Discover the Ottawa River in the heart of the city, fostering group bonds and acquiring diverse skills. Dive into a variety of subjects, including history, geography and river skills. This is a great way to bond during an active, outdoor adventure.
Paddle and swim fun rapids—and learn safety concepts—with experienced river guides.
You can bring groups for a 1-day Kayarafting adventure or customize a 3-day adventure.
Experience paddling and swimming in rapids and learn how to ‘read’ the river.
Get an understanding of key safety concepts so you can recognize danger and make good decisions on and around moving water.
We’ll outfit you with your own packraft, which is a lightweight inflatable kayak. These boats are great for learning because they’re stable and easy to steer.
You’ll gain a foundation that’ll allow you to safely expand into more river activities, from wilderness canoe trips, to packrafting expeditions, to fishing around rapids, and more!
Suit up with top-quality gear that we’ll provide for you
There are nearby bathrooms and changing areas
You’ll get right into the action and into the water!
We won’t take a long lunch break but we’ll do a couple of 15-20 minute breaks to refuel (bring your food and water bottle) and use the bathroom
Topics Covered
Skills
Swim in whitewater
Shallow water crossing techniques (wading)
Paddle rapids by packraft (inflatable kayak)
Whitewater maneuvers
Surf waves (or at least attempt to!)
Inflatable kayak self-rescue (flip and get back in)
Intro to technical safety gear: whitewater PFD, knife, whistle
Knowledge
River hydrology (understanding the water moves…so you can ‘read’ rapids) and basic terminology
River hazards and decision making
Internationally recognized river signals (hand and whistle)
Safety principles
How to safely ‘rig’ (tie stuff in) to a boat
What's Included
professional instruction with 2 Boreal River Rescue instructors and up to 10 participants
30 minute online learning (to complete beforehand)—you can do it on your phone—covering river hydrology and whitewater safety principles
Equipment provided:
kayaraft (inflatable whitewater self-bailing kayak) and paddle
helmet and PFD (lifejacket)
small drybag (to store your lunch, water, hand sanitizer, etc.)
wetsuit:
From June 15th to Sept 1: summer-wetsuit (1mm) top and bottom
Before June 15 and after Sept 1: 4mm wetsuit
What to Bring
WHAT TO BRING
The weather and water temperature in the summer in Ottawa are warm.
We’ll provide you with a summer-wetsuit (1mm) top and bottom. It’s a good idea to bring at least one complete layer of merino wool or synthetic clothing to wear under your wetsuit
Remember: avoid cotton—it doesn’t dry and doesn’t insulate when it’s wet.
Please also bring a pair of surf shorts or quick-dry shorts to wear over your wetsuit—they’ll help protect our wetsuits when you sit!
YOUR PACKING CHECKLIST:
Water bottle with 1L of water*
Food for snacks / lunch*
Sunscreen
Optional: sunglasses or prescription glasses (If you wear glasses—please bring a strap, or the river may take them!)
Closed-toe shoes that you can get wet (lightweight trail running shoes or running shoes are best)
Long-sleeved quick-dry shirt
Long underwear or tights
Undergarments, sports bra
Surf shorts / bathing shorts (please wear these over the wetsuit to protect the wetsuit when you sit)
If you get cold easily, you can “layer up” some more with thicker layers of merino wool or fleece (no cotton)
Change of clothes and footwear for your way home and a bag for your wet clothes
*Arrive hydrated, caffeinated (if that’s your thing), and well fed with a proper breakfast
