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5-day kayaking course for beginners

5-day kayaking course for beginners

White-water kayaking course on the River Salza in Styria for beginners

Mehrere bunte Kajaks auf einem kristallklaren, türkisfarbenen Bergfluss umgeben von üppigem Grün

Bunte Kajaks paddeln auf einem smaragdgrünen Fluss, aufgenommen aus der Vogelperspektive

Gruppenfoto des Freelife-Teams bei Outdoor-Aktivitäten

Kayaking course on the Salza in Styria – Beginners’ course in white-water kayaking

Our 5-day kayaking course for beginners is the perfect introduction to white-water kayaking. Together with experienced kayaking instructors, you’ll learn the basics of kayaking step by step on the River Salza in Styria.

The course is aimed at beginners with little or no kayaking experience. You’ll practise paddling technique, balance, boat control, eddy turns, as well as how to stay safe in white water and what to do if you capsize.

With its turquoise waters, the Salza offers ideal conditions for a safe and varied introduction to white-water kayaking – set amidst the stunning natural scenery of the Gesäuse.

Detailed information

Day 1 – Arrival & Introduction
Meet at our base. Welcome from our kayaking instructors and a brief overview of the course programme.
Equipment & Preparation
You’ll be issued with your full set of kayaking equipment (wetsuit and shoes, helmet, lifejacket, spray skirt, paddle and kayak). We’ll then travel together to the training site.
First exercises on calm water
The first day of the course takes place mainly on calm water – depending on conditions, either on a reservoir or a swimming lake. There, you’ll learn the basics of kayaking in a relaxed environment.
Safety & behaviour in a kayak
Our guides will explain everything you need to know about safety, paddling technique, behaviour in white water and how to get in and out of the kayak correctly. You’ll also practise getting out of the boat safely right from the start.
Your first paddle strokes
Now it’s time to get out on the water: you’ll get used to the kayak, learn how to balance, practise forward strokes, changing direction and your first manoeuvres with the boat.
First experiences of the current
Depending on your progress and the water level, we’ll paddle a short, easy stretch of river on the first day to gain some initial experience in gentle currents.
Days 2–5 – Kayaking on the river
On the second day of the course, we’ll head to a gentle white-water section of the river. There, we’ll put the techniques we’ve learnt into practice directly in the flowing water.
Technique training & reading the river
You’ll learn how to paddle in eddies, traverse, the correct behaviour in the current, as well as river knowledge and the principles of flow. Depending on your needs, safety techniques and simple rescue exercises on the river will also be taught. You’ll also learn how to edge your kayak correctly and make targeted use of the current to navigate white water efficiently and in a controlled manner. Our guides will accompany you every step of the way.
Experiencing white water
Together, we’ll paddle through gentle rapids and enjoy the stunning natural scenery of the Salza and the Gesäuse. Safety, fun and learning are always our top priorities.
End of the course & return
After four action-packed days of kayaking, we head back to base. There, you can get changed, have a shower and wind down at the end of the course.

Services included

5-day kayaking course
Kayaking instructor
All equipment:
White-water kayak, paddle, spray skirt, wetsuit, wetsuit jacket, wetsuit shoes, life jacket, helmet,
Transfer from Outdoorcamp Salza (we may need a second vehicle provided by participants to transport the equipment).
Video analysis
Free souvenir photos from our tour on our photo server

Course objectives

Learning the basic techniques
Paddling on easy stretches of river (WW 1–2)
Basics and training methods for the Eskimo roll

Requirements

Swimmers
Minimum age 12 years
Maximum weight 130 kg
Average level of physical fitness

Accommodation options

If you’re looking for suitable accommodation: right at the starting point of the tour is the Freelife Guesthouse, offering cosy 2–4-bed rooms or dormitories, with breakfast included.

Alternatively, the Freelife Apartments are available: two fully equipped apartments, each with two double bedrooms and a private kitchen, or two double bedrooms for a maximum of two people with a shared kitchen.

You can find our accommodation options here.

Außenansicht einer Unterkunft in der Freelife-Region in Tirol

FAQ

Do I need any previous kayaking experience?
No. This course is designed for beginners. Our kayaking instructors explain everything step by step.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes, basic swimming skills are a prerequisite for taking part.
How old do I need to be?
You must be aged 12 or over to take part – see the ‘Requirements’ section.
What do I need to bring?
Swimwear, a towel. If you wear glasses, a glasses strap (also available to buy on site), and a snack for the lunch break.
Does the course still take place in bad weather or rain?
Yes, the kayaking courses generally take place whatever the weather. Rain often makes the experience even more intense. In the event of extreme conditions (e.g. extreme high water, severe weather), we will contact you in advance. Should a tour have to be cancelled for safety reasons, no cancellation fees will apply.
What are the daily course times?
Courses start daily at 09:30 and, depending on group size, route and conditions, last until around 15:30.
Is there a minimum number of participants per course?
For a course to go ahead, we require at least 4 participants per session. Individuals or small groups are always welcome – we’ll group participants on site into suitable course groups so that you can paddle alongside other guests.
How many participants are there per group?
For beginners’ courses, there is a maximum of 8 participants per kayak instructor.
Are there any photos from the course?
Yes, we provide you with free photos via our photo server.
What happens to my valuables?
These can be safely left at our base.
Are there changing rooms and showers?
Yes, these facilities are available at our base.
Can I take part if I have physical limitations?
Please make sure to discuss any health or physical limitations with us in advance so that we can cater for your individual needs.

Take the plunge.