Currently run by the family’s third generation, Madawaska Kanu Centre was the vision of Christa & Hermann Kerckhoff. Winning the individual Canadian whitewater kayak title in 1968 the couple was inspired to get more paddlers out on rivers. The first whitewater school in the world was born. Modeled after the European ski school concept where paddlers are divided into skill level groups, good food, and a great atmosphere lead to the ‘Rapid Education’ we know as MKC today! The Madawaska River location became the River of choice with its technical rapids and guaranteed surface water releases providing warm whitewater all summer long.

Overview

The focus of this 2 day course is on the necessary river skills and knowledge for recreational paddlers, and junior guides. It is the essential foundation of river rescue which is important for anyone working or playing on the river. Some of the skills included in this course are: scouting rapids, throwbag rescues, swimming rapids, preventing foot entrapment, shallow river crossing, and more.
It is tailored to the specific needs of those working or playing on and around moving water. This very hands-on and practical course is great for those who want to feel more confident while paddling and playing in swiftwater; more confidence = more fun!
Starting at
$247 USD
$309 CAD
Per Person

Trip Highlights

  • Feel more confident on the river
  • Learn essential skills to stay safe in swiftwater

Currently run by the family’s third generation, Madawaska Kanu Centre was the vision of Christa & Hermann Kerckhoff. Winning the individual Canadian whitewater kayak title in 1968 the couple was inspired to get more paddlers out on rivers. The first whitewater school in the world was born. Modeled after the European ski school concept where paddlers are divided into skill level groups, good food, and a great atmosphere lead to the ‘Rapid Education’ we know as MKC today! The Madawaska River location became the River of choice with its technical rapids and guaranteed surface water releases providing warm whitewater all summer long.

Quick Facts

Activity

  • Whitewater

Experience/Service

  • Instruction or Skills Clinic

Waterway

  • Whitewater Class I
  • Whitewater Class II
  • Whitewater Class III

Destination

  • North America

Length

  • 2 Days

Accomodation

  • Lodge or Resort-Based
  • Glamping
  • Campground or Car Camping

Guided

  • Yes

Outfitted

  • Custom

Special Interest

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

Accreditation

  • Skills Certification

Adventure Level

Easier Challenging

Itinerary

45.414850° N, 77.756885° W

Meeting Place

Madawaska Kanu Centre

Barrys Bay, Ontario

Day 1:

A review of key concepts Site safety assessment Basic river signals Throw bagging Shallow water crossings Swimming skills Hazard avoidance Basic foot and body entrapment rescue techniques Combat and rescue swimming Rope work

Day 2:

Review of key concepts Site safety assessment Rope work for wraps, pins, and flips Boat recovery Self rescue skills, including swimming a boat to shore Rescue of a distressed swimmer Pinned and wrapped boat boat recovery techniques Technical problem (scenario) Debrief

Dates & Packages

River Rescue

May 25-26, 2024 June 22-23, 2024
Shared Lodge Plan | $360 Our rustic Lodge rooms have everything you need! Choose either a queen bed or 2 twin beds. Rooms are at ground level with nearby washroom facilities (en suite not available). Meals included. Shared Cabana Plan | $360 Enjoy our off-the-grid Cabanas tucked in the woods! Choose either a queen bed or 2 twin beds. Washroom facilities are a short walk away. Meals included. No electricity. Dormitory Plan | $300 Dorm room accommodation sleep up to six per room. Dorms are on the second floor with nearby washroom facilities. Meals included. Bring your own bedding. Camping | $260 MKC's wooded campsites are great for tents, trailers and campervans. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, onsite parking, and access to nearby washroom facilities. Meals included. No electricity.

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Currently run by the family’s third generation, Madawaska Kanu Centre was the vision of Christa & Hermann Kerckhoff. Winning the individual Canadian whitewater kayak title in 1968 the couple was inspired to get more paddlers out on rivers. The first whitewater school in the world was born.

Read More

Currently run by the family’s third generation, Madawaska Kanu Centre was the vision of Christa & Hermann Kerckhoff. Winning the individual Canadian whitewater kayak title in 1968 the couple was inspired to get more paddlers out on rivers. The first whitewater school in the world was born.

Read More
Location

The Madawaska River is celebrated as one of the best places in North America to learn whitewater paddling. Flowing past our front door, through a forest of hardwood and pine, the dam-controlled water is warm, clean, and dependable all summer long.

Read More
Location

The Madawaska River is celebrated as one of the best places in North America to learn whitewater paddling. Flowing past our front door, through a forest of hardwood and pine, the dam-controlled water is warm, clean, and dependable all summer long.

Read More