How to become a Grade 3 whitewater kayaker

Kayaking Sjoa Normal Section
Do you dream of paddling whitewater class 3 rapids on rivers like Sjoa? Follow our guide and if you put in the work you can achieve this in one season!
We have put a lot of time, passion and thought into what it really takes to become a grade 3 whitewater kayaker. We genuinely believe that we can give you the solid foundational skills that are required for you to maximise your safety and fun on the river if you follow these steps. Of course, there will have to be a lot of practising in your own time and perseverance on your part, but that goes for achieving anything worthwhile right?! Trust us, once you have tried the Sjoa Normal and Sjoa Play Run you will never stop paddling!
Paddling China Hole on Sjoa Normal

5 Steps to getting to Grade 3

  1. Learn the basics of river kayaking on an Introduction Course
  2. Build on your skills and learn more about river safety and rolling on a Foundation Course
  3. Practice your kayak roll as much as you can!
  4. Paddle at least 5 times on a grade 2 river
  5. Join a guided tour on a grade 3 river

Bonus – we also recommend a WRT-REC course with Rescue3Norge

Whitewater courses in Norway to get you to Grade 3

Our instructors specialise in teaching river kayaking with a focus on safety and hands-on learning. Sign up for one of our whitewater kayaking courses and learn the skills you need to get to the level required to paddle grade 3 sections. 

Book now Our most popular activities

Private Sauna Rental – Jeløy, Moss

Self-service floating sauna on the central Moss waterfront. Our sauna sessions are 2hrs during weekdays and 2.5hrs in the weekends. Hiring a floating sauna is an awesome activity for team building or any type of celebration, whether that is for teambuilding, an utdrikningslag or a birthday. There is nothing more thrilling and refreshing that jumping into the fjord, followed by warming up after in a beautiful nordic sauna!

Private Oslo Fjord Tour from Lysaker

A kayaking activity well suited for team building or an utdrikningslag, conveniently located in Lysaker, Sollerudstranda. We start the tours on the Sollerudstranda beach, learn the basic kayak skills and then paddle out towards the Bygdøy peninsula and Huk Stranda or we head towards Fornebu - up to you! The kayak trip is usually 3 hours but can be shortened or extended to meet your needs and time schedule. We have a kayak base in Lysaker, where there is room to store your belongings and park your cars.

Self-service Paddle Board Rental – Sukkerbiten, Oslo

Stand-up paddleboard hire / rental (SUP padlebrett utleie) in Sukkerbiten near the Opera House- Enjoy stand up paddling on Oslo Fjord! Our SUP rental is super easy, just book your time slot online, get the code and go pick up your paddle board, life jacket and paddle. Once you are done, put the equipment back, as instructed - enjoy exploring central Oslo, Bjørvika!

Experience Gift Cards

Looking for a unique and memorable gift? Our experience gift cards offer a range of exciting options, including kayaking courses, tours, and rentals in Oslo and Sjoa, as well as floating sauna experiences in Oslo and Moss. With something for everyone, our gift cards are the perfect way to give the gift of adventure and create lasting memories.

Accommodation Options at Mad Goats Sjoa – Heidal Valley

Camping spots (telte / campingplasser) and simple cabins for overnight (overnatting) accommodation while on your kayak course or tour in Sjoa. Enjoy the beautiful forest views and the sound of birds singing beside the Sjoa river. We also have a sauna and hot tub that you are welcome to use when staying with us in Sjoa, Heidal.

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