Location: Ottawa River
2.08.2026–7.08.2026

The Zambezi is the ultimate bucket-list river—but staring down its massive, crashing waves requires more than just a roll; it requires a deep, instinctual understanding of high-volume, big water mechanics.

Welcome to the Zambezi Prep Week on the Ottawa River.

We have designed the ultimate, supportive training ground on the warm, deep, and forgiving waters of the Ottawa River. Whether you are aiming to conquer the waves of Africa or simply looking to bombproof your skills on high-volume rivers, this course will give you the strategy and execution needed to navigate big water.

Over five days of intensive on-water training, video analysis, and tactical seminars, you will break down the specific skills needed to navigate high-volume rapids:

• Big Water Mechanics & Wave Surfing: Learn how to read hydraulic features, navigate heavy boils, and carve your momentum in and out of eddies.

• Combat Rolling & Tension Release: Fine-tune your bracing, build a bulletproof roll in highly aerated water, and master the psychology of staying calm upside down.

• Line Choice & Scouting: Learn how to read and analyze Class III rapids, identify safe eddies, and maintain perfect spacing within a group.

• Safety & Rescue Protocols: Practice high-volume rescue techniques, swimming in big water rapids, and aggressive self-rescue strategies.

Cinematic Video Analysis

We don’t just watch you paddle; we dissect it. Using high-definition footage captured throughout the week, we will analyze your blade angles, body posture, and boat speed. You will see exactly what you are doing right and what tweaks you need to make.

Bonus: You will walk away from this week with a professional, cinematic digital media package of your paddling to share with your community.

This week is designed for Intermediate Paddlers. To ensure your success and safety on the water, participants should meet the following baseline:

• A reliable whitewater roll (and a desire to "bombproof" it).
• Proficient boat control and comfort paddling in Class II-III whitewater.
• Note: You do not need to be an expert big-water kayaker to join this week. Our custom, supportive curriculum is built to bridge the gap and scale your skills safely.

Day 1: Arrival, Check-In & Welcome Feast

• The Vibe: Arrival, setting the scene, and meeting your tribe.
• The Details: Arrive at the Wilderness Tours Resort in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodation. Take a stroll down to the beach, breathe in the fresh river air, and unpack your gear.
• Evening: Gather at the resort lodge at 6:00 PM for our Official Welcome Dinner. We will introduce the coaching team, break down the week’s progression, and connect with the community of paddlers and partners who will be sharing this journey with you.

Day 2: Alignment, Big Water Fundamentals & Zambezi Night

• The Details: Start the morning with a Riverside Yoga Session designed specifically for paddlers to open up the shoulders, back, and hips. After breakfast, we head to the gear sheds for outfitting, safety briefings, and boat setup.
• On the Water: Today is all about assessing your baseline, dialing in your roll in moving water, and understanding the core mechanics of high-volume river features. We will enjoy a scenic lunch right on the river rocks.
• Evening: We wrap up paddling around 4:00 PM. Tonight is Zambezi Night at the River Barn! Pack your favorite animal prints. We will dive into an exclusive Zambezi Preview & Video Analysis session, breaking down footage of the exact rapids you'll face in Africa, mapping out lines, and holding a tactical Q&A. We will enjoy a special themed group dinner at the Historic River Barn.

Day 3: Stepping Up the Intensity

• The Details: Today, the training shifts from defensive to offensive. We will focus on aggressive eddy turns in heavy boils, ferry glides across currents, and reading high-volume lines.
• Evening: Back at the resort, we enjoy a relaxed dinner at the lodge before gathering for a Cinematic Video Review session, where we break down your on-water posture, technique, and blade control through detailed video analysis to help accelerate your progression.

Days 4 & 5: Chaos Management & Combat Rolling

• The Vibe: Building mental resilience on the water.
• The Details: These two days are dedicated to the ultimate confidence-building. We dive deep into "Chaos Management"—mastering the psychology of staying calm upside down and executing a bulletproof combat roll in highly aerated, turbulent water. You will practice high-volume rescue protocols and swimming safely through big-water features.
• Wednesday Evening: We will melt away any tension in the Riverside Sauna, followed by a group dinner at the resort and a legendary "Limpos-style" dance party to bring the vibrant Livingstone, Africa nightlife vibe to Canada.
• Thursday Evening: Celebrate a breakthrough week on the water with a premium Whitewater Brewery beer tasting experience at the Historic River Barn at sundown.

Day 6: The Grand Finale Lap & Whitewater Brewery Celebration

• The Details: This is our final day on the water. There is no overthinking—just pure, high-confidence paddling.
• Evening: We cap off an unforgettable week with a trip to the famous local Whitewater Brewing Co. Feast on gourmet pub fare and raise a pint of locally crafted beer to the ultimate community vibe. This is where we hand out your digital media packages and say a temporary goodbye to the Ottawa River as our eyes turn toward Africa.

Day 7: Farewell Breakfast & Final Departures

• The Details: Breakfast, final hugs, exchange contact info & pack up your gear.
• The Next Stop: You leave Canada with an entirely new level of on-water confidence, and we hope to see you in Africa!

(Option available for non-kayaking partners)

Book Now $2399 CAD

• 5 days of whitewater kayak instruction
• 6 nights of camping included (accommodation upgrades are available)
• 17 meals
• Daily shuttles
• Access to sauna, beach, water park
• Expert guiding and support with travel logistics

Location: Wilderness Tours
1260 Grants Settlement Rd, Foresters Falls, ON K0J 1V0, Canada

Airport Shuttles:
Can be arrange, please contact Ottawa Kayak School via e-mail at info@ottawakayak.com

Note: Prices are subject to 13% HST & $15/day/person Park Pass