First level canoeing and kayaking course on the Ticino river

Some days it's all about staying afloat, other days it's about learning to tame the water!

This first-level canoe and kayak course on the Ticino river is the perfect opportunity to test yourself with a new aquatic discipline. 6 hours of lessons with a qualified instructor will enable you to learn the theoretical and practical basics of this sport.

Your new passion will be framed by the luxuriant nature of the Parco Lombardo della Valle del Ticino... to be discovered by paddling!

What we will do

We will meet at the meeting point in Vigevano (PV), 10 minutes before the start time.

Here we will meet our canoe and kayak instructor, who will accompany us on this first-level course. Learning will be structured in theoretical and practical modules to facilitate the learning of different topics:

• introduction to canoeing, with a focus on the difference between a canoe and a kayak, different types of boat (creek, lake, sea, race) and how to trim the boat according to one's own characteristics;
• technical equipment, from personal clothing to safety devices;
• aquatics for familiarity with the boat while in the water, with in-depth study of techniques for entering and exiting the canoe and assisted capsizing trials in still water with instructor in the water;
• fundamental strokes: propulsive paddling forward, circular paddling forward, circular paddling backward, propulsive paddling backward, lateral displacement and steering.

During the lessons we will get plenty of practice in the water aboard single-seater river kayaks, under the constant supervision of the instructor. At the end of the course we will receive a certificate of participation.

The course will last a total of 6 hours, to be divided into 2 modules of 3 hours.

Who it is aimed at

The course is suitable for ages 13 and up. Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at the meeting point, but may participate in the activity alone.

Swimming skills are required.

The maximum weight for participation is 110 kg.

Other information

The experience is available from April to July and from September to October, every day except Monday and Wednesday.

The organisers recommend dividing the course into two 3-hour sessions for maximum learning results. You can agree on the time and day of the second lesson directly with the instructor.

There are toilets, changing rooms, outdoor showers and a storage room for personal belongings at the meeting point.

The meeting point cannot be reached by public transport; there is free parking on site.

Recommended clothing

• Shorts or comfortable trousers
• Swimming costume
• Synthetic or thermal mesh
• Shoes that can be wet (trainers or rock shoes)

Don't forget to bring

• Sun cream
• Complete change of clothes and shoes