Start Your Paddling Journey with our Beginner Kayak Lessons
Take one of our kayak lessons to increase your confidence, skill level, and most importantly, safety on the water. Learn how to paddle efficiently while keeping the kayak stable through our Intro to Kayaking course. Discover how to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a capsize on our Capsize Recovery kayaking safety course. Be confident in your ability to help yourself and your friends should a capsize occur.
Kayak lesson details
Lessons can help in many different ways, we are a small business, a lesson can be tailored to meet your needs. You could be a complete beginner looking for basic kayak skills, or an experienced kayaker looking to improve your paddling efficiency. Importantly we can give you the confidence of knowing how to rescue yourself or another paddler. For regular kayakers, our Capsize Recovery course is something worth attending every couple of seasons.
Our instructors have many years of paddling experience and hold Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking and Wilderness First Aid certifications.
All classes require a minimum of 2 participants during the summer months, early in the season can run 1-1 classes too. Our courses are suitable for adults and children 13+. Wetsuits and paddling jackets are available if you are concerned about feeling cold or getting wet. Our maximum class size is 6, making sure you have plenty of 1-1 time with your instructor.
Duration:
2.5 Hrs
Departing Snug Cove
Age Restrictions:
13+ years
Experience Level:
No experience necesscary!
Weight Restrictions
275lbs
Introduction to Kayaking Skills
The purpose of this 2 ½ hour class is learning to paddle as effortlessly as possible while keeping the kayak stable. Make every paddle stroke count, whether you are paddling in a single kayak or a double. We start the course on the dock with instruction on paddle technique, sitting comfortably in your kayak and proper posture. We will next review all the safety gear needed and its purpose on the water.
Paddling skills covered
After our dry land portion is complete we will head down to the dock to launch our kayaks. First we will focus on forward and reverse strokes, these strokes are alternated to keep the boat on a steady course without relying on the rudder. We will then demonstrate and practice forward and reverse sweep strokes. These are the primary strokes used for turning your kayak.
If time allows, we will finish on the water introducing high and low bracing while edging. Once back on dry land a brief introduction to understanding tides and marine weather reports rounds out this course.
Master Kayak safety with Capsize Recovery Lessons
Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively in the event of capsize is a crucial skill. Whether you are an occasional kayaker or regularly paddle on the ocean these skills should be learned and practiced every season. In this 2 ½ hour class you will learn and practice how to rescue yourself and how to rescue a fellow paddler.
This is an ideal course for beginner kayakers learning these skills and regular kayakers looking to practice their rescues. Each step of the course first has an instructor demonstrate each skill before you then have your turn. We will spend considerable time in the water so please come dressed to get wet!
Capsize Recovery course content
First your guide will set you up for the lesson, getting you fitted in your PFD and showing you how to safely use a spray skirt. Once we are ready we will head down to the dock and launch for a short paddle to Mannion Bay. It will take us maybe 10 minutes to reach Pebbly Beach, this is our training ground for the lesson. The shallow water here allows your instructor to stand by your kayak while you learn.
When we arrive at the beach the first demonstration will be a wet exit. This involves deliberately capsizing your kayak, removing your spray skirt under water and then coming safely to the surface. The purpose of this exercise is to make you feel comfortable in case of capsize, removing panic from the situation.
Next, your instructor will demonstrate a self-rescue, using a paddle float to aid their re-entry into their kayak. Once back in their kayak they will pump out any water in the kayak and reattach their spray skirt. You are up next, there will be plenty of time for a number of attempts if you are not successful the first time around. Don’t worry, your instructor will be close to talk you through the process and assist if needed.
For the final part of this course we will focus on rescuing someone else. Your instructor will first rescue you and then become the victim of a capsize. You will then take turns to be rescued and to perform a rescue. Once we finish with assisted rescues we will head back to the shop in Snug Cove.
Book your kayaking course today.
Contact us to to book your course today 604-947-9266 or info@bowenislandkayaking.com.
Tips are always appreciated by our guides and dock staff. If desired, gratuity can be added to your reservation in advance, paid at the shop or given as cash. Thank you!
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What To Bring
Be Prepared For Your Adventure
Waterproof case for cell phone/valuables
Hat, sunscreen and water bottle
Synthetic (think gym wear) or wool clothing
Neoprene booties. Running shoes are ok
“Croakies” or keepers for sunglasses/glasses
NOT advised: - jeans, cotton shirts, flip flops
Important Reminder: Please ensure everyone in your group fills out the Liability Waiver before arriving at the shop.