About

Kayak Courses Melbourne | Packraft Training & Adventure Experiences

Established in 1972, Canoes Plus Kayak School & Adventure Experiences is one of Australia's most experienced providers of kayak courses, canoe instruction and packraft training. Based in Melbourne, we have been teaching paddlers of all ages and abilities for more than 50 years, helping thousands of people develop the skills and confidence to safely enjoy rivers, lakes and wilderness waterways.

Whether you're looking for beginner kayaking lessons in Melbourne, advanced whitewater kayaking courses, or professional packraft training, our experienced instructors deliver practical, hands-on learning in real outdoor environments.

Melbourne's Leading Kayak School

Canoes Plus Kayak School has evolved from the Board of Canoe Education and Canoe Kayak Education Australia to become a trusted leader in paddlesports education. Today, we continue that tradition through high-quality kayak courses in Melbourne and across Victoria, catering to recreational paddlers, outdoor enthusiasts, schools, clubs and competitive athletes.

Our instructors are highly qualified through Paddle Australia and bring decades of experience in canoeing, kayaking, packrafting and river safety. Every course is designed to build skills progressively while ensuring a safe, enjoyable and rewarding experience on the water.

Learn to Kayak in Melbourne

Our beginner kayak courses are ideal for people new to paddling who want to learn the fundamentals of safe and efficient kayaking. Participants develop essential paddling techniques, river awareness, self-rescue skills and confidence on the water.

Whether your goal is recreational paddling, whitewater kayaking or preparing for extended river trips, our kayaking lessons provide a strong foundation for future adventures.

Packraft Training and Packrafting Courses

Canoes Plus has been delivering packraft training in Australia for more than 15 years and was one of the earliest organisations to introduce structured packrafting instruction to Australian paddlers.

Our packrafting courses cover:

  • Beginner packraft skills

  • River safety and hazard awareness

  • Whitewater techniques

  • Self-rescue and group rescue skills

  • River reading and navigation

  • Expedition and wilderness travel skills

From first-time packrafters to experienced adventurers seeking advanced training, our courses provide the knowledge and practical skills needed to travel safely and confidently in remote environments.

Whitewater Kayaking Courses and River Skills

We are recognised specialists in whitewater kayaking instruction, offering progressive training from beginner through to advanced levels.

Our whitewater kayak courses include:

  • Introduction to whitewater kayaking

  • Intermediate whitewater skills

  • Advanced whitewater techniques

  • River reading and rapid assessment

  • Rescue and safety training

  • Rolling and self-rescue clinics

  • Guided river trips and coaching

Learn from instructors and athletes with experience competing at national and international levels, including World Championship competition.

School Outdoor Education and Adventure Programs

Canoes Plus is a trusted provider of outdoor education programs for schools throughout Melbourne and Victoria. We deliver one-day and multi-day adventure experiences that combine paddling skills with leadership development, resilience, teamwork and environmental awareness.

Programs can be tailored for:

  • Outdoor Education programs

  • Duke of Edinburgh Award journeys

  • School camps and expeditions

  • Club and community groups

  • Multi-sport adventures including hiking and cycling

Students gain valuable real-world skills while experiencing some of Australia's most beautiful waterways and natural environments.

Guided Kayaking and Packrafting Adventures

If you're looking for more than a training course, we also offer guided kayaking trips, packrafting adventures and wilderness journeys. Explore pristine rivers and remote landscapes under the guidance of experienced paddling professionals who prioritise safety, skill development and environmental stewardship.

Why Choose Canoes Plus?

  • Established in 1972 with over 50 years of experience

  • Leading provider of kayak courses in Melbourne

  • More than 15 years of specialised packraft training

  • Paddle Australia qualified instructors

  • Beginner to advanced skill development

  • School, club and corporate programs available

  • Guided river trips and wilderness expeditions

  • Elite coaching and athlete development pathways

Whether you are searching for kayaking lessons in Melbourne, packraft training, whitewater kayaking courses or guided paddling adventures, Canoes Plus Kayak School & Adventure Experiences provides the expertise, instruction and support to help you achieve your goals on the water.