Canterbury Kayaking

24/03/2026

Wow….that was epic!

Sam and Nino, thank you for such an amazing four days, what an awesome spot to spend time learning the required skills! If you are in two minds as to who to start your C2C journey with I can’t recommend Sam and his team highly enough. This course exceeded all my expectations. The time and care spent developing the necessary skills to feel confident in and out of the boat was incredible. Im looking forward to the next adventure in September with Sam and the team.

Nick Rennie,
Grade 2 Certificate Course

20/02/2026

Over the past several weeks, I've been working on a NEW VIDEO that I believe will be totally game-changing for beginners training for the Coast to Coast.

It covers EVERYTHING that someone with no previous paddling experience would need to know to get started with multisport kayaking.

Kayak choice
Paddle choice, length and offset
How to wear and adjust a PFD
How to adjust foot pedals
How to adjust and tension rudder lines
Where your knees should be
How to build and install hip pads
How to get in and out of your boat
How to put a spray skirt on
How to wet-exit
How to self-rescue
How to empty water from your kayak
Forward stroke technique, including grip, blade angle, catch technique, torso rotation, arm action, etc.
Speed drills (long-distance vs sprinting)
Balance drills
Edging/railing technique
How to carve on edge
How to bilge steer
How to use the gliding low brace
I managed to pack all of this into a 20-minute video!

You can watch the FREE video here 👇
https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/blogs/posts/multisport-kayaking-beginners-guide

This project took a very long time, and I really appreciate you sharing it around and posting a comment on the video.

I hope this will become a valuable resource for anyone new to paddling.

Enjoy!

Sam Milne

Book your Grade 2 Certificate Course with me here

11/02/2026

https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/blogs/posts/coast-to-coast-2026-lines-video

05/02/2025

https://youtu.be/dGg4slazNIQ

My recommended kayak lines for the 2025 Kathmandu Coast to Coast Race.Buy me a coffee ☕️ 👇https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/products/say-thanksFree bonus vid...

22/10/2024

“I did the 4 day Grade 2 kayak course with the view to doing the coast to coast with Sam and his team. Cannot recommend highly enough. Sam creates a really inclusive and supportive environment to the course which helps everyone to reach their potential. The security of having the instructors right there to barrel roll when things go upside down really helps with confidence. The tuition was excellent. Overall exceeded my expectations” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Karyn Becconsall.

“Epic experience, The instructors where amazing and there teaching technique is next level. Would highly recommend” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Lochie Espiner.

07/10/2024

“This course exceeded all my expectations.

“I am entered in the Coast to Coast next February, so I needed to get my grade 2 certification. From the beginning, the communication was outstanding. The course started with the basics, then quickly built our confidence in grade 2 rapids.

“The team leading our group (Sam, Wil, and Frosty) were outstanding. All the course attendees were great fun, and each day we were challenged.

“As an added bonus, by the time we finished, everyone in our group could roll their kayaks in flowing water.

“I fully recommend Sam and his team to anyone looking for a great grade 2 course.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Rob

22/09/2024

“I highly recommend Canterbury Kayaking if you are like me, a total newbie to kayaking and aiming to do Coast to Coast. I discovered them through the Mastering Multisport Kayaking podcast in which Sam generously shares a lot of very valuable guidance explained in a simplistic way. I finished the Grade 2 Kayaking Course in Sept as a requirement for Coast to Coast. I loved how progressive and structured their course programme is, building you up from scratch to confidently being able to kayak down rapids and comfortably know what needs to be done on every corner. I’d tried another organisation previously and didn’t feel I’d learned a fraction of what I’ve learned on this course. The coaches at Canterbury Kayaking are highly involved, friendly, nurturing and very knowledgeable and competent and they are led on every course by the founder and owner of Canterbury Kayaking Sam Milne. These guys set the example for what a successful knowledgeable and impactful kayaking coaching organisation should be. Thank you Sam and team for a great experience!!!” - Has, Porirua (NZ).

10/09/2024

“ I recently completed my Grade 2 certificate with Canterbury Kayaking, and it was an incredible experience! The instructors were fantastic, each bringing their own unique style and tips, which made learning both fun and effective. I learned how to roll and handle fast-moving water with confidence. Their blend of humor and practical advice kept the sessions engaging and meant the learning was layered on over the four days. Highly recommend Canterbury Kayaking for anyone looking to improve their kayaking skills!” - Samuel Brooks (Christchurch)

22/04/2024

Wrapping up our April 19-22 Grade 2 Kayak Course with these incredible adventurers! Six are gearing up for Coast to Coast 2025, while two - a mother-son duo - joined to dive into the exciting world of river paddling. After learning loads and conquering challenging rapids in fantastic conditions, they’re all set to train over the coming months with newfound skills and confidence!

Our courses are filling up fast - we’re fully booked until the winter break, and spaces for spring are limited! Don’t miss out; if you or someone you know is dreaming of taking on Coast to Coast, now’s the time to get in touch. Let’s make it happen! 💪

31/03/2024

From total novices to ready racers ✨ This weekend, we had the privilege of transforming 8 incredible individuals with no previous river paddling experience into confident kayakers, all set for the Kathmandu Coast to Coast!

Our April courses are now fully booked, but we’re gearing up for spring with a few spots left. Tag a friend who’s dreaming of conquering the Coast to Coast but needs their grade 2 certificate. Let’s make those dreams possible!

09/03/2024

Our first Grade 2 Certificate Course for Coast to Coast 2025 finished up today! Awesome to have a full course of 8 paddlers who were keen to get started with their kayak training despite entries not being announced yet. During the course, 3 from the team of 8 were offered race entries in the first round of the ballot. And ALL 8 left the program with 4 runs of experience on real grade 2 rapids, a signed grade 2 certificate, and skills that will help them achieve success in the Waimakariri Gorge on race day.

Our next course starts on 28 March and we currently have just 2 spaces left. Sign up via our website now to reserve your spot!

07/02/2024

Coast to Coast 2024 Kayak Lines

Achieve Your Grade 2 Kayak Certificate with me:https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/products/grade-2-kayak-course——Video Sponsor: River Ninja Kayak Rentals: http...