Whitewater Training

19/08/2025

Greetings all in Parys who are paddlers and those who want to give paddling a try. Celliers Kruger will be in town to introduce his fantastic new range of kayaks, which are in demand around the world. Join Whitewater Training and Lekker Kayaks for a demo afternoon at Likkewaan Canoe Club, Thursday, 22 August from 15h00 to 20h00. Come paddle this ever-expanding range of adventure, touring and recreational kayaks with the designer himself and then bring and braai at the Beer House. We hope to see you there. Please let Hugh know if you are coming.

22/04/2025

Whitewater Training is offering level 1 and level 3 first aid courses (Basic emergency first aid responder; and Advanced emergency first aid responder) over the coming week.
The level 1 course will have a wilderness first aid focus and takes place over 2 days. The dates for this level 1 component are Sat 26 and Sun 27 April.

To earn the level three certification, also with a wilderness first aid focus, 2 further training days must be completed. These will be offered on Mon 28 and Tue 29 April.

You can complete level 1 without doing level 3.

The courses are certified through Wildmedix and accredited by the QCTO.

Both levels include theory and practical scenarios in wilderness settings, and each participant receives a manual.

On successfully passing a written and practical evaluation you will receive a certificate valid for 3 years.

The cost for the level 1 course is R1600.
The cost to complete both courses is R2990.
They will take place in Parys, Free State, and some scenarios will involve flowing water.

Participants can camp overnight at the Likkewaan Canoe Club for R70 per person a night.
Please contact Hugh (0832535225) to sign up.

18/03/2025

Whitewater Training is run a APA river guide course on Vaal Friday 21 March to Sunday the 23. 0832535225 [email protected]

10/09/2024

Summer is here and I am putting in a Peak PS order. Please let me know if you need any kit for the new paddling season.

28/03/2024

Kayak Cross competition: Sunday, 7 April 2024

Kayak cross is an exciting aspect of whitewater paddling and has been included in the French Olympics in 2024. The kayaking community in South Africa is keen to start developing it at a competitive and recreational level. Last weekend, slalom paddler Iain Rennie organized an informal Kayak Cross national champs tournament in KZN. The annual Thrombosis Xtreme festival is also an example of a kayak cross competition. Next season, Iain will arrange national selections for the 2024/5 season.

Whitewater Training will be hosting a kayak cross competition on Sunday, 7 April 2024 at Gatsien Rapid in Parys.

Competitors of all skill levels are invited, and can join one of the following categories:

A Vaya category for kids, using sit-on-tops

A beginners category featuring a simpler course without rolling

An intermediate category with more gates, plus a rolling element

An extreme category for experienced kayakers, who will compete head-to-head

If competitors are not comfortable with wet exists, swimming in rapids and basic safety in whitewater, we suggest they let Hugh know or arrange to attend his session the previous day.

Note: We will use touchpads rather than gates, due to the location.

All fiberglass paddles should have at least a double layer of insulation / duct tape around the blade.

Entry is R100. Competitors should provide their own helmets, paddles, PFDs and boats. These can also be rented from Whitewater Training for the weekend.

The location is spectator-friendly

Camping at the Likkewaan Canoe Club is available for R60 a night. People can also train the day prior on a provisional course that will be available.

Time: The competitor’s briefing will be at 09:00, and all training runs need to be done by then.

On Saturday, 6 April, there will be a whitewater conversion course for people paddling in other disciplines.

Whitewater Training will also be hosting a Trip Leaders Workshop on 8, 9 and 10 April.

For more information and to enter, contact Hugh at Whitewater Training on 083 253 5225

Follow this link to join my WhatsApp group:

27/03/2024

Whitewater training is running a
• APA trip leader Workshop, 8 to the 10 April. Please see Link https://whitewatertraining.co.za/river-guide-training/trip-leader-workshop/
• Kayak Cross on 7 Saturday April in Parys all welcome.
• Whitewater kayak course conversion from other paddling disciplines on Saturday the 6th April.

APA Trip Leader Workshop APA TRIP LEADER – RESTRICTED QUALIFICATION PROCESS RIVER GUIDE: Once a River Guide course has been done, another 30 days of logged guiding experience is required to get a 50-day total before a Trip Leader Workshop can be attempted. Evaluation and assessment takes place dur...

23/04/2023

We will be running a swiftwater rescue course on Saturday and Sunday https://whitewatertraining.co.za/swiftwater-rescue/recreational/
Hugh 083 253 5225

17/12/2022

WWT wishes all water lovers happy holidays and an excellent New Year. Great rains meant our season started early. Holidays are for paddling and Hugh is available over the festive season. Contact him for training, coaching, guiding and gear.

04/10/2021

We are making a PeukUK order today please let Hugh know

World leading kayaking clothing and equipment based in Derbyshire, UK.

07/06/2021

NOW HIRING!
Heidal Rafting i Sjoa is looking for guides for the summer 2021. You must hold an EU/EFTA passport. Quarantine when entering Norway can be done at our base.
If you are interested please send me an e-mail [email protected]

Hugh Du Preez