The Ottawa River Runners is offering a summer camp program which will be running all summer long that teaches the basics of whitewater kayaking skills in a fun, safe environment for ages 12-16.



The program starts on calm flat water where all the basic strokes will be taught before progressing to the moving water.

Qualified kayak instructors will teach participants self rescues, ferries, eddy turns and the first steps of whitewater paddling and running the rapids.



The camps are separated by age and skill level and are only offered one type of camp each week.

The age groupings are; Kayak Kids Camp: ages 9-12, and Youth Kayak Camp: ages 12-16.

Under the 2 categories there are sub-categories for skill levels.

Level 1 camps, are for participants who have never been taught whitewater kayaking skills.

Level 2, camps are for participants who have taken a Level 1 camp, or another whitewater kayaking instruction program.

All equipment for the camps is provided and all camps are held at The Pumphouse, a great  paddling site in the heart of downtown Ottawa, at Lebreton Flats.

Below is a break-down of the skills being taught in the different levels at the camps.

Level 1 Camp Skills and Activities
-forwards, backwards, turning and bracing strokes in a kayak
-paddling games and races for improving kayaking skills
-lessons on current flow and paddling in moving water (Class I)
-ferrying, eddy turns, edge control
-introduction to Class II moving water on the last day

Level 2 Camp Skills and Activities
-review and work on basic paddling skills
-introduction of more advanced whitewater paddling techniques
-introduction of whitewater slalom kayaks and canoes, slalom technique
-introduction of rolling skill progression

Full day camps are run as a traditional day camp and will include games on land, arts and crafts, swimming and other activities.

As everyone knows it is not beneficial nor possible to have children paddling all day, due to their limited endurance, strength and the environmental conditions.

Camp instructors break up the day to allow rests, and time out of the sun/rain.

Basic requirements for the ORR summer camps are listed on the website.

The purpose of the Ottawa River Runners summer camp program is to teach whitewater kayaking skills, and to give kids the opportunity to try out paddling in rapids.
Children with an adventurous spirit, who are ready to try new things are best suited to this type of program.

Kayak Kids Level 1: Ages 9-12. 
-July 5-9, August 16-20, full days 
-August 3-6, 4 full days


Youth Kayaking Level I: Ages 12-16. 
-July 19-23, Aug 9-13, 4 1/2 days AM + full day Fri


Kayak Kids Level II: Ages 9-12.
-July 12-16, full days 
-August 23-27, 5 half days (mornings)


Youth Kayaking Level II: Ages 12-16.
-June 28-30, 3 full days
-August 23-27, 5 half days (afternoons)


Spring Level 1 Catch-Up Course: Ages 11-13. 
-June 22 6-8 pm, June 24 6-8 pm, June 26 9 am - 3 pm

Camps are already underway so to find out about availability please go to the ORR website www.ottawariverrunners.com for a complete list of camp dates and contact the
Ottawa River Runners through their online contact form. 

For more whitewater skills check RapidMag.com Skills Blogs and Features.

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