Ready to take your paddling skills to the next level? This clinic is designed for beginner to intermediate paddlers looking to master the basics, or wanting to refine their technique.

Led by expert instructors, this hands-on clinic will teach you essential river reading, paddling strokes, safety techniques, and how to confidently navigate rapids. Whether you’re aiming to improve control, boost confidence, or simply have an unforgettable day on the water, this clinic is for you!

Cost: 

Adult participants (16+): $307 + GST

*All credit card payments are subject to a 2.9% fee. 

Location (more detailed itinerary outlined below): 

Day 1: We will meet the group at Twin Lakes and begin with flatwater instruction. We will then transition to the river for the remainder of the day.

Day 2: We will meet the group at the Blue Bridge, then run the river to the National Historic Site Campground.

Time: 

This is a 2-day course, running from ~9:00am - 5:00pm. End times may vary depending on group needs.

Ages: 

This program is suitable for anyone ages 16+. 

Physical requirements : 

You do not need to be water whiz to participate! However, you do need to have adequate mobility. Participants must be able to descend a steep set of stairs, walk approximately 500m on a dirt trail, and be comfortable moving on uneven surfaces that may be slippery. Participants do not need to be advanced swimmers, but should have some swimming experience.

Paddling Pre-requisites

Participants need to be comfortable in a canoe in both bow and stern on flatwater. No previous formal instruction is required, however general understanding of canoe mechanics is beneficial.

Please bring the following items with you each day of your course.

1. Water clothes

Please bring a bathing suit to wear underneath, and shorts or rain pants to wear over your wetsuit (wetsuits provided by HeLa). You may also want a long sleeve/T-shirt to wear under your wetsuit to prevent chaffing.

*The layer on top of the wetsuits helps protect them from damage.

2. Water shoes

Please wear close-toed shoes that are secured to your feet (no crocs or sandals - we recommend old runners). Note: This is a requirement. Improper footwear may result in the inability to participate in the program - no refunds for inadequate footwear. 

3. Layers

The water and weather can be cold - please bring an extra sweater and/or rain jacket!

4. Water bottle

Bring an old water bottle that you don't mind getting a bit banged up/lost.

5. Sun protection

Sunscreen is important on the water!

6. Dry clothes and shoes

Bring a towel and a change of clothes for the end of your trip!

*NOTE: We have dry bags available for rent to hold personal items while on the water.

HeLa will provide the following equipment for your clinic: 

- Canoe (all with knee pads)

- Paddles

- PFDs/lifejackets

- Wetsuits

- Helmets (required to be worn)

- Throwbags

- Bailers

We will also transport all equipment for participants. All equipment is regularly inspected and cared for by HeLa staff.

If you wish to bring your own equipment, please contact us to verify if it meets the requirements for the course.

To ensure the successful operation of this program, a minimum of 8 participants is required. If fewer than 8 participants are registered one week prior to the scheduled date, participants will have the following options:

1. Transfer their booking to an alternative date (if available).
2. Convert their booking into a private trip (subject to an additional fee).
3. Receive a full refund.

For guaranteed availability, please contact us to arrange a private rafting experience.

Please read our cancellation and payment policies for more information.

9:00am - Meet at Twin Lakes

- Introductions

- Flatwater instruction

~12:30pm - Transition to River

- Lunch

- Gear up for the river

- Shuttle to Blue Bridge put-in

~1:30pm - Begin River Paddling

- Shuttle

- River safety instruction

- On water instruction

~4:30pm - Take out

- Take out at National Historic Site Campground

- Load gear

- Debrief and review day 2 itinerary

5:00pm - End of Day 1

*NOTE: All timelines are loose, and are subject to change depending weather, water, group need, etc.

9:00am - Meet at Blue Bridge put-in

- Gear up

- Shuttle

~10:00am - Begin River Paddling

~1:00pm - Lunch

~4:30pm - Take out

- Take out at National Historic Site Campground

- Load gear

- Debrief

5:00pm - End of Day 2

*NOTE: All timelines are loose, and are subject to change depending weather, water, group need, etc.