River Rescue


These two training courses are for recreational and professional paddlers to better enable them to safely paddle with their peers, when leading a group, or when providing an instructional or guided experience.

They are prerequisites for NZOIA Kayak Instructor qualifications and will closely follow the NZOIA and Whitewater NZ syllabus.

Level 1

Programme Overview

Using fully qualified instructors, and being centred amongst great white water venues, the skills you will cover include:

  • Self, boat and bank based rescues
  • Selection and correct use of gear and safety equipment commonly used for river running in NZ
  • Knowledge of common river hazards
  • Controlled river running
  • Rescue management

Note, you must be a competent class 2 paddler.

Level 2

You should ideally have completed the level 1 course and be a competent class 3 kayaker. Assumptions will be made that you already have some rescue experience.

Programme Overview

  • This is very similar to the level 1 in content but in a more technical environment
  • It also includes more rope skills to work in horizontal and vertical planes
  • Rescue and recovery management

Course Details

The price includes:

  • Use of specialist rescue gear
  • Kayak gear if pre-arranged
  • Transport during the course
  • Note: this is a non residential course so you will need to provide your own accommodation and food

Location: Hillary Outdoors Tongariro, Tongariro River
Dates – Level 1: On application
Cost: $295

Apply by contacting Kerry Rollerson, our Tongariro Booking Administrator.

Please note that courses require a minimum number to be able to run. If the scheduled dates don’t suit, get a group together and book your own tailor made course.