What to Pack and Wear for a Kayak Course in Rishikesh

Good news: you need very little. The school provides all the technical gear. You just need clothes that can get wet and a few small things.

What we provide

• Kayak, paddle and spray deck
• Helmet
• Type V life jacket
• Neoprene wet suit and booties from December to March
• A dry bag for your phone and valuables while you paddle

What to wear

• Quick-dry shorts or leggings. No jeans or cotton trousers. They stay heavy and cold once they're wet.
• A rash vest or synthetic T-shirt. Rash vests stop the spray deck and life jacket rubbing.
• Footwear that stays on, such as sandals with a back strap, water shoes or old trainers. Flip-flops are fine for the walk to the river.
• Swimwear underneath if you like.

What to bring in a small bag

• A water bottle
• A small snack
• Water-resistant sunscreen
• A strap for sunglasses or prescription glasses
• A towel and dry clothes for afterwards
• Some cash for chai and snacks at the river

What to leave behind

• Jewellery and watches you'd hate to lose
• Anything cotton for the water
• Your phone, unless it goes straight into the instructor's dry bag

Winter vs summer

December to March: the water is cold, so you'll wear our wet suit and booties. Bring a warm layer for after the session. Classes start at 9 AM.

April to June: sun protection matters more than warmth. Wear a rash vest, use plenty of sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Classes start at 8 AM.

For the expedition

The Devprayag expedition needs a little more: sturdy shoes for the waterfall walk and Gartang Gali, toiletries, any medicines you take, and a warm layer for evenings in camp. We provide tents, sleeping bags and food, and the support raft carries your bag.