Individual and Group Kayak Lessons
Have you always wanted to kayak but never had the opportunity to learn how? Or have you been kayaking for a while and want a step change in your speed, confidence, and kayaking technique? Ben Fouhy's individual and group kayak lessons might be the solution! Beneficial to everyone from beginners and experienced kayakers, our kayak training sessions equip students with the fundamentals. Then, we build on those skills towards mastery, helping students feel confident and competent on New Zealand waterways.
Contact us to discuss your kayaking needs, and let's get you out paddling the rapids with ease.
Why Get Kayak Lessons from Ben Fouhy Kayaking?
Kayaking is a beautiful, approachable sport, and time is precious. Individual or small group lessons are a great way to maximise enjoyment and fast-track skills so that you can experience the art of paddling in a safe and competent manner with the right equipment. Whether you are completely new to the sport or have been paddling for a while and would like to take your paddling to the next level, getting a lesson targeted to your skill level and goals can make all the difference.
Our lessons are taught by Ben Fouhy, a World Champion and silver-medal Olympian in flatwater sprint kayaking. Alongside his professional flatwater kayak career, Ben has been an avid whitewater, marathon, and multisport kayaker since his teenage days (his first kayak teaching gig was as a volunteer instructor on a Grade 2 kayak course at age 17!). Ben has a lust for adventure and the great outdoors, and he loves sharing his passion and expertise with other kayak enthusiasts.
Whether you want to learn how to paddle a single or 2 person kayak, you can rely on Ben's expert guidance and knowledge to get you there and have fun along the way.
Learn to Kayak in NZ
New Zealand is blessed with an abundance of beautiful rivers and lakes. One of the benefits of becoming a knowledgeable and competent kayaker is the opportunity to explore places not usually accessible by car or foot. While we teach kayaking all over New Zealand, most of our lessons take place at Lake Taupo and rivers in the Central North Island.
These are the same waters where we coach our Grade 2 Certification students. They offer diverse water experiences and are suitable for kayakers of all levels.
Get the details for our lessons below.
About Our Lessons
When it comes to learning a new skill, sometimes we prefer our coaching to be one-on-one. Other times, we choose to bring our friends along for some added confidence and excitement. At Ben Fouhy Kayaking, we understand that everyone learns differently and at their own pace. That's why we've made our kayak lessons available to individuals and groups. Whatever skill level you're at, Ben will tailor a lesson to your needs, ensuring you get the most out of your time on the water.
We teach everyone from total beginners to experienced paddlers. As such, we offer diverse lessons on flatwater to Grade 2 rivers, teaching participants how to be safe and proficient paddlers. Check out our offerings below and get in touch to create a lesson plan that is targeted to your skill level and goals.
Lessons and Pricing
| LESSON | PRICE |
|
Flatwater Technique - Half Day Session Learning and advancing kayaking technique fundamentals on calm, flatwater. Beneficial for beginner and skilled paddlers. For many, the limiter is often their ability to effectively apply power and utilise all techniques to manoeuvre the boat with precision. (And it goes without saying that if you come up short on effective flatwater skills, you will be left troubled on the river). Video feedback can be provided on request. |
$195 pp |
|
Grade 1 Skills - Half Day Session Learn and develop your paddling fundamentals on moving water. Not only opening the door to more paddling but an essential step towards building the flatwater skills up before tackling Grade 2 whitewater. |
$200 pp |
|
Grade 2 Skills River - Full Day Trip Full day trip, enjoying being out on the water in nature and using all of the features of the river to test and develop skills to increase Grade 2 paddling competency and kayaking technique. |
$390 pp. (Two people minimum) |
What to Bring
Lessons are an opportunity to optimise your setup. Check out our list of recommended gear for different sessions. If you have any questions about gear or boat choices, let us know. We’re always happy to chat with you about what gear or kayak fits your needs and skill level.
We recommend clients bring their own boat and gear, however, items are available for hire at an additional fee if desired. We have a selection of kayaks that can be hired from beginner to intermediate skill level to match your ability. We also have a Barracuda AR Duo for individuals benefiting from a lesson in a 2 person kayak in preparation for doing the Coast to Coast as a tandem team.
About You
Kayaking is fun, but that doesn't mean it's without its risks. Our lessons are suited to those who are genuinely interested in learning the sport. You don't have to be an athlete or someone training for a marathon. You should, however, be committed to learning the new skill.
There will be plenty of excitement; of that, we can guarantee. But you will be required to listen and focus as we teach you how to stay safe on the water and use your equipment correctly. Part of learning to kayak is understanding how to keep yourself safe on the water. This includes having kick-ass self-rescue skills, excellent knowledge of river dynamics, and building up the skills to be confident and make good decisions under pressure, all while remembering to stay humble when on the river.
Get in Touch
If you're someone with a deep interest in kayaking, reach out to us in Taupo. We'll talk to you about your experience and skill level and tailor a lesson plan to meet your needs and kayaking goals.
Email kayakschool@benfouhy.co.nz or call us on 021514653 to schedule a lesson today!
From Those Who Know
We could harp on about Ben’s kayaking knowledge and the value of professional kayak lessons, but we prefer you hear it from those who have experienced it firsthand. See some of our students’ testimonials below.
“This year I decided to take on a new challenge of multi-sport. I had never really paddled before, and had never been in a multi-sport kayak! My aim was to ‘complete’ a multi-sport race. Ben has been absolutely amazing at getting me from complete beginner to a competent paddler. His knowledge is exceptional, and he delivers his lessons in such a well constructed way that it has been easy to progress my skills. The value you get out of his one on one lessons is seconded to none. I believe the training I have done through Ben will not only enable me to ‘complete’ a multi-sport race, it will enable me to actually be competitive. I have no reservations in recommending Ben to anyone, whatever skill level they are at. You will not fail to get a lot out of his sessions.” — Abi.
“Ben has taken me from someone that was questioning whether the kayaking in the C2C was even possible to someone that is confident that when I get there I will paddle the [Barracuda] Waimak well. Ben’s ability to convey the principles of kayaking along with his energy and enthusiasm are quite outstanding. Put this with his great sense of humour and you have a winning combination for teaching people of all abilities.” — Paul.
“Ben came highly recommended to me by a friend who I’d seen improve, no end. My goal was not to get faster by using technique, fitness or strength, but to get faster by improving my river paddling skills. I wanted to be able to put my boat anywhere I wanted (or even needed to) on the river, with confidence.
In just one river session, Ben pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me skills that made such a difference. Once I mastered them, it was almost like it was a different, much easier rapid. Ben’s boat handling and understanding of water dynamics is incredible and I used several of my new skills in my race at the C2C the very next weekend, smashing my goals and feeling confident. I’d recommend a session with Ben 100%” — Alex.
