddling and technical river challenges over two days.

Can this course help me become a river guide?

Yes, it focuses on leadership and advanced skills foundational to guiding others safely.

Advanced Whitewater Kayaking Course near Totnes | Kayak | Water Activities

Situated in the lush river valleys near Totnes, England, the Advanced River Skills course offers paddlers an unmatched opportunity to master complex whitewater techniques. This intensive two-day course is designed for kayakers eager to push beyond basic river navigation, focusing on precision handling, swift decision-making, and leadership on moving water. The River Dart, known for its diverse rapids and scenic woodlands, serves as an ideal training ground, providing a mix of challenging waves, eddies, and current breaks essential for sharpening advanced skills. What sets this experience apart is the personalized coaching environment tailored to individual progression, enabling participants to confidently lead groups through demanding river sections. Totnes itself, a historic market town with roots dating back to the Norman period, enhances the adventure with its vibrant outdoor culture and community support for river sports. This course is particularly unique for the region since few programs combine technical skill development with river leadership training in a natural setting so close to a major town. Participants leave not only more adept at maneuvering through swift currents and complex hydraulics but also equipped to make rapid, informed decisions under pressure. Whether aiming for competitive racing, guiding duties, or personal growth, this course is a standout choice for advanced paddlers in the South West of England. The River Dart’s mix of geology and ecology—granite boulders, mixed woodland, and freshwater wildlife—makes each paddle session both challenging and visually rewarding, reinforcing the connection between skill advancement and river stewardship.

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.