Our intermediate and advanced courses will give you the tools you need to kayak in more dynamic sea conditions, such as ocean current, wind, or surf. This will allow you to expand your paddling locations and options, yet keep yourself safe. We recommend that you have the required skills and experience prior to registering in these courses. Our intermediate & advanced courses comprise the following:
Courses
Clinics
In this four-day course, you will learn how to handle more challenging sea conditionswith comfort and confidence. You will learn intermediate-level paddling techniques, rescue skills, and towing techniques for use in areas with ocean currents and moderate sea conditions. To quickly recover from a capsize, you will learn how to roll a kayak! A comprehensive navigation component will be included so you can get out there and explore. As this course features an overnight component, you will also learn how to organize and pack for an overnight trip. This course teaches you the necessary components for Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level-2 Skills Certification.
2011 Dates: Jun 23-26, Sep 9-12
Location: Victoria and the Gulf Islands, BC
Course Cost: $540
Kayak and Paddling Gear Rental: $90
Ages: 16 and up
Prerequisites:
Before taking this course, we recommend that you have Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level-1 Skills Certification or equivalent skills and knowledge, including basic kayaking skills, rescue skills, and navigation knowledge. As well, you should have completed at least 3 one-day-long kayaking trips in different locations. Specifically, before the course, you will have previously received instruction on how to correctly perform foundational paddle strokes without the aid of a rudder, including paddling forward, turning using sweep strokes, paddling backward in a straight line, stopping, drawing a kayak sideways, and performing a low brace. You will also have previously received instruction on how to correctly capsize in a kayak, self-rescue, rescue another paddler, predict tides and currents, interpret marine weather forecasts, and read marine charts. In addition, training in Wilderness First Aid (16 hours) with CPR is strongly recommended. For your safety and enjoyment, and for the safety and enjoyment of others in the program, please ensure you enter the course with the prerequisite knowledge, skills, and experience. If you are unsure about your level of experience, please give us a call.
Printable Waiver Form Sea Kayaking Level-2 Skills Itinerary
In this exciting four-day course, you will learn the skills necessary to embark on multi-day sea kayak trips to wilderness settings with coastlines exposed to ocean swell and surf. You will learn how to launch and land safely at a surf beach, and how to brace in surf to prevent a capsize. You will also learn how to use timing and finesse to make your kayak respond quickly and accurately to changing situations, such as conditions found in surge channels and rock gardens. As an advanced paddler, you may be responsible for the safety of others in your group. As such, you will learn leadership and judgement skills to keep you and other paddlers in your group safe. This practical course takes place in the field, so youʼll take part in a multi-day kayak trip as you develop your paddling technique, improve your navigation skills, and further your camping skills. This course teaches you the necessary components for Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level-3 Skills Certification.
2011 Dates: Aug 25-28
Location: Clayoquot Sound (Tofino, BC)
Before taking this course, we recommend that you have Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level-2 Skills Certification or equivalent skills and knowledge (see below for a list of specific prerequisite skills). As well, you should have overnight kayak tripping experience comprising extended trips of 2 or more days and totaling 10 overnights. Specifically, prior to the course, you should have previously received instruction on how to correctly perform intermediate-level paddle strokes, including:
In addition, you should have previously received instruction on how to confidently perform rescues, including:
It is recommended that you also possess the following licenses and certificates prior to entering the course:
For your safety and enjoyment, and for the safety and enjoyment of others in the program, please ensure you enter the course with the prerequisite knowledge, skills, and experience. If you are unsure about your level of experience, please give us a call.
Printable Waiver Form Sea Kayaking Level 3 Skills Itinerary
This exciting course provides the skills and knowledge for multi-day sea kayak trips along open coastlines with rough conditions. Starting at Surge Narrows, you will develop your skills and knowledge for paddling in currents. Then, moving to the west coast of Vancouver Island, we'll further develop your skills and knowledge for paddling the open coast, including launching and landing through surf zones, performing a ʻreentry and rollʼ, and interpreting the effects of weather on paddling conditions. Within a group of paddlers, a Level 4 paddler will often be the most competent paddler; as such, there will be a leadership expectation of the Level 4 paddler from the group. Through discussion and scenarios, this course provides leadership training appropriate for a Level 4 paddler. This course teaches you the necessary components for Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level-4 Skills Certification.
2011 Dates: May 12-19
Location: Surge Narrows (Campbell River) and Clayoquot Sound (Tofino)
Course Cost: $925
Kayak and Paddling Gear Rental: $120
Accommodation Cost: $275 (for 3 nights accommodation at Discovery Lodge; 2 nights at Bella Pacifica Campground)
Prerequisites: Before taking this course, your are required to have Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level-3 Skills Certification. As well, you should have considerable paddling experience and an ability to roll. Wilderness First Aid Certification (36 hours) is strongly recommended, as is a Restricted Radio Operators License (marine VHF). For your safety and enjoyment, and for the safety and enjoyment of others in the program, please ensure you enter the course with the prerequisite knowledge, skills, and experience. If you are unsure about your level of experience, please give us a call.
Printable Waiver Form Sea Kayaking Level-4 Skills Itinerary
While a level, flat kayak is stable in calm conditions, you'll need new skills and techniques to paddle safely and with confidence in currents or rougher waters. In this clinic, youʼll learn to control your kayak by employing some neat tricks—like edging your kayak, spinning on a dime, and moving sideways while under motion. When all is said and done, youʼll have the skills and theory necessary for proficient sea kayaking in more challenging conditions—and youʼll look good doing it!
2011 Dates: May 23, Jun 4, Aug 14
Times: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Location: Gyro Park on Cadboro Bay, 20 minutes east of downtown Victoria, BC
Clinic Cost: $130
Kayak and Paddling Gear Rental: $30
Prerequisites: Before taking this clinic, we recommend that you have learned basic kayakingstrokes and rescue skills. Specifically, you should have previously received instruction on how to correctly perform foundational paddle strokes without the aid of a rudder, including paddling forward, turning using sweep strokes, paddling backward in a straight direction, stopping, drawing a kayak sideways, and performing a low brace. In addition, you should have previously received instruction on how to correctly capsize in a kayak and be rescued by another paddler. For your safety and enjoyment, and for the safety and enjoyment of others in the program, please ensure you enter the clinic with the prerequisite knowledge, skills, and experience. If you are unsure about your level of experience, please give us a call.
Maneuvering & Agility Itinerary Printable Waiver Form
Tidal currents occur in many locations and present a unique environment for kayakers. For paddlers with the right strokes, tidal currents provide an interesting and fun location to ʻplay.ʼ At the same time, ʻplayingʼ in tidal currents greatly improves your paddling skills and provides you with improved confidence the next time you encounter moving water on your kayaking trips. In this clinic, youʼll learn how to use ferry glides to effortlessly cross current without ʻlosing ground,ʼ and you practice ʻpeeling outʼ to join current—one of the most enjoyable skills to perform in a sea kayak!
2011 Dates: Apr 22, May 8, Jun 5
Times: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Clinic Cost: $100
Prerequisites: Before taking this clinic, we recommend that you have basic rescue skills and kayaking strokes. Specifically, you should be able to brace and control your direction without the aid of a rudder. In addition, you have previously received instruction on how to correctly capsize in a kayak and be rescued by another paddler. For your safety and enjoyment, and for the safety and enjoyment of others in the program, please ensure you enter the clinic with the prerequisite knowledge, skills, and experience. If you are unsure about your level of experience, please give us a call.
Tidal Currents Itinerary Printable Waiver Form
We use the forward stroke more than any other stroke. That's why itʼs important to learn how to get the most from each stroke. A finely tuned forward stroke will enable you to paddle further, faster, and with less effort, making your paddling more enjoyable. The forward stroke is actually one of the more difficult strokes to master because its mechanics are not intuitive; rather, good technique requires expert guidance. This clinic is helpful to those who find they are having difficulty keeping up with their paddling companion(s), and for preventing or reducing overuse injury caused by improper technique. Youʼll learn aspects of paddle design to help you understand how to make the most of your equipment. Video analysis will be used to give you individualized feedback. This is also a popular clinic for Adventure Racers looking for a competitive edge.
