2010 Paddle Canada Courses

Coast to coast accreditation! 

If you’re an aspiring kayak instructor or simply someone who would like official accreditation for your accomