Learn to Whitewater Kayak in Chile

Learning to whitewater kayak as a vacation gives your trip purpose as daily you work on your eskimo roll, learn new strokes, and paddle Chile’s glorious rivers. Whitewater kayaking opened up a new world for all of us. There’s something about paddling rivers, sharing experiences and stories, being in the water, that is therapeutic and keeps us coming back.

Who is Rolls & Rivers (Learn to Whitewater Kayak) for?

Anyone with a sense of adventure that wants their vacation to have purpose, challenge, learning and to bond with others.

PHOTO. Jackie learned her roll and was running class III+ rapids by the end of the week. Way to go Jackie!!! 

Can I learn to whitewater kayak in Chile?

We all had to learn somewhere, and turns out Chile’s rivers, lakes, and hot springs are the perfect for whitewater development. There is something magical about exploring rivers, challenging yourself, the  rush of the water, and bonding that has kept all of us kayakers coming back to rivers. Learning to whitewater kayak is your passport to new and exciting adventures with friends team scouting, decision making, and celebrating successes and failures. 

The Wet Exit.

Is Chile’s Lakes District safe for learning to whitewater kayak?

It’s the best because of the anomaly of rivers, lakes, lagunas, and hot springs. Lakes and hot springs are excellent for hot and cold day rolling practice. The multitude of rivers provide more development features for learning kayak mechanics and river navigation.

Equipment orientation, outfitting & safety.

You’ll learn the key pieces of equipment and various styles of kayaking. Safety concerns, history, and applications of the world’s most dynamic water craft. What other craft can plunge waterfalls, surf waves, run rapids, and roll upright when it flips?

What equipment will you need?

We’ve got you covered. The essential 5 are: paddle, personal flotation device (PFD), kayak, skirt, and helmet. Soft gear includes river shoes such as neoprene booties or sandals, fleece liners, and splash or dry tops. Wet suits are also common.

As your skills progress so will the rivers.

Learning to whitewater kayak takes time and practice. Each day your skills will progress as will your daily new challenges. Rolling in whitewater is unnatural in the beginning. But with great instructors and team support each progression and failure is celebrated as a progressive advancement. We’ll keep the adventures and rivers coming, and you keep the good attitude.

DAY 1, JAN 23

Arrival to Temuco Airport (ZCO) between 11 AM to 5 PM.
Boat outfitting, orientation, and welcome.
Potential afternoon lake session pending time.

DAY 2, JAN 24

AM – Kayak history, purposes, equipment, and safety. Wet Exit & Roll session.

PM – River run.

DAY 3, JAN 25 

AM – Kayak Theory & roll and games session.

PM – River run.

DAY 4, JAN 26

AM – Full Day River Experience

PM – Full Day River Experience

DAYS 5 to 7, JAN 27 TO 29

River options are dependent upon the learner’s specific skills assessment, and comfort of level of challenges. Instructors will assess and provide rivers, activities, and development options. For example, some kayakers may opt for an inflatable kayak or raft to get on more challenging rapids such as our Thursday Rio San Pedro trips.

DAY 8, JAN 30 

AM – Optional Morning Lap or Pucon souvenirs and crafts shopping.

PM –Temuco Airport (ZCO) Departure Flights Between 11 AM to 5 PM.

KEEP KAYAKING.