What you need to know

In all our destinations we have developed great partnerships with local kayak rental outlets.

We will help you secure a kayak of your choice.

If you do not wish to travel with your own paddle, we have a handful of high end Werner Paddles all with straight shafts and 45°R feather. We also have some breakdown split paddles that can be made into 0° & 45°L feather. All available upon request.

Note all equipment whether from a rental station or Gene17 Kayaking is offered on a first come first served basis.

• We'll help you figure out how to tackle complex rapids and we'll give you some serious boofin' practice
• We'll work on reading water dynamically, with a focus on driving your boat through turns, arcs and drops
• We'll look at understanding whitewater features and learning to use the water's features to your advantage
• We'll help you develop tactics to take on steeper whitewater in safety
• WW safety and rescue skills workshop
• We'll help you find where you are with your paddling and we'll give you a progression plan to work to

All Gene17 trips include expert coaching and guiding from qualified trip leaders, river logistics and safety cover, and a structured progression plan tailored to your ability level. Accommodation, travel to and from the river, and personal equipment are not included unless otherwise stated in the trip description.

Each trip follows a carefully planned programme tailored to the group's ability and the river conditions. Your trip leader will brief you on the daily plan each morning, and adjustments are made throughout the week based on weather, water levels, and the group's progression.

Day 1 Arrival day. Settle into your accommodation and take in the village of Campertogno.

Day 2 Hit the water! After a quick gear review and boat outfitting session, we'll go for a chilled out paddle on the Sesia. It'll give us the chance to look at how you're paddling and find out what you want to work on.

Day 3 Today's a technical skill review and the chance to set some goals for the rest of the week. We'll head to a more challenging river section and introduce you to some of the key concepts of dynamic river paddling such as angulation, pro-active balance and driving your boat.

Day 4 Today we'll look at your river awareness. We'll focus on group dynamics and leadership principles on one of the classics.

Day 5 Boof! Our first real day on the bedrock steeps will give you a real chance to work on your essential techniques and the team's group dynamics.

Day 6 More of the steeps: another classic pool-drop river and chance to get some photos.

Day 7 Piemonte classic. We'll head for an all day trip with steep drops, scenic surroundings and world class whitewater. The ideal finish to a perfect week.

Day 8 Departure day: time for a debrief and the end of the course.

The trip will be led by an experienced Gene17 Kayaking appointed trip leader. In selecting suitable leaders, we not only look to ensure that they have the relevant qualifications but we also ensure that they have an excellent track record of white water paddling from around the world.

Whilst qualifications and experience are essential requirements, we also make sure that our leaders have the right temperament to lead a trip group comprised of individuals who have a range of previous experience and expectations.

The leader is a vital contributor to the enjoyment and well-being of the trip members and he or she will be there to deal with any unexpected problems. To that end, we aim to provide a leader who will make the trip both successful and enjoyable throughout.

Our leaders hold current wilderness first aid certificates and have experience of dealing with remote river related medical conditions.

We will take a maximum of 6 paddlers on each trip, although the number may well be less than this. With every 3 paddlers we have on the trip, we'll have a highly experienced Gene17 Kayaking Teacher/Guide.

• A good semi-drytop or drytop or drysuit
• Whitewater PFD, spray deck and good helmet
• Solid footwear for bank support - no sandals
• Rescue gear, including a throwbag, knife, sling, and karabiner