How do I Learn to Kayak?

Unlock the world of paddling with Canoes Plus Kayak School, Melbourne’s trusted leader in paddlesports education. Whether you are an adult wanting to build confidence on the water or a parent looking for a fun, skill-building activity for your children, their Paddle Australia-qualified instructors provide a safe, structured, and exciting environment to learn.

Learning to Kayak (Adults & Beginners)

  • Progressive Technique: Move quickly past the self-taught learning curve with immediate feedback on posture, stroke timing, and boat control.

  • Safety First: Learn vital real-world skills, including how to read currents, assess changing weather, master self-rescue, and handle capsizes safely.

  • Attention to detail: Our instructors are trained to provide you with good technique from the start. This makes it easier for you to continue your paddling journey with the right foundations, and good habits

  • Tailored Pathways: Programs span from gentle flatwater introduction clinics to intermediate river navigation and high-adrenaline whitewater kayaking courses.

  • Learn to Kayak with the Basic Skills/ Foundation Skills needed for flat water kayaking. This is kayaking on still rivers or lakes, or even the ocean.  If you are a complete beginner and want to paddle flatwater or whitewater,  you will need to start with learning the basic strokes and concepts on flatwater. Basic Kayaking Skills are needed to get the most out of your paddling experience, and also to help you stay safe on the water.

Step 1: Basic Techniques on Flat Water for kayaking or packrafting

Step 2: More advanced Skills - Moving Water Techniques

Step 3: Whitewater Skills Lessons

 

Kids Learning to Kayak

  • Age-Appropriate Programs: Designed for young adventurers (starting from as young as five years old), blending playful water activities with structured technique training.

  • Holiday & After-School Clinics: Fast-track your child's confidence and teamwork skills through dedicated School Holiday Programs and term-based training.

  • Youth Racing & Social Clubs: The family-oriented Canoes Plus Kayak Club offers regular coached sessions for kids who want to try slalom, freestyle, or fun weekend river trips.

  • Specialized Gear: Kids learn using custom, kid-friendly craft like the ultra-stable SOUL Mini Me or sit-on-top setups designed specifically for smaller frames.

 

  • Our instructors: Our instructors are all highly qualified through Paddle Australia, and hold the highest level of qualifications in kayak, canoe, packraft and raft instruction.

  • About the Operator: Established in 1972, Canoes Plus Kayak School & Adventure Experiences is one of Australia's most experienced providers of kayak courses, canoe instruction and packraft training. Based in Melbourne, we have been teaching paddlers of all ages and abilities for more than 50 years, helping thousands of people develop the skills and confidence to safely enjoy rivers, lakes and wilderness waterways. About Canoes Plus Adventure Experience. Canoes Plus Kayak School has developed a reputation as Australia’s leading Canoe and Kayak education facility, with attention to detail, flexibility and the desire to make each course an experience you won’t forget.  Canoes Plus Kayak School is the place to learn all the necessary skills to ensure every paddle trip is a safe and enjoyable day out.

  • The Cost: Learn to kayak lessons start at $180 for a group lesson including all gear. Our lessons may cost more, but you are getting highly specialized instructors, with 20 years plus of experience. You learn from the best, and get specialized attention.  Our club training structure offers sessions at around $20 per session, but gear is not included, and the setting is a group environment.

  • By enrolling in any course you are also accepting the waiver ( considered as signed by enrollment and payment) WAIVER FORM. To book a course or to tailor your own instructional program please email canoes@canoesplus.com.au or call Canoes Plus Kayak School on 13000 KAYAK