Whitewater Kayaking in the Comox Valley
Test a premium Pyranha whitewater kayak on the river we call home. We offer rentals for up to 4 hours, or a one hour demo if you want to purchase the boat.
Paddlers need to bring their own personal gear and be ready to show us proof of whitewater kayaking experience before heading out.
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Need gear? Check out our whitewater gear selection in-person or online.
Local Business since 1991
2020 Cliffe Av.
What To Know For The Rentals
What You Need to Bring
Since this is a whitewater rental, you will need to arrive with your own:
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PFD
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Throw bag
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Paddle
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Spray skirt
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Helmet
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Insulative gear
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Proof of whitewater kayaking experience is required before we send you out.
What's Included
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Kayak
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Float bags (for inside the kayak)
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We will direct you for a good route
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We will fit you to the right kayak
Book a rental
rentals are available to transport the kayaks away with you on an adventure
Local Whitewater Rivers
Our shop sits close to some great whitewater, all within reach for a day of adventure. Here is a quick look at what is nearby, from our closest runs out to the farther options.
Puntledge River
The Puntledge is our closest river and one of the most popular local runs. The Upper Puntledge, put in below the Puntledge Dam diversion, is a Class V run for experienced paddlers. Thanks to a permit that governs the release, the put-in is only accessible when the hydroelectric flow is active. Below that, the play run from Nymph Falls to Condensory Bridge is a shorter, more approachable Class III (IV) stretch with a well-known play wave near the entrance, good for building skills and having fun on a bigger volume river.
Trent River
The Trent is another close-to-home option and runs during periods of heavy rain, with no online gauge to check ahead of time. It features a sliding entrance rapid that leads into a 50 ft waterfall, viewable from a short hike off Highway 19 near Royston, along with a nice Class III canyon run below. Some Class III rapids downstream have a history of wood, so scouting is worthwhile when flows are up.
Browns River
The Browns River near Courtenay offers a run for nearly every level, from the mellow Lower section (Class II to IV with a waterfall and slide, good for a bonus run when the dam is releasing) up through the Alpine, Upper, and Upper Canyon sections that step up in difficulty and commitment. The Alpine run in particular is known for Skull Rapid and a clean 25 ft waterfall with a tricky landing.
Oyster River
A bit farther out, the Oyster offers both a lower Class III (IV) play run below Woodhus Creek and a more remote, committing Upper Canyon section that only fills in with fall rain and needs a full day with proper scouting and gate permission in season
Gold River
Gold River is the farthest of our regular whitewater destinations. If you're heading that way for a trip, our team is happy to help you plan gear and logistics.
Whitewater Kayak Lessons
BEGINNER
$175
Intro to Whitewater
This session is ideal for anyone who has been in a kayak before and is looking to expand their horizons into moving water. Previous kayak experience is an asset but not a prerequisite.
The clinic will focus on foundational strokes, reading river features, and paddling in class I-II whitewater. Students should expect to demonstrate a wet-exit, and be prepared for a fun day in some chilly water!
Small student to instructor ratios means this clinic can be tailored to individual needs to meet you where you are at and help you reach your goals!
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Instructor: Heather Quinn, CKC Level 3 Whitewater Leader/Instructor
BEGINNER
$195
Introduction to Freestyle
This session is ideal for anyone who has a consistent roll in flatwater and who wants to improve their freestyle game or simply gain confidence on the river when they find themselves stuck in a hole.
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The clinic will primarily take place in flat or slow-flowing water. It will focus on foundational movements in a freestyle kayak and how to engage your whole body, boat, and paddle while on the river. We can look at learning some of the basic tricks on flatwater, different kinds of rolls, and how to find control on a wave or in a hole.
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Small student to instructor ratios means this clinic can be tailored to individual needs to meet you where you are at and help you reach your goals!
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Instructor: Heather Quinn, CKC Level 3 Whitewater Leader/Instructor and 2026 Canadian National Freestyle Champion
Looking for Something Else?
If whitewater isn't quite the fit today, we also rent sea kayaks and canoes for calmer water. We run guided sea kayak tours if you'd rather leave the planning to us.
Have questions before you book?
Contact us by emailing lessonstours@comoxvalleykayaks.com and we'll help you plan your day.
Questions We've Been Asked
