Posts Tagged ‘kayak instructors’

The Zambezi – Now’s The Time!

Monday, September 6th, 2010

For any of you paddlers out there looking for the best time to kayak the Zambezi River, that would be NOW! The river has just gone to “low water” when the rapids are at their best, the weather fantastic, and you get to choose from so many great sections of river to paddle? If you are a surf demon, try the wave at rapid 2 and early October, head up to get in some serious surfing at the world class 12B. If you prefer running BIG waves then run from rapid 1 and take on Stairway to Heaven, Gullivers Travels or the Mother, rapid 13.

Howard running Ghostrider

Howard running Ghostrider

The river is excellent through until December, with the weather getting hotter at the end of October and the chance of rain which will cause the river level to rise. We can provide you with excellent support for all your paddling needs, whether it renting a kayak, needing to get to and from the river each day, or head out on a fantastic multiday trip, we’re happy to make your next paddling vacation easy. Get a group together, or just come on your own. Our guides will show you down the river and show you all the best (and worst) places to go.

Tony teaching Trevor on our Kayak School

Tony teaching Trevor on our Kayak School

Paddling big warm water is the ultimate. The Zambezi.com loves our “home river” and looks forward to sharing it with you on your next kayaking vacation. Flights are easy and simple into either Lusaka or Livingstone, so pop on over and enjoy some paddling no matter whether you are an accomplished kayaker, or you would like to take on a kayak school with our world class kayak instructors on the Zambezi River. See you there!

Zambezi Kayak Schools

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

So how can you possibly learn to kayak on what is described as one of the most challenging rivers in the world? Simple. The Zambezi is warm water, the season is long and there are plenty of long flat sections and easy Grade 2-3 to get your skills working before moving onto the harder stuff. Many people have learned to kayak on the Zambezi and in fact many of the guys who shoot video and photos on the river, have been taught and learned to paddle only on the Zambezi.

Practising paddling above Rapid 6

Practising paddling above Rapid 6

A Zambezi Kayak School, can be anything from a half day taster through to 5-6 days where we get to paddle most of the big rapids on the Zambezi. We teach you from the basics of the eskimo roll in a local swimming pool to running waves and on longer courses, playing and having fun on the river which, in the end is what it’s all about. Our world class team of international instructors will outfit you with kayaks (obviously) buoyancy aids, paddles, spraydecks (to keep the water from going inside the kayak) and helmets. Due to the “Pool Drop” nature of the Zambezi, if you do end up taking a swim, its easy to pick you up and get back in.

Having a play in a rapid below Rapid 18

Having a play in a rapid below Rapid 18

When it is 24 degree celsius water, 30-40 outside temperature, getting on the Zambezi River for a days kayaking and keeping cool, is one of the best places to be. Groups are small, so it is easy and condusive to learning this fantastic sport. The ideal season for kayaking the Zambezi is August – December. Additionally, you’ll get to stay in Livingstone, Africa’s Adventure Capital. Gorge Swing, Bungy, Jetboat, you can do it all!

Zambezi River Levels

Monday, March 29th, 2010

The Zambezi has had record water levels again this year and the river has been closed to all rafting and kayaking. Traditionally this is the time for highest flows on the river and from now on, levels start to drop slowly until they get to the best levels for kayaking start around late July early August. So this is the time to start planning your mission out to the Zambezi. Most paddlers join theZambezi.com from July until December, with August until October being the best levels for river running and play boating. For most people the highlight, would be to Paddle “12B” when it is at its best. Plan on getting here for mid – late September and play until your heart is content.

Ripping it up in 12B

Ripping it up in 12B

We have a comprehensive rundown on rapids on our website, but there is no substitute for experience. Our guides have been paddling the river at every level for years, so come and join them on your first day paddling and get them to share the lines they know best. Our paddling trips are set up for paddlers. You get to choose what section to paddle on the river, we will get you there, pick you up at a pre-determined time and give you lunch and a cold beer at the end of the day. We can arrange paddling trips from one day to one month and no problems to cater for groups of friends. The Zambezi is the perfect mates trip.

Awesome weather and even better SURF waves!

Awesome weather and even better SURF waves!

For everything about kayaking the Zambezi, we are your one stop shop. Make 2010 a year to remember with a Zambezi kayaking adventure.