Woodstock Braids - Single Day

Learn to Read the River properly!

A fantastic day of learning on the Waimakariri river with Sam Manson. This course is all about improving your river braid reading skills for race day. The 15km section of the Waimakariri River from Woodstock to the Gorge Bridge includes rapids, bluffs and lots of braid choices!

This course is focused mostly on art of river braid reading, figuring out how to choose the fastest and most reliable channels which will save you precious time and the bottom of your boat! Most kayakers make it up as they go, Sam will teach you the tricks that so many have never learnt. This day can be catered for a more advanced level kayaker too.

Click to download: Information Pack Course Details

The day will be focused on braid reading and any bluffs on this section. We will be looking to build your skills and confidence. There will be the opportunity to paddle some of these features multiple times and fine-tune those lines! Sam will demonstrate good race lines and continue to work on your river reading skills. The Topsport Difference

- This program has been expertly prepared by Coast to Coast Longest Day & Classic River Race winner Sam Manson. Sam has designed this course to ensure paddlers have the opportunity to significantly improve their braid reading ability. Sam is also an NZOIA Kayak 1 & Multisport qualified Instructor.
- Our team are unrivalled when it comes to Coast to Coast experience, instructing, racing and success!
Kayak Hire

After booking your course, if you need to hire a multisport boat please book below - We can provide other gear too

to hire a kayak for your course. Travelling Athlete Info

If you are travelling from outside of Christchurch to spend some time with us on the river or over the mountain here is some information to help plan you trip.

Download the info here. Requirements

These requirements are in place for your safety and to ensure we can fit you in one of our boats (if required)

- You must be able to swim
- Be training most days and have a good base fitness
- Weigh less than 110kg
- Be shorter than 6'4.

Please to discuss options if you don’t the fit these requirements.