D4DR WhiteWater

Sjoa, Norway is famous for waterfalls, slides, and monster rapids, however it is also home to more of the world’s finest Class III and IV white water than you’ll find anywhere else. From the big and bouncy Sjoa to steep and technical Store Ula, and everything in between, the region has it all, and that’s why we run our highly popular progressive trips here.

You’ll spend the first week based on the banks of the Sjoa river, home to some of the world’s finest whitewater, and less than an hour’s drive from a huge range of rivers of all styles. From steep creeks for practising boofs and flares, to curlers and waves to ride on big volume rivers, there’s nowhere better to experience a wide variety of whitewater.

During the second week, its time to hit the road, and put the newly formed skills into work. A road trip via Valldal to develop your paddling on a range of testing runs, whilst see some of the very best of Norway’s west coast. We drive via the Troll Road, passed the Troll Wall and Geirangerfjord taking in fine white water, and living the paddlers dream.

Whitewater paddlers often want something different from the river, yet in essence it’s to overcome the challenge that lies before them, whether that is a rapid, a drop or a specific move, all to be dialled with style, a good line and a great outcome. The core elements to a successful paddler can be drilled down to 3 subjects:

River Guiding
On the river, there’s a set of common skills you need for safe and successful descents. We give you those skills. We’ll also look at river guiding from a kayak, concentrating on running fun, safe trips on water up to class IV. We’ll aim to cover all the elements of BCU 5 Star but – first and foremost – we’ll be showing you all the skills and tricks that we’ve picked up from year after year on the water. Experience matters, though, so we’ll spend time on rivers throughout Norway.

Safety & Rescue Technician
Safety’s paramount to working on whitewater, so we’ll give you the skills to stay safe in a dynamic river environment. The BCU Advanced Whitewater Safety & Rescue Training course is kayak specific and covers everything from first response to steep access work. Gene17’s no nonsense approach is simple and more importantly prompt, will help to identify problems before they unfold, so you can change outcomes.

Kayak Paddling
We’ll offer your BCU 5 Star Training but, more importantly, we’ll develop paddling skills to apply to any situation. We cover all the very best of dynamic new school paddling, breaking down even the most complex moves and techniques into clear, easy-to-follow teaching points. From flatwater to Alpine class IV, we’ll show you the tactics you need for a solid paddling repertoire.

Course Content

• We’ll get you paddling dynamically, keeping your momentum through rapids and drops, powering through turns, and mastering precise paddle place, needed for steeper white water
• We’ll give you the tools for paddling the modern dynamic style, along with our progressive ideas in the paddler correct movement
• We’ll look at spotting whitewater features for the ideal learning venues, allowing for dynamic risk assessments and accommodating the demands of your group
• We’ll sharpen up your whitewater safety and rescue skills in the formal setting of a professional river leader
• We’ll help you find where you are with your paddling and we’ll give you a progression plan to work to
• We’ll sign off the BCU 5 Star for those with the correct pre-requisites

Course Itinerary

Group Composition

Experience Required

What the Price Does/Does not Include

TRIP COST: 2250€

What the price does include

• Teaching and Instruction
• Full accommodation including all meals
• Local collection & River shuttles*
• Use of a full spec whitewater kayak** from our fleet

* Getting from Oslo Airport – There is a frequent yet irregular bus and train service from Oslo to Otta. We collect from Otta Bus/Train Station from 1800-1900 on the day of arrival, and drop off for 1000 on the day of departure. An airport shuttle from Oslo to Sjoa is NOT included with ANY of our Norway Trips, Courses & Adventures, as the direct public transport link is straight forward and easy to undertake.
** Gene17 has a small yet excellent selection of kayaks for a range of different sized paddlers, & these are available on a first come, first served basis ONLY

Accommodation & Catering
You’ll be staying at our shared apartment in the Sjoa Valley and Valldal with all bed linen provided. We’ll provide a continental breakfast, a light lunch and an evening dinner either at a local restaurant or home-cooked by one of our guides

The Personal Paddling Equipment you should bring:

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

What the price does not include

• Airport shuttle*
• Visa fees
• Flight
• BCU Fees
• Bar bills
• Travel & Boat insurance
• Dinner on the final night
• Tips

Deposit Payment