Kayak Training
An 8 Day training camp exploring the coast of Upolu
An opportunity to increase your kayak skills while exploring the coast of Samoa. In the 30 degree Celius water it’s easy to practice wet skills from deep water re-entry to rolling and with the wide variety of conditions there are opportunities to practice surfing and surf landings as well as gaining experience in open water travel.
Experience Level
Participants will be familiar with sit-in kayaks and comfortable paddling 20kms in a day.
Instructor
The instructor for 2022 will be a recognised senior instructor from New Zealand or Australia.
Dates
2022 dates are still to be set as we wait for the Covid bubble to open. But if you are interested – drop us a note at info@outdoor.co.nz with preferred dates.









Tour Details
We will explore a variety of smaller islands off the South Coast of Upolu working both inside and outside the reef systems. These islands are likely to include:
- Nuusafee
- Namua
- Fanuatapu
- Nuutele
- Nuulopa
- Manono
- Nuulua (in good conditions only)
Accommodation will mostly be in beach fales (like permanent campsites with solid floors, thatched roofs, mosquito nets and mattresses).
Day 1 – Gear talk and forward paddling technique on Paddle to Manono Island.
Day 2 – Bat island sunrise paddle, forward paddling drills, back paddling, emergency stops, change location and snorkelling with giant clams.
Day 3 – Turning strokes and mangrove river paddle out to turtles.
Day 4 – Rest day, waterfalls, humpback whale spotting, eskimo rolling.
Day 5 – Support strokes and surf landings and eskimo rolling.
Day 6 – Walk to top of island for sunrise, surf skills and paddling in challenging conditions
Day 7 – Rescue skills and eskimo rolling.
Day 8 – Course revision and pack up.
Schedule may change due to tides and weather etc.
Most of the course takes place within the lagoon, but there will be opportunities to experience life beyond the reef and to play and learn in the surf.
Partners of non-kayakers are welcome to attend and the locations provide plenty to do and see without kayaking. Talk to us about options and prices.
- Sunhat, sunscreen and insect repellent
- Kayak clothes – A light top (long sleeved if you are sun sensitive) and shorts/swimwear
- Kayak footwear – reef shoes are nice, jandals are fine, bare feet acceptable
- Swim wear and towel/sarong
- Comfortable wear for after kayaking (Shorts, light tops)
- Toiletries, sleepwear, medications etc
- Camera/phone – in waterproof bag
- Snacks
- Water bottle
- Your favourite paddle if you want it.
Your personal Itinerary will contain a full list with more detailed suggestions.
The tour uses a variety of local accommodation providers. These are all variations on the traditional Beach Fales (pronounced far-lays) that are provided by the villages and consist of thatched roofs, matting sides, and wooden floors.
The huts are often in the most stunning settings and allow you to sit or lie on your bed and look out across the beach to the most amazing sunsets. Breakfast and dinner are included and served in a common dining room and the bathrooms are shared facilities. Mattresses, mosquito nets and bed sheets are included.
The fales are equivalent to a permanent campsite and the more traditional ones are often a highlight for guests. Fale resorts are changing with the times and some offer lockable rooms, corrugated iron roofs, hot showers and ensuites. However, the traditional units are often cooler and much more pleasant.
Get your own group together and come over at any time. Bring your own instructor and save heaps. We will still provide a local guide.
Training camp is limited to a maximum of 8 participants.
- Kayak hire
- Snorkel equipment
- Kayak Guide
- All meals on tour (see detailed itineraries)
- Entrance fees/Customary fees
- Transport between locations
- Filtered water
We use new top quality, New Zealand made polyethylene kayaks from Q-Kayaks. Most are Shearwaters. Spray decks and PFDs (lifejackets) are from Day Two. Your guide carries full safety gear including tow line, first aide kit, split paddle, PLB and phone/radio.
To be added with new Minim link