Do you already have some experience of whitewater kayaking and do you now want to feel more confident on class 2-3 whitewater? Our Improvers Course Class II - III is the perfect way to make that happen! We have some fantastic sections of whitewater close to our base here in the Arlberg.
No more charging down the river with your head down, instead you will find a new, fun and dynamic way of kayaking features and rapids that you come across along the way!
Kayak Course details
Throughout the course we work on your fundamental skills for whitewater kayaking. Be it from the riverside coached sessions, to theory in the sand at an eddy or coaching and leading you through the rapids, our in depth knowledge and world class coaching will help you attain that goal of becoming a more confident, pro-active and dynamic kayaker!
Breaking in and out
Breaking in and out of the river is the fundamental skill that we require when whitewater kayaking! We work on various techniques on different types of eddy's whether they have stronger powerful lines and features or are tight with small margins for error. With our help you will work on a strategy of catching and making those eddy's you previously may have avoided.
Looking ahead, reading and predicting river features
Practicing looking ahead, reading and predicting river features will help your understanding of whitewater immensely. It makes the skill of reading and running rapids a lot less stressful and it gives you a solid, safe and fun line too. We will also occasionally get out to scout a rapid. This will help your understanding of whitewater, its features and the techniques and timing associated within this.
Running waves and keeping the line
It can be quite confusing to run waves and keep the line as not all waves are the same as we move towards class 3. An integral part of this course is learning to work with diagonal waves, V-waves and crashing or green style of waves.
Body position and forward paddling
While kayaking on the river your body position and the skill of forward paddling are fundamental to everything that we do. A dynamic forward paddle stroke is the key to building up confidence and getting to where you want to be on the river. Our body position also affects how we kayak, our boat reacts and how we run rapids. This is an essential skill that will be continually worked on throughout the duration of the course.
Advanced Techniques
Techniques like the draw stroke on the move and the bow rudder are important in the higher river grades and it is on this course where we start our journey using them correctly and efficiently. A great way to do this is with a session on our secluded mountain lake and with no distractions from the river and its current it is the perfect place to understand and get a feel for your paddle blade, before bringing it into whitewater.
“Steve and Ute tailored a great course, using a variety of rivers based on their experience and my abilities. Step by step they build my skills, improved my performance and helped me to establish my confidence on the river. I finished the course with good technique and firm confidence ready for new challenges on my local river. I highly recommend to every white water kayaker, no matter your skill to come and enjoy the great rivers and outstanding professionals with the team from Kayak school Arlberg.”
Practicalities
Instructors / Coaches
All of our coaches / instructor are fully qualified through British Canoeing. They have a wealth of experience not only here in Austria but around the world. Our knowledge of the German speaking Alps is second to none and we are positive that you will not only be blown away by the variety of rivers around Base Arlberg, but just how much your kayaking will improve with us here in the Kayak School Arlberg.
To find out more, just click on the link to Our Team
Experience Required
You should have some experience of kayaking class 2 whitewater. We will be kayaking for around 4 - 5 hours a day, so though you do not need to be an Olympic Athlete you should have a certain amount of paddle fitness or stamina.
When to come
With by far the longest white water kayaking season in the Alps, the region around Base Arlberg in Austria provides at least 6 months of kayaking. The Arlberg is renowned for its quality and quantity of snow. It is this that helps to keep the rivers running and with the odd rainy day topping up the levels through the season.
To find out more about each white water kayak season just click on the following links:
Spring kayaking season Austria
Summer kayaking season in Austria
Autumn kayaking season in Austria.
Group Composition
Our ratio for class 2 -3 whitewater is 1:4. This gives you plenty of whitewater action and the opportunity to improve your kayaking while having the knowledge that your coach / instructor will spend time with everyone. All of our courses are guaranteed to run with just the minimum of two clients, what better way is there to improve your kayaking and take it up a level.
Kit to Bring
If you would like to use your own equipment for the course then please bring it with you. We will check your pfd and helmet to make sure they are still going to be of use on the river. Also we want you to wear river booties and not sandals. As we teach the modern dynamic way of kayaking, if your kayak is extremely old, long with no edge then we would recommend using one of our newer kayaks.
Equipment
Our equipment in the Kayak School is made by whitewater kayakers for white water kayakers!
We pride ourselves on our equipment and as we teach a modern dynamic style of kayaking we require our equipment to fulfil this objective!
We are a white water kayak school so we do not use bulky and cumbersome rafting equipment on our kayaking courses, our buoyancy aids/personal flotation device are designed and cut specifically for whitewater kayaking!
This is the ethos that runs through all of our equipment.
We have currently in our store the full range of Waka Kayaks, Spade Kayaks, various models of Zet and Lettmann kayaks. Our paddles are from Spade and AT with a choice of straight or bent shaft, please note that ALL our paddles are 30 degrees with option of right or left handed white water paddles.
Peak PS have been supplying the Kayak School with their award winning equipment since the start! The kayaking apparel fits perfectly, keeps you warm when you need to be, cool on a hot summers day and you look good. It is award winning, cutting edge and world beating whitewater kayaking equipment.
Accomodation & Food
You are spoilt for choice here in the Arlberg. The region offers camping, bed and breakfast, holiday flats and of course hotels. If you would like help searching for your ideal place to stay just drop us a message. Our partners offer great prices if your are coming here to kayak.
Throughout the season you have plenty of options when it comes to restaurants. Be it a Tyroler Groestl, Wiener Schnitzel, steak, Thai food or vegetarian, there is something filling and tasty in our local restaurants.
Transport
If you are staying in the local Stanzer valley we will come and pick you up in the morning and drop you off after kayaking. The river shuttle is undertaken with one of our cool little monkey motorbikes. If you need any answers about vehicles or getting here then just drop us a message.
Dates & Prices
Course dates
We have courses planned on the following dates:
10-11 May 2025 (2 Days)
16-18 May 2025 (3 Days)
29 May - 01 June 2025 (4 Days)
07-09 June 2025 (3 Days)
19-22 June 2025 (4 Days)
10-11 July 2025 (2 Days)
03-05 August 2025 (3 Days)
24-26 August 2025 (3 Days)
11-12 October 2025 (2 Days)
No date to suite your plans? Just let us know through the contact form. We are pretty flexible here at the Kayak School giving you the best opportunity to see the region from a different perspective!
Course prices
Group Courses
2 Day Group Course: EUR 370.- per person
3 Day Group Course: EUR 530.- per person
4 Day Group Course: EUR 680.- per person
Private Courses
1 Person: EUR 300.- per day
2 or more People: EUR 200.- per person per day