Since 1971, Paddle Canada has set national standards for instruction and certification for all major recreational paddling disciplines. Paddle Canada certifications are nationally accredited and internationally recognized.

Sea Kayak BASIC Skills

Paddle Canada’s comprehensive 8-hour course was designed to teach the skills required to kayak safely with others in sheltered waters. The class starts on land with orientation before launching onto the water where we focus on basic paddle strokes, capsize recovery, and assisted rescue.

Kayaks, safety gear, and wet suits are provided. Certification upon satisfactory completion. This course can be run over two half days, or one full day.  No prior experience necessary.  

Call or email to arrange a convenient course date.

Sea Kayak Level 1 Skills

This course provides the theory and skills necessary for a day-long sea kayaking trip in sheltered waters and light winds. Skills include: controlled wet exit, efficient forward and turning strokes, edging, introduction to bracing, assisted and unassisted re-entry, towing, introduction to navigation and much more. Kayaks, safety gear, and wet suits are provided. Certification upon satisfactory completion. This course includes 16 hours of instruction over 2 days.  Pre-requisite: Paddle Canada Basic Sea Kayaking certification or equivalent.

Call or email to arrange a convenient course date.

For more information on Paddle Canada courses, please click here  

Sea Kayak BASIC Skills

Re-entry Skills

• Wet exit
• Assisted re-entries

Paddling Skills

• Lifting and carrying a kayak
• Launching and landing
• Emptying the kayak
• Forward and reverse strokes
• Stopping
• Forward and reverse sweep strokes
• Pivots
• Draw stroke
• Low brace
• Edging

Knowledge

• Kayak part names and outfitting
• Paddling and safety equipment
• Injury prevention
• Sun sense
• Transport Canada collision regulations
• Navigation
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Impact of kayakers on the environment

Duration:   8 hours

Price:  $220

Call or email to arrange a convenient course date.

• Included: Instructor, kayak, paddle, PFD and safety equipment, wetsuit if required

  Class Min/Max: Min 2/Max 6

  What to bring:

  • Wetsuit/Drysuit for capsize recovery (we have some available if needed)
  • Neoprene booties or water shoes
  • Towel
  • Bring a change of warm clothes including a waterproof shell and mid layer.
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
  • Lunch
  • Water/Tea/Coffee
  • Snacks

For more information on Paddle Canada courses, please click here  

Sea Kayak Level 1 Skills

Re-entry Skills

• Unassisted re-entry
• Assisted re-entry
• Towing

Paddling Skills

• Launching and landing
• Forward and reverse strokes
• Stopping
• Sweep stroke
• Draw stroke
• Low brace
• Stern rudder
• Edge Control

Knowledge

• Equipment and equipment care
• Communication
• Route planning and basic navigation techniques
• Half day kayak journey
• Weather
• Sea state
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Cold issues and sun safety
• Impact of kayakers on the environment
• History and heritage
• Vehicle boat tie down
• Kayaking community and resources

Duration:   16 hours

Price:  $380

Call or email to arrange a convenient course date.

Included: Instructor, kayak, paddle, PFD and safety equipment, wetsuit if required.

Class Min/Max: Min 2/Max 6

What to bring:

• • Wetsuit/Drysuit for capsize recovery (we have some available if needed)
  • Neoprene booties or water shoes
  • Towel
  • Bring a change of warm clothes including a waterproof shell and mid layer.
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
  • Lunch
  • Water/Tea/Coffee
  • Snacks