About Down to Earth Kayak

Down to Earth Kayak consists of a leadership development program, junior development program, and kayak school. We offer courses for beginner to advanced paddlers as well as specific and personalized clinics. Small groups allow individuals to learn at their own pace. Our professional, certified instructors will fit you with appropriate and up-to-date equipment, ensuring you get the best from your experience on the water. Courses operate at several Ottawa and surrounding area pools and open-water locations.

We look forward to paddling with you. Once you're addicted, our ongoing programs for both adults or kids will help you continually update and refine your skills making your transition from beginner to experienced paddler easy and safe.

The Down to Earth Kayaking staff is a team of avid paddlers dedicated to your enjoyment and improvement of the sport of whitewater kayaking:

Jennifer Gratto - founder, instructor, team coach

Jen founded Down to Earth in 1999 to provide a quality, disciplined and ongoing in-town option for kayakers and those aspiring to learn kayaking. She has been whitewater kayaking since 1985 and has been a member of the National Team for nearly ten years. Presently, Jen is dedicating her life to teaching and developing the sport of kayaking while she still competes. Jen retired from racing for a few years to pursue her studies in Outdoor Recreation. Upon graduating, she came back and represented Canada at the 1999 World Championships. Jen is also working together with other members of the Down to Earth Team, through Whitewater Canada and the Canadian Canoe Association, to revise the standards for coaching certification.