Next Generation - Slovenia
The Next Generation Training is an immersive whitewater coaching course in Soča, Slovenia, designed for aspiring paddlers and coaches aiming to advance to Class V. Led by industry leaders, this program blends dynamic paddling techniques with modern coaching methods and real-world group management.
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Gene17Kayaking's Next Generation Training is a springtime immersion course set on the Soča River in Slovenia, tailored for paddlers eager to elevate their skills and embark on a coaching or guiding career. Whether you're pursuing formal qualifications like Paddle UK or seeking to deepen your practical expertise, this program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes:
- Advanced paddling techniques for Class III/IV rivers
- Modern, dynamic guiding and coaching strategies
- Real-world group management and decision-making skills
- Whitewater safety and rescue training
- Personalized feedback and progression planning
Participants will also have the opportunity to complete Paddle UK Advanced White Water Kayak Leader and Coach Training, contingent upon meeting the necessary prerequisites. With a low coach-to-paddler ratio and a focus on individualized instruction, this course is ideal for those committed to advancing their whitewater kayaking journey.
And lastly "The Next Generation Training" is a no-frills, all-action boot camp for serious career minded paddlers ready to push their skills and leadership on the river. This course is very different from any other coaching product by Gene17Kayaking, as such requires an additional Application Form to be completed for selection.
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 and a chance to set some goals for the rest of the week. We’ll spend the afternoon on improving your all round boat handling
Day 4: Today we’ll concentrate on improving your general river awareness and using it to improve your paddling and your river leadership
Day 5: Today’s the day to concentrate on river safety, including how to stay safe in a group and how to handle any problems that do arise
Day 6: Road trip and river run. We’ll head upstream for a longer river trip, a great chance to put your new skills into practice on some more challenging rapids
Day 7: The Big day out! This all day mission’s the chance to use your newly developed techniques on an Alpine classic
Day 8: Departure day. After a final review, we’ll drop you back at the airport
What the price does include
- Guiding and Instruction
- Assistance with River shuttles*
- Werner Premium Paddle
* An Airport Shuttle Service to and from Trieste Airport, or Cividale Train Station in Italy can be arranged with a local provider. 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
What the price does not include
Accommodation
Catering
Airport Shuttle
Kayak hire
Visa fees
Flight
Bar bills
Travel & Boat insurance
Tips
Can I rental a kayak & paddle in destination?
- In all out 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 45ºR feather. We also have some breakdown split paddles that can be made into 0º & 45ºL feather,. All available upon request.
- Note all equipment whether from a rental station or Gene17Kayaking is offered on a first come first served basis.
Note: we can not guarantee the use of any specific kayak. Local rental kayak providers have a fine fleet and offer the service at a fair cost, and with good notice you'll have a wider selection. We provide paddles, from Werner Paddles so you do not need to fly with your own paddle.
FAQs
Your most import questions answered
- In all out 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 45ºR feather. We also have some breakdown split paddles that can be made into 0º & 45ºL feather,. All available upon request.
- Note all equipment whether from a rental station or Gene17Kayaking is offered on a first come first served basis.
- 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
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.
- 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
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.