Tide Race & River Preparation
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Technical Training for Dynamic Water Environments
For Swiss-based sea kayakers, finding "big water" to train in can feel like a logistical challenge. When you're limited to a few weeks of holiday in the tide races of Brittany or the UK, building the muscle memory needed for demanding coastal conditions is tough.
The secret? The "tide races" are already at your doorstep.
A tide race is essentially a river in the ocean. Switzerland’s high-volume rivers and world-class white water provide the perfect simulated environment to master dynamic sea kayaking. By utilizing our local moving water, you can develop the technical skills and confidence required for the coast without leaving the Alps.
What you will gain:
- Dynamic Boat Handling: Learn to negotiate eddies, boils, and standing waves.
- Edge Control & Stability: Refine your balance in a high-energy environment.
- Safety & Rescue: Practice moving water rescues that translate directly to tidal streams.
- Local Convenience: Get the "big sea" experience year-round on our local runs.
Course Goal
Develop the "moving water mindset." We bridge the gap between flat water and flow, giving you the control and confidence needed for faster currents. Consider this your essential "launchpad" for our advanced river and tide race training programs.
Course Details
Our Tide Race & River Preparation course utilizes the unique geography of Interlaken. We begin in the stable environment of Lake Brienz at Bönigen before progressing to the dynamic confluence of the Lütschine and the Aare. This transition allows you to apply new theory to live, moving water in a controlled, progressive environment.
Core Skill Development
We focus on the essential "moving water toolbox" required for both river navigation and coastal tide races:
- Dynamic Edging: Mastering boat angle and weight transfer while in motion.
- Tactical Reverse Strokes: Using powerful backing strokes for positioning and speed control.
- Active Support Strokes: Refining your low and high braces to maintain stability in turbulent water.
- The "Future Water" Concept: Shifting your gaze from the bow to the destination—learning to read flow and anticipate features.
- Breaking In & Out: The art of crossing the eddy line with confidence and precision.
- Ferry Gliding: Utilizing the power of the current to move laterally across the river with minimal effort.
Before You Book
This course is designed for sea kayakers looking to trade flat water for the thrill of the flow. Whether you are a lake paddler curious about river dynamics or a coastal adventurer preparing for your next tide race, this is your entry point into the world of moving water.
Completion of a Solid Foundations course or equivalent paddling experience. You should be comfortable controlling your kayak on flat water, including basic strokes and a reliable wet exit. This ensures we can focus on the "moving" part of the water from the very start!
Moderate
This course is stationary by design. Distances are shorter, and time on the water is focused on exercises and developing technique. It involves sessions of 2–3 hours at a time in sheltered conditions.
- Sea Kayak
- Spray Deck
- Paddle
- Buoyancy Aid
- Drysuit or neoprene depending on the weather
- Water shoes
- Towline, paddle float, pump
- Lockers and changing rooms
- Own kayak equipment
- Swimwear and personal kayak clothing
- Medication
- Sun protection
Minimum age 15
3. Cancellation by the customer
The withdrawal must be in writing and cancellation fees will be calculated as follows: NB. The Percentage refers to the cancellation fee from the total course or tour fee. For all our activities we recommend purchasing cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
3.2 Courses and Coaching in Switzerland
- More than 7 days before the start of the activity: CHF 50 administration fee.
- 7 days -24hours before the start of the activity 50%.
- 24 hours before the start of the activity/no shows 100%.
Directions to Bönigen
Meet The Team
Jolien Gekiere
Become a part of the Hightide Outdoor & Paddle Community
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Coaching Philosophy
At Hightide, we believe in coaching the individual. Our courses start from where you are and guide you toward your personal paddling goals.
For some, this means building confidence to paddle and enjoy nature. For others, it’s about improving efficiency for expeditions or long-distance paddling. It could also involve developing the skills to venture onto the sea or mastering techniques for rivers, rock gardens, and surf.
Whatever your aim, our extensive experience on the ocean and deep understanding of sea kayaking will help you move forward. All our coaches come from a sea kayaking background, hold professional qualifications, and are passionate not just about paddling but also about coaching. We’ve spent years refining what truly makes a difference in the sport and are committed to delivering it in the most effective way—by making you feel the learning.
When you join a Hightide course, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to keep improving and a structured way to retain what you've learned. We see our role as creating the right conditions for learning, so your progress continues long after the course ends.