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

5hr Whitewater Kayaking or Packrafting Våttkort Introduction Course (introkurs) – Sjoa, Norway

This is where your whitewater adventure begins! Try our 5hr whitewater kayaking or packrafting beginner våttkort course in Sjoa, Heidal - one of the worlds most famous whitewater rafting and kayaking destinations! On this våttkort course (våttkortkurs) 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!”

Self-service Kayak Rental – Lysaker, Oslo

Self-service kayak rental (kajakk utleie) from Lysaker, Oslo. Book online, get a code and pick up a kayak and all equipment - it is that easy! Remember that at least one person in the group needs their våttkort. You can get your våttkort with us on our 3hr introduction to kayaking course (kajakk kurs) held in central Oslo.

Oslo Fjord Kayak Tour – Bygdøy

Summer sea kayaking tour (kajakktur) around the beautiful Bygdøy Peninsula, where we stop at the famous Huk Beach for a swim, toilet break and to stretch our legs. The tour starts and ends at Sollerudstranda in Lysaker. Suitable for beginners. All equipment provided. We can also arrange this paddling tour (padletur) as a private tour (privat tur). Our Oslo kayak tours are a wonderful way to explore Oslofjord (Oslofjorden) while staying active and getting close to nature.

Private SUP Beginner Course & Tour

2-hour course covering the basics of stand up paddling. Perfect for parties and team building in Oslo. This is a fun loving and easy activity suitable for the whole office! Also a great activity for an utdrikningslag where will will make sure to get the bride-to-be wet!!

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