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
Trip Highlights
- Meet and mingle with other paddling families
- Fun for the whole family
- Top-notch instruction for you AND your kids
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
Paddlesport
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
Activity
- Whitewater
Experience/Service
- Instruction or Skills Clinic
Waterway
- Whitewater Class I
- Whitewater Class II
Destination
- North America
Length
- 5 Days
Accomodation
- Lodge or Resort-Based
- Glamping
- Campground or Car Camping
Guided
- Yes
Outfitted
- Custom
Special Interest
- Family
- Youth
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Accreditation
- Skills Certification
Adventure Level
Itinerary
45.414850° N, 77.756885° W
Meeting Place
Madawaska Kanu Centre
Barrys Bay, Ontario
Our 5 day courses are ideal for all skill levels – beginner to advanced. We divide paddlers into small groups based on skill level the first day of the course to ensure the learning progression will suit your needs. Kids must be a minimum age of 9 years old to participate in paddling programs.
Day 1:
8:00 am - Breakfast 9:00 am - Welcome Meeting with the Instructors 9:30 am - Distribution of Rental Gear 10:00 am - Off to the River! 12:30 pm - Lunch 1:30 pm - Back to the River! 4:00 pm - Snack on the porch 6:00 pm - Dinner 7:30 pm - Instructional Video
Day 2:
8:00 am - Breakfast 9:00 am - Off to the River! 12:30 pm - Lunch 1:30 pm - Back to the River! 4:00 pm - Snack on the porch & Games 6:00 pm - Dinner 7:30 pm - River Rescue Session
Day 3:
8:00 am - Breakfast 9:00 am - Off to the River & Video Session 12:30 pm - Lunch 2:00 - 4:00 pm - Video Analysis with your Instructor, Free Time, Optional Massages & Flatwater practice 6:00 pm - BBQ Dinner 7:30pm - Free time. Games? Sauna? Yoga? Chill on the deck? Your choice!
Day 4:
8:00 am - Breakfast 9:00 am - Off to the River! 12:30 pm - Lunch 1:30 pm - Back to the River! 4:00 pm - Snack on the porch 6:00 pm - Dinner 7:30 pm - Diplomas Ceremony
Day 5:
7:30 am - Breakfast 8:30 am - Shuttle leaves for River Trip 12:30 pm - Lunch by the River 1:30 pm - Continue downriver 4:00 pm - Snack on the shuttle back to MKC 6:00 pm - Dinner 7:00 pm - Departure
Dates & Packages
Family Kayak or Canoe Week
What Guests Are Saying
Now that our kids were old enough to try the sport, we booked a week of instruction and adventure at MKC. Consensus among all of us - one of our best trips ever. If you have any interest in whitewater (kayak or canoe) this visit is a must do
- Tim CLeave a review
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 MoreLocation
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