Cant make the jump to your next level? For the paddler who is missing an element or two in their paddling, they want to take off and break through, but they need to get to the launch pad.
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Is injury recovery holding you back? It’s time to propel yourself to the next level with LaunchPad! Nestled in the perfect natural classroom of the stunning Soča River, our course offers a transformative experience that provides a holistic understanding of how a kayak moves through whitewater.
You’ll delve into the intricate details that shape success and achieve the performance you’ve always desired. We focus on tactical comprehension delivered through progressive technique application, shedding the technical dogma that often hinders paddlers’ progression. Instead, we zero in on what truly works, guiding you to apply effective strategies on new lines with outstanding results.
This trip is perfect for those with a half-slice kayak eager to unlock its full potential. Over an exhilarating week with us on the Soča, we’ll revolutionise how you paddle and prepare you to step confidently onto the LaunchPad. Don’t let anything hold you back—embrace this opportunity to elevate your kayaking skills in one of the world’s most beautiful and dynamic river environments. Join us and transform your kayaking journey today!
Day 1: Arrival day. Relax, settle in and sample the local cuisine
Day 2: We’ll start off with a session looking at your gear and your boat outfitting. Then we’ll take to the water on the lower Soča, a chilled-out run that gives us the chance to look at how you’re paddling and find out what you want to work on
Day 3: We’ll build on day 2, including a review of technical skills. We’ll also spend time playing down the rapids and discovering what we can and can not easily do.
Day 4: Today we’ll concentrate on how to manage individual rapids, finding lines and looking at the details
Day 5: Today’s the day to concentrate on the missing gaps.
Day 6: Paddle for yourself: we’ll spend the morning on personal paddling workshops, followed by a consolidation descent.
Day 7: The Big day out! This all day mission’s the chance to use your newly developed skills on an Alpine classic.
Day 8: Departure day. After a final review, we’ll drop you back at the airport
† Our Coaching/Guiding Only solution, is simply that, our first rate excellent Coaching & Guiding, and assistance with river shuttles.
* Airport Shuttle is to and from Trieste Airport, or Cividale Train Station in Italy. All arrivals to any of Venice’s airports, will need to make their way to Cividale for pick up prior to 18:00 on the day of arrival
** Gene17 has access to small yet excellent selection of kayaks for a range of different sized paddlers, & these are available on a first come, first served basis ONLY
Visa fees
Accommodation
Flight
Bar bills
Travel & Boat insurance
Dinner
Tips
Can I rental a kayak & paddle in destination?
Note: we can not guarantee the use of Gene17Kayaking's kayak, will depend of notification before booking and local availability at the time of booking.
Your most import questions answered
The trip will be led by an experienced Gene17kayaking 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 Gene17kayaking Teacher/Guide.
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.