Courses
Clinics
This inspiring course will introduce you to the skills and knowledge you need to safely start kayaking. It is suitable for new paddlers on their path through a nationallyaccredited curriculum. You will learn basic paddling skills, including forward and reverse paddling, drawing your kayak sideways, and edging (intentionally leaning your kayak). As well, youʼll have the opportunity to experience what it feels like to capsize in a kayak, how to be rescued by another kayaker, and how to rescue a paddling partner who has capsized. Finally, weʼll discuss useful information to round out your understanding of kayaking, including aspects of boat design, safety equipment, and proper clothing. This course teaches you the necessary components for Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Skills Introduction to Kayaking Certification.
2011 Spring/Fall Times and Locations: 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm at Ocean River Sports and 6:15 pm – 9:45 pm at Crystal Pool
2011 Summer Dates: Jun 4, Jun 18, Jun 25, Jul 9, Jul 23, Aug 6, Aug 13, Aug 27, Sep 10
Summer Times and Locations: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm at Thetis Lake (25 minutes northwest of Victoria, BC)
Course cost: $140 Kayak and Paddling Gear Rental: $30 Ages: 16 and up
Introduction to Kayaking Skills Course Itinerary Print Waiver Form
This comprehensive, enjoyable, two-day course teaches you everything you need to know to confidently embark on day-long sea kayaking trips in sheltered waters. During this course, youʼll further develop your kayaking strokes and rescue skills, and youʼll add important new skills to your repertoire, including turning on edge, towing, and self-rescue technique. You will also learn to interpret marine weather forecasts, plan routes using marine charts, and read tide tables. Upon completion of this course, youʼll be well on your way to safely enjoying the lifelong sport of sea kayaking. This course teaches you the necessary components for Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level-1 Skills Certification. Register early, because this is a popular course that fills up quickly.
2011 Spring/Fall Course Dates: Mar 5–6, Apr 16–17, May 14–15, (see below for summer course dates), Oct 15–16
Spring/Fall Times and Locations:
Day One: 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm at Ocean River Sports; 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm at Crystal Pool
Day Two: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm meet at Ocean River Sports (or alternate location as indicated by your instructor during the course)
2011 Summer Course Dates: Jun 11–12, Jul 16–17, Aug 20–21, Sep 17–18
Summer Times and Locations:
Day One: Practical 8:30 am – 12:30 pm at Thetis Lake; Theory 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm at Thetis Lake or Ocean River Sports (depending on weather conditions and instructor preference)
Course Cost: $250
Kayak and Paddling Gear Rental: $50
Ages: 16 and up
Prerequisites
Before taking this course, we recommend you have Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Introduction to Kayaking Skills Certification or equivalent skills and experience.
Sea Kayaking Level One Skills Course Itinerary Print Waiver Form
If you have never been in a kayak, or have already tried kayaking and would like to develop your skills, this clinic offers a great foundation towards your future kayaking ambitions.
Weʼll teach you the basics of kayaking, including the parts of a kayak, gearing up to paddle and how to enter and exit a kayak from a dock. Then, youʼll learn how to paddle forward, backward, sideways, as well as how to stop and turn. Most of all, youʼll have fun!
2011 Dates: May 11, May 21, Jun 1, Jun 22, Jul 2, Jul 20, Jul 30, Aug 3, Aug 21, Sep 17, Oct 15
Times: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm (Weekends) 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm (Midweek)
Location: Ocean River Sports, 1824 Store Street, Victoria, BC
Clinic Cost: $65
Kayak and Paddling Gear Rental: $15
Introductory Strokes Clinic Itinerary Printable Waiver Form
If youʼre like most new paddlers, youʼve probably wondered, “What happens if I tip over?” This universal concern is the reason we developed this clinic. With help from our qualified instructors, you will gradually and comfortably go through the steps of a safe capsize in the comfort of an indoor pool. You will also learn about general safety issues, rescue gear, and how to rescue yourself or a partner after capsizing. Our small class sizes provide a supportive and relaxed environment to practice these important new skills.
Remaining 2010 dates: Nov 27th
2011 Dates: Feb 5, Feb 26, Oct 29, Nov 19
Times: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: Crystal Pool, 2275 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC
Clinic Cost: $80
Introductory Rescues Clinic Itinerary Printable Waiver Form
Planning for a safe kayaking trip and navigating during a trip are both very necessary skills. What you didn
ʼt know is these skills are also interesting and enjoyable to learn and practice. In this classroom-based clinic, weʼll teach you how to safely and confidently interpret marine weather forecasts, predict tides and currents, read charts (marine maps), and plan routes on the ocean. Youʼll learn when and where to paddle as well as how to avoid dangerous water conditions—important skills for a sea kayaker!
2011 Dates: Feb 9, Mar 23, Apr 20, May 18, Jun 8, Jul 6, Aug 10, Sep 14, Oct 19
Times: 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Introductory Navigation & Marine Weather Clinic Itinerary
The June 18 lesson was great. I went out with Ben and 4 other ladies and we all thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Many thanks for your assistance and support. I will plan on attending more kayak clinics at Ocean River. Cheers, Brenda
more testimonials
Victoria Harbour Tour
Explore! Kayak Tour
Escape! The Gulf Island NPR
Paddle Canada Flatwater Kayaking Skills
Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level 1 Skills
Ocean River Sports Newsletter
