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Chiang Mai Kayaking Class 1 -2  River basics and event briefing

Here in Northern Thailand we are blessed with the perfect weather conditions to enjoy kayaking all year round.  Hypothermia never comes in to play , the cool waters actually ads to the pleasant experience.  Leisure kayaking and jungle exploration is doable all year on various section of the rivers , we do not share the same over crowded waters as the rafting companies have to. We enjoy an exploratory  approach to our kayaking expeditions.  Although we do provide a set program we always are taking weather and water conditions into consideration  and are flexible enough to pick the best river sections for the day after meeting the groups.  Guides, Instructors have extensive experience on our selection of rivers trips and are happy to coach and assist you to ensure a pleasant passage down the river. Prior to departure we will brief you in basic kayak skills and river conditions, to allow us to more effectively coach you on the water.

You should be an average swimmer. Participants planning kayaking on rivers should have some upper body strength and have some sport back ground such as tennis ,squash or swimming,  In difference to rafting you are the captain of your own boat and are solely directing it down the river. Sudden spurts of aggressive paddling are to be expected  at times . The good news is though , if you do mess up the consequences are mild . If you want plenty of time to make your moves we have the perfect Class 1  river sections for you such as Kayak # D (Mae Ngat Valley), here the water runs wide and lazily through the Valley  , perfect  family fun.  River Class 1-3  Kayak # A and E  are a bit more challenging with tighter turns and tree handicaps, but still suitable for the motivated beginner.

For young children (under 9) we usually recommend paddling Class 1 River Trip D with and adult in a double Kayak.

On Jungle Trips Class 1-3 rivers such as Trip # A, E we prefer single kayaks (vs Doubles), the tighter the turns the smaller and more maneuverable the boats should be. For beginners in such challenging river sections a maneuverable Sit on Top Kayak with backrest  is the best bet. Wider currents with less ‘obstacles’, such as Trip D,  Touring kayaks with large cockpits are provided.  Advanced kayakers and kayakers that are prepared to do learn the “WET Exit “can be provided with White Water kayaks sit in boats.  On multiday trips we use slightly longer “River runners” so we have the forward speed but still have the maneuverability we need, such as the Jackson Karma RG or the Jackson Traverse

Our kayaking trips take place about 1 hrs driving out of Chiang mai. Bring an extra set of clothes for the ride back .You should wear shorts or swimsuit, t-shirt or a lycra when on your kayak. Wear a hat, sunglasses, river shoes (sneakers ok, or river sandals that don’t come off) Bring sunscreen and repellent.  Should you have none of the above , we are ready to equip you at our shop before departure.  

Drinking water and Lunch is provided ,  We usually carry a water proof camera and  are happy to shoot some photos of you during the trip. We provide: Helmets where needed,  PFDs and gloves.   A staff member will supervise your belongings left behind while you are paddling.A

 White water kayaks are short maneuverable boats suitable to impact rocks drop off falls, wearing a spray skirt the boat can be roled without exiting. White water boats range from “Play boats “, very short to “River runners” a longer boat, great for touring rivers. River Class 1-5

  Sit on Top Kayaks come in all sizes and shapes, there main feature is the fact, in case of a spill, you just fall out, the boats have “scupper holes” so all access water can run off . Unless damaged the boat wont sink or fill up with water and is easy to up right . We find it very useful for beginners doing their first rapids as they are maneuverable but directional enough to make for an enjoyable cruise down the river.      River Class 1-3

Sit in Touring Boats are the perfect boat for wider rivers. The longer the faster the boat, the trick is to find a boat that still turns well but gives you that forward speed. River Class 1-2

 Sit on Top Double Kayaks are quite popular. Combined weight in a DBl needs to be considered . Doubles are very suitable for adults with children in a safe river.  A double kayak when paddled in sync can be quite fast, To learn how to maneuver a kayak, if possible do it in a single kayak though .  River Class 1-2                                 

Classification

There are six categories, each referred to as “Grade” or “Class” followed by a number. The scale is not linear, nor is it fixed. For instance, there can be difficult grade twos, easy grade threes, and so on. The grade of a river may (and usually does) change with the level of flow. Often a river or rapid will be given a numerical grade, and then a plus (+) or minus (-) to indicate if it is in the higher or lower end of the difficulty level. While a river section may be given an overall grading, it may contain sections above that grade, often noted as features, or conversely, it may contain sections of lower graded water as well. Details of portages may be given if these pose specific challenges. A summary of river classifications as presented by the American Whitewater Association:^[1]

“EDDIES”  and the Main current

Rivers will take us through the most beautiful undisturbed nature you can imagine. Usually we will paddle “Down stream” so we can make more mileage and enjoy the cruise. Given enough current thats definitely the only way to go. How ever not all currents head down stream on your cruise . As we paddle past a big rock or small islands we notice the water going in the opposite direction  just downstream of one of those obstructions. That area is called an “Eddy”. Here the water swirls around and travels”upstream” like it is filling a vacuum.  Eddies for the same reason can be found on the inside of every turn in the river, Our main current that we prefer to travel on is separated from the Eddy current by an “Eddy line”visible on the water surface.  Depending on the kayakers goals , he may choose to avoid the Eddy by paddling on the outside of the turn or use the EDDY as the perfect place to stop. As we go down our first currents and “friendly rapids” we are working hard to remain in fastest part of the river flow which is also called a wave trail. We can quickly tell that the river flows the quickest in the center on a strait section and then continues on to the outside of the turn. So thats were we are when we kayak down a river on the out side of the turns and in the center until we choose to stop and find a Eddy . Needless to say we take Hazards in consideration. We entertain river sections with very few and benign hazards to challenging jungle bits and rapids. 

Entry level maneuvers covered at the safety briefing :

1. Forward propelling paddle stroke
2. Forward and back “sweep stroke”
3. Identify different areas of currents in a river
4. The “Eddy Out ” maneuver, paddle stroke associated, confirm success
5. The “Peel Out ” maneuver, dealing with oncoming main current
6. Navigating a sharp turn, establishing up and down stream gate posts
7. Navigating below and between overhanging brush
8. Awareness and avoiding of hazards
9. The “ferry across” maneuver 
10. Body posture and the relationship of cross currents and boat balance
11. Group environment on the river
12. Becoming a swimmer , what to do
13. Paddle signals  

Upon arrival at the river we take a bit of time to familiarize our self with the equipment and practice especially the “Eddy Out” maneuver. (How to stop)

While on the trip our coaches are with you through out the whole session, ready to assist. We know the rivers very well and you will find our tips and local knowledge quite valuable at times.

Achievement Certificate available, useful for future rentals and Kayak Trip reservations