Since 2002

Find Your River

Expert whitewater coaching across Europe's finest rivers

Explore Dates

100% recommended59 reviews

20+ Years

Combined coaching experience across Europe's finest rivers

6 Paddlers Max

Small groups for personal attention and real progression

6+ Countries

Norway, Slovenia, Italy, France, Montenegro and more

Destinations

Where We Paddle

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Norway

Sjoa & Valldal

Glacial rivers, midnight sun, and some of Europe's finest whitewater.

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Slovenia

Soča Valley

Crystal-clear emerald water and alpine scenery. The birthplace of Gene17.

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Italy

Steep Creeks

Steep drops, scenic gorges, and world-class creeking.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

England

Dartmoor

Short courses on home turf. Build skills close to home.

Your Guides

World-Class Coaches

Max 6 paddlers per group. Every 3 paddlers, 1 qualified coach. No production lines — just genuine, personalised coaching.

Simon Westgarth

Founder & Head Coach

Paddle UK Level 5 · MSc Performance Coaching

Jakub Šedivý

Coach & Photographer

20+ years · Palm / VE Paddles athlete

Eirik Hansen

Coach

Norwegian · Class IV/V specialist

Meet the Full Team →

What Paddlers Say

100% recommended across 59 Facebook reviews

“I had the joy of attending a two days workshop with Simon in the Femundselva river in Norway in August 2024. This became two of my best days on the river ever (I started white water kayaking in 1976). Simon is a very good teacher, and we were 4 quite different paddlers - gave us targeted instructions and constructive corrections.”

Harald Rishovd

Workshop - Norway

“Both myself and my partner have had coaching from Simon at Gene17 Kayaking several times over the years. Simon is a fantastic coach whose input and expertise has really helped both of us further develop our kayaking skills. My partner is an intermediate kayaker who has struggled with her confidence on the water at times. After her last days coaching with Simon both her confidence and skills where notably improved. She subsequently went on to have the best paddling season of her kayaking career (so far). If you are looking for coaching to help develop your whitewater skills further whatever your level Gene17 is the company you want.”

Joe Leader

“Just finished a week with Simon & Eirik in the Sjoa valley on the Progressive & Dynamic course. An absolute blast with fantastic coaching in a challenging environment. The organisation, accommodation and experience couldn't be faulted. Highly recommended.”

Archie Harkness

Progressive & Dynamic - Norway

“Spent a week in Valsesia "intro to creeking". Had a marvelous time. Learned a lot from top coaches and (in my own opinion) progressed significantly as a paddler. We really had some great time of water as well including great new friends, exceptional food and great accommodation. Big thank you to Jakob and Simon.”

Gustaf Hägglund

Intro to Steep Creeking - Italy

“Great weekend away in North Wales with G17's Chris Eastabrook. Great to get on new rivers and get the opportunity to strip things back, spot bad habits and work on new ones! Thanks for the weekend Chris & Simon.”

Mike Berry

Harald Rishovd

Workshop - Norway

Joe Leader

Archie Harkness

Progressive & Dynamic - Norway

Gustaf Hägglund

Intro to Steep Creeking - Italy

Mike Berry

“I've taken multiple courses with Simon from Gene17Kayaking and each time I come away with something genuinely valuable to work on. Simon has been instrumental in helping me level up my paddling skills, but also in developing my leadership and coaching mindset. He encouraged me to pursue my own qualifications and gave me the confidence to go for it. His depth of experience, attention to detail, and ability to coach paddlers at all levels is second to none. Simon creates a supportive and thoughtful learning environment that truly helps you progress. I highly recommend Gene17Kayaking to anyone wanting to push their kayaking further while learning from one of the very best.”

Peter Garrett

“Simon is a fantastic coach, with so much knowledge. Simon makes me feel confident on the river, in big levels trust him completely. I look up to Simon as my coach and mentor who has progressed me as a paddler all the way to my Advanced whitewater coaching. I will continue to always book coaching courses with Simon and after each course I always come away with confidence and I'm excited to get on the river and learn what Simon has taught me.”

Laura Wynne

“This September I was fortunate to make a return to the Soca with Gene 17. We had a fantastic week of paddling on the lovely Soca. Great credit to Jakub Sedivy for his coaching and guiding during the week. It was a brilliant week of paddling during which Jakubs focus on paddling fundamentals resulted in real progressions and really enjoyable paddling. I'd really recommend Gene 17 for anybody looking to paddle great locations with the coaching to embed real progression.”

Denis Buckley

Soča Valley Trip

“I have been on 3 courses with Gene17 always well structured and organised but flexible, excellent coaching and very positive stretching, safe experience.”

Ian Lambert

“Did my 5* Assessment with Gene 17 and they chose great suitable rivers for the assessment (East Lyn and Upper Dart). Would recommend.”

Jake Deakin

5 Star Assessment

Peter Garrett

Laura Wynne

Denis Buckley

Soča Valley Trip

“I have been on 3 courses with Gene17 always well structured and organised but flexible, excellent coaching and very positive stretching, safe experience.”

Ian Lambert

“Did my 5* Assessment with Gene 17 and they chose great suitable rivers for the assessment (East Lyn and Upper Dart). Would recommend.”

Jake Deakin

5 Star Assessment

“I have received one-to-one coaching from Simon and attended Gene17's courses both in the UK and overseas for many years now. There is a reason I keep returning to Gene17 and that is Simon's focus on his signature dynamic and flowing style which has transformed my paddling; the quality of the coaching and the individual-centred learning. These elements make every interaction rewarding, enriching and challenging. There is no other individual who has been as pivotal in my progression over the 40 years I have been kayaking as Simon; I cannot give him a higher recommendation.”

Justin Featherstone

“A massive thank you to Simon and Jakob of Gene 17 for facilitating an incredible trip to Norway. Gene 17 delivered exactly that, offering a world-class bespoke experience from start to finish. The rivers in Norway were absolutely stunning, and the logistics were flawless. They had us set up with all necessary equipment quickly and efficiently with zero faff. The leadership and instruction were solid throughout. Simon's style provides great coaching tips for up-skilling, ensuring everyone felt supported and challenged in equal measure. If you are looking for a highly professional, skilled, and easy-going guide/coach service, I would highly recommend Simon and Gene 17.”

Judge Al

Norway Trip

“After my second trip with Gene17, one previously to Val Sesia area in Italy and most recently a trip to the Sjoa valley in Norway. One of the best trips I have been on to date! Credit to Simon Westgarth for tailoring a coaching program to suit. Over the week I had 3 days of 1on1 coaching from Simon, his skillset on the river are off the scale. I cannot recommend enough Gene17 and Simon Westgarth to anyone thinking about a guided/coaching across Europe, Norway or further afield... you will not be disappointed!”

Timmy Ryan

Sjoa Valley - Norway

“Brilliant courses and informative coaching, I really feel like I've come away with useful skills to work on.”

Conor Ray

“I've been working towards BCU 5 Star Whitewater Kayak Leader. I did my 5 Star training in 2015 and my 5 Star Assessment last week both with Gene17 and I can't fault them. The coaches are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and supportive. The organisation and execution of the courses is very well done and they always make sure you have all the information you need. I'd like to thank everyone at Gene17. Highly recommended.”

David Woolsey