SOLNHOFEN CANOE FIELD GUIDE
Weekend Wildwater: A 2‑day Beginner Kayak Course on the Altmühl at Solnhofen
A compact, hands-on weekend course that teaches wildwater kayak basics, maneuvers and wave riding—useful for beginners who want a focused, coached introduction.
Weekend Wildwater: A 2‑day Beginner Kayak Course on the Altmühl at Solnhofen.
This two‑day Kajak‑Kurs from AKTIV MÜHLE is a concentrated introduction to wildwater kayaking around Solnhofen: short technical drills in standing water, guided river runs to nearby playspots, and coached surf attempts on weir waves, plus an overnight at the Insel Camp to round out the weekend.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands‑on coaching at the Insel Camp
The weekend opens with an introduction to boat and material and technical training in standing water at the camp—fundamental drills that teach straight‑line paddling and basic manoeuvres before heading onto moving water.
First tour to Hammermühle and training in moving water
After initial drills participants paddle a short tour of about 6 km to the Hammermühle, where practice on a small rapid and on the weir wave introduces paddling techniques in current and playful surf attempts.
Playspot progression to Hagenacker
On day two the group revisits the Hammermühle warm‑up before running a further stretch about 4 km downstream to the Hagenacker weir: faster flow, higher waves and focused drills on edging, paddle bracing and bow strokes together with safety and flow theory.
What the day feels like
What the weekend feels like
The course is compact and physical: expect concentrated technical coaching, immediate transition from dry introduction to water drills, guided short river runs and repeated visits to weir waves for surf practice—an adrenaline‑driven learning loop that pairs practical on‑water repetition with short theory on safety and currents.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Two‑day weekend course. Meeting point is Aktiv Mühle (Eßlinger Str. 3, 91807 Solnhofen); the operator runs the guided sessions and organizes equipment and course logistics.
The course package includes the provision of complete sport equipment, guide supervision on the water and full organization of the course.
Overnight stays at the camp or in an inn/hotel and catering are not included in the basic package but can be added on request.
Personal transfers before and after the course are not part of the package; participants arrange vehicle shuttles among themselves, with assistance available from the operator.
Bring swimwear and any personal dry‑gear; the operator supplies the kayaking equipment as part of the course package.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is prior kayaking experience required?
No prior kayaking experience is required, but participants must have swimming skills; the course is designed to teach wildwater basics from the ground up.
What ages can participate?
The course is recommended from age 8 upwards.
Is equipment provided?
Yes. The course package includes the provision of complete sport equipment and guide supervision during the activities.
Are accommodation and meals included?
No. Overnight stays at the Insel Camp or a guesthouse/hotel and catering are not included but can be booked additionally.
Is transport to and from the course covered?
No. Person transfers before and after the course are not included; participants organize vehicle shuttles themselves, though the operator can help with arrangements.
When does the course finish on the final day?
The weekend course concludes around 16:00 on the second day with a final gathering at the INSEL CAMP.
Where do we meet?
Meeting point is Aktiv Mühle (Eßlinger Str. 3, 91807 Solnhofen).