A safe adventure for the children
At Kajaktiv, we have been teaching the basics of whitewater paddling since 1995. With our experience and focus on safety, you can feel completely safe when your children take their first paddle strokes in the rapids.
This course is tailored for children under the age of 14. If they are over twelve years old, they can take our Step 1 course.
For parents
Paddling can be a bit nerve-wracking for some children, and for the sake of the children, we ask that at least one parent accompanies them in the kayak.
Part of Family Course for Whitewater Kayaking.
- Two nights accommodation at the course center (hostel standard)
- Two lunches at a restaurant during the course
- Whitewater kayak
- Paddle
- Spray skirt
- Life jacket
- Helmet
- Wetsuit
- Experienced instructor
- Blanket and pillow
What to bring
- Bedding (if you sleep at the course accommodation)
- Breakfast and dinner (lunch at a restaurant is included during the course)
- Swimwear, towel
- Sturdy shoes (Neoprene shoes, sneakers, or sports sandals)
- Straps for glasses or extra contact lenses
- Water bottle
- Gloves (if it’s cold)
- Base layer in wool or functional material (if it’s cold)
Content: Family Course for Whitewater Kayaking
Day one
- Welcome and introduction
- We go through equipment and basic safety
- Safe swimming in moving water (floating downstream on back for about 30 meters)
- Practice capsizing the kayak without the spray skirt
- We practice basic paddling technique through play
- Lunch at a restaurant (included in the price)
- Light traversing in flowing water (class 1)
- Whitewater kayaking in a class 1 rapid
Day two
- Whitewater kayaking on a longer trip in class 1-2 rapids
- We practice reading water in a rapid and choosing the right line
- Lunch at a restaurant (included in the price)
- Different exercises in rapids
- Practice of Eskimo roll for those who want
- Course summary
- Return journey
NOTE! The course structure may vary depending on the condition of the rapids, the participants’ level of knowledge, and plans for the return journey on day 2. The instructor will go through all of this during the introduction on day 1.
Times for Whitewater Kayaking Course
What prerequisites are required?
- No prerequisites required
- Everyone must be able to swim
Age limit
Find us at Kajaktiv
Kajaktiv is located in the heart of Dalarna, about three hours by car from Stockholm and five hours from Gothenburg. For those coming from further away, we can offer overnight accommodation in our course lodging. You can also pitch a tent next to our facility if you prefer.
Train and bus connections
You can take the train to Borlänge or Djurås from most major cities in Sweden. From there, you can take a bus to Dala-Floda. You can also contact us for any possible options to be picked up in Djurås.
More than just paddling
We highly recommend that you bring your mountain bike, running or hiking shoes. Here you will find great trails for cycling, running and hiking, and our staff are happy to share their favorites. The village is also worth exploring if you have time, and in close proximity to it you have Lake Flosjön which invites you for a swim. You can rent a kayak for the day if you want to explore the lake with its beautiful beaches and swimming opportunities.
For personal service and help with booking