2011 Dates: May 29, Jul 17
Times: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Ocean River Sports, 1824 Store Street, Victoria, BC
Clinic Cost: $80
Kayak and Paddling Gear Rental: $15
Improve Your Forward Stroke Printable Waiver Form
This clinic will teach you rolling—ultimate self-rescue technique—as well as giveyou renewed confidence in your braces and less concern for unanticipated capsizes. Rolling a kayak is like learning a new dance step: you need to do the right movement at the right time, then practice until your movements becomes fluid. Our instructors will teach you the building blocks to a successful roll, and lead you through the incremental steps of rolling. You will learn how to ʻspotʼ your practice partner, enabling you to continue practicing this technique on your own. As different people take different lengths of time to learn to roll, this clinic can be repeated if you would like further practice in a class setting.
Remaining 2010 dates: Nov 20th
2011 Dates: Feb 12, Mar 5, Apr 2, Apr 23, Oct 1, Nov 5, Dec 10
Times: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: Crystal Pool, 2275 Quadra Street (south of Bay Street), Victoria, BC
Clinic Cost: $85
Rolling Itinerary Printable Waiver Form
Whether youʼre curious about this alternative paddling technique or are already paddling with a Greenland-style paddle, this clinic will interest you! In the comfort of an indoor pool, you will learn how to use the Greenland-style paddle for support strokes and Greenland-style rolling techniques. You will learn how to perform a static brace, how to scull for support, and how to perform different kinds of Greenland-style rolls. The Greenland-style paddle is considered easier to roll with, so if youʼre at a level where you are learning to roll, you may find using this paddle can boost your ability.
2011 Dates: Jan 22
Location: Crystal Pool, 2275 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC
Clinic Cost: $85 Kayak Rental: $15
Prerequisites: Before taking this clinic, we recommend that you have basic kayaking and rescue skills.
Greenland Rolling & Bracing Itinerary Printable Waiver Form
(3 hours) Brace yourself, this is going to be fun!
This practical clinic is designed to give you confidence with your bracing skills in the comfort of an indoor pool. You will practice techniques to balance your kayak on edge and use the low brace, high brace, and sculling brace to prevent a possible capsize. As well, you will learn to scull for support, a skill which can be used to prevent immersion during a partial capsize. Finally, you will learn the balance brace, a method to lay on the surface of the water while remaining seated in your kayak. This bracing technique was used by traditional Inuit kayakers for resting while at sea. You will feel empowered after gaining these skills!
2011 Dates: Feb 19, Oct 29, Nov 26
Prerequisites: Before taking this clinic, we recommend that your have basic kayaking skills and rescue skills.
Balance and Bracing Itinerary Printable Waiver Form
Paddling on the open coast is the dream of sea kayakers, yet paddling in these conditions requires you to confidently and safely launch and land in surf conditions, and negotiate rocky areas (ʻrock gardensʼ) and surge channels. Weʼll teach you how to launch and land safely at a surf beach, and how to brace in surf to prevent a capsize. Youʼll also learn how to use timing and finesse to make your kayak respond quickly and accurately to changing situations, such as conditions found in rock gardens and surge channels. Youʼll learn to select strokes for various situations, and blend strokes into new and practical combinations. A must for anyone planning to paddle the open coast or for anyone interested in improving their overall kayaking skills!
2011 Dates: Apr 16 - 17, Oct 22 - 23
Times: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm each day
Location: Port Renfrew (on southwestern Vancouver Island, 2.5 hours from Victoria, BC)
Clinic Cost: $295
Kayak and Paddling Gear Rental: $55
Shared Accommodation (2 nights): $85
Prerequisites: Before taking this clinic, we recommend that you have confident rescue skills and intermediate-level kayaking strokes, such as those learned in ʻManeuvering & Agility.ʼ Knowing how to roll is an added bonus, but is not required. Specifically, prior to the clinic, you should have previously received instruction on how to correctly perform the following:
In addition, you have previously received instruction on how to confidently perform rescues, including:
Also, you need to be able to swim at least 25 meters. For your safety and enjoyment, and for the safety and enjoyment of others in the program, please ensure you enter the clinic with the prerequisite knowledge, skills, and experience. If you are unsure about your level of experience, please give us a call.
Surf & Surge Itinerary Printable Waiver Form Printable Medical Form
. . . I took the Surf and Surge course last Saturday and Sunday. It was well thought out and the instruction was first class . . . Richard
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