Sea KayakingWhitewater Kayaking

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

Kayaking the Sjoa grade 3 / Playrun – explaining the lines for beginners

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. 

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Private 3hr Våttkort Introduction to Sea Kayaking Course – Bispevika, Oslo

3-hr NPF Våttkort Introkurs in central Oslo, an ideal activity for team building. If you are looking for a team building activity that is active, engaging, and fun then this is it! Get your team out of their comfort zone and working together - that is where the magic happens! It also makes for a better story at the office than a night out drinking!

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!

2-day Whitewater Kayaking or Packrafting Våttkort Grunnkurs – Sjoa, Norway

Join us up in Sjoa for two days of fun and learning on world famous whitewater rivers. On this course you can choose to be in a kayak or a packraft. Packrafts are more stable and lighter to carry, making them the ultimate adventure watercraft, whereas kayaks are more agile on the river, making them better for playing on waves and for paddling harder whitewater. However, the techniques used to paddle both are very similar, which is why we can combine the two courses! Whatever you decide, you will get the opportunity to try both a packraft and kayak if you wish - “catch you on the water!”

6hr Whitewater Kayaking or Packrafting Våttkort Introkurs – Sjoa, Norway

This is where your whitewater adventure begins! Try our 6hr whitewater kayaking or packrafting beginner course in Sjoa / Heidal - one of the worlds most famous whitewater rafting and kayaking destinations! On this course you can choose to be in a kayak or a packraft. Packrafts are more stable and lighter to carry, making them the ultimate adventure watercraft, whereas kayaks are more agile on the river, making them better for playing on waves and for paddling harder whitewater. However, the techniques used to paddle both are very similar, which is why we can combine the two courses! - “catch you on the water!”

Private Guided Kayak Tours of Oslo Fjord from the Munch Museum

All equipment included and no experience or våttkort needed to join this Oslo kayak tour. We start from the Munch Museum, learn some basic paddling skills and then either head out to the Oslo islands or along the Oslo waterfront. This tour is an amazing activity to celebrate a birthday or for a team building event.

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!

Self-service Paddle Board Rental – Tjuvholmen, Oslo

Stand-up paddling hire/rental (SUP-Brett Utleie) in Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen. This is a beginner friendly water activity for the whole family. Enjoy exploring the waterfront while stand up paddle boarding on Oslofjord! Make sure to check out the canal between the Astrup Fearnley Museum and stop for a quick swim at the Tjuvholmen Sjøbad!

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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