Whitewater for Beginners

About this course

In this beginner's course we train the first steps of kayaking. These basics are essential if you want to start kayaking or improve and update the techniques already trained in your own direction. We train basic techniques and tactics of modern kayaking and together create the basics for many areas of kayaking such as whitewater, hiking and sea kayaking. Our canoe teacher/pupil ratio is a maximum of 1:6. This guarantees that the canoe teacher can take care of all participants alike.

Schedule

Day 1 (Saturday)

On a quiet piece of the Ruhr you will learn the first steps of kayaking like getting out of a capsized kayak, driving straight ahead as well as arch and support strokes. Afterwards we end the day with a beer (or Fanta) and delicious grilled at the campsite.

Day 2 (Sunday)

On Sunday we paddle a piece down the Ruhr. Here we will implement the theory learned in the current. In addition to the flow of the river, whitewater exercises such as sweeping water and traversing are on the programme at various training sites.

What you should bring for paddling

• Swimwear and shoes that may be wet (e.g. old sneakers or neoprene shoes, please do not wear sandals)
• If necessary, a eyewear strap
• Depending on the temperature, you should bring a fast drying outerwear (e.g. fleece pullover)

Conditions for participants

You should have fun learning a new sport, you must be able to swim and should not be afraid of getting wet. You don't have to be particularly pain-free or death-defying. Experience in kayaking is not necessary.

Accommodation in Hattingen

Camping

We like to stay together at the campsite "Stolle" in Hattingen. Here you can set up your tent, camper, your VW-bus or caravan and make it comfortable for you. Of course you can also sleep at home, but then a lump sum for the use of the toilets, the jetty etc.

Hotel/Pension

The Birschel Mühle (only 5 minutes on foot from the campsite) Our participants always get good reviews. In addition to single and double rooms, there are also apartments for two to four people.

A slightly cheaper alternative is the Hotel West Westphalia Hof, only about ten minutes walk from the campsite.

Meals during the course

Directly at the campsite there is no possibility to buy something to eat. So you should bring food for lunch breaks. On the evening of the first day we throw in the grill. If you would like to barbecue with us, you should have something for a barbecue. By car you are also fast at the nearest supermarket - on foot you need at least 20 minutes one way. If we do not grill, for example because the weather should be very bad, we go to a greek restaurant in Hattingen city. In this case you would be notified by mail from us.

Tips

Environment

Hattingen is located at the gates of the Ruhr area (capital of Culture 2010). The cities of Essen and Bochum offer a colourful range of pubs and restaurants. You can also hang on to the course for a few days and experience the industrial culture of this metropolitan area as well as visit the many museums and old industrial facilities. The Henrichshütte, one of the many stations on the "Route of Industrial culture", is located directly opposite our campsite.

Connecting courses

So your paddling carrer could go on:

• Kayak-Whitewater course on the Ruhr
• Kayak-White Water beginners Course in the beautiful Soca Valley
• Kayaking Whitewater Course (FE1) in the beautiful Soca Valley

Other costs (not included in the price)

• Catering
• If necessary the Accomondation at the campsite stolle (tent or camper/caravan): approx. 14,- euro
• If you do not stay at the campsite, the campsite will charge a lump sum for use of the toilets, the jetty etc. (5,- euro per day, i.e. 10,- euro for the weekend).
• Own arrival
• If necessary, short trips on site (for exit, entrance etc.)