Warm Rapids Inn and Kayak Centre

Lessons and Tours

• River Kayak Lessons and Kayak Rolling
• Kayak Surf Clinics
• River Guiding
• Ocean Kayaking
• Teaching Credentials & Other Important Information

*See Course and Trip Dates page for upcoming kayak lessons and tours

River Kayak Lessons and Kayak Rolling

River Kayaking is a safe and exciting sport that allows you to experience the outdoors, have fun, and get in shape all at the same time!

Our introductory river courses will teach you about the equipment, techniques and safety aspects needed to run most rivers. Whether you’re a novice or intermediate paddler, learning to perform a kayak roll is important if you want to continue with the sport and improve your confidence and skill level. Consider a playboating course if you're already rolling and river running. Our Youth Adventure Kayak Camps (itinerary and pricing) offer teens (13-18 yrs) three days of instruction with the option to include camping and meals.

Watch the Kayak Rolling Video!

Cowichan River Summer Kayaking Video!

Kayak Surf Clinics

The West Coast ocean surf is best during the winter months. You’ll learn how waves are formed and the safest and best ways to ride them. The water can be cold so pogies or gloves for your hands are a must.

Kayak Surfing at Okisollo Tidal Rapids Video!

River Guiding

Day Rate: $150 (with your gear and vehicle)

Our years of experience paddling the many rivers of Vancouver Island make us ideal guides for your river tripping. If you are an intermediate whitewater kayaker or better and have your own equipment, we’ll arrange single or multi-day trips for you that include logistics, shuttles and guiding.

Watch the River Guiding Video (Class III-IV)!

Ocean Kayaking

Day Rate: $100 (gear provided)

Join us for a day of ocean kayaking on nearby Cowichan Lake (34 km's long) or in the protected waters of the Strait of Georgia. See beaches, islands and the many forms of wildlife found in and around our waters. Our day trips include a nutritious lunch.

Multi-Day Rate: see below

We also specialize in custom-designed trips that take into account your schedule and paddling abilities. Price quotations are provided based on trip size, duration and whether meals, kayaks and transportation are included. Popular destinations include the Gulf Islands and Barkley Sound.

Teaching Credentials & Other Important Information

Both of your hosts, Don & Rose, are long time river and ocean kayakers.

Don has been kayaking since 1979 and currently holds valid river kayak instructor certification from the American Canoe Association (ACA). Don is also a CanoeKayak Canada certified Instructor-Trainer and offers courses for kayak instructors and river leaders. For many years, Don has also guided ocean kayak trips during the summer months in coastal BC waters.

Rose is also a certified CanoeKayak Canada instructor. Don and Rose are both trained in Swiftwater Rescue, Wilderness First Aid and CPR. Both are certified by the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC (SKGABC) to guide ocean kayak trips. Ocean kayak rolling, instruction and rescue clinics are also available.

*Note: It is essential that all course participants providing their own equipment bring the following: kayak with proper flotation bags, paddle, sprayskirt, pfd (lifejacket), wetsuit, paddling jacket, helmet, and booties. You must also sign a release of liability form prior to going on the water. You may review it in advance here Release of Liability.

Helping people experience the natural beauty of the Cowichan Valley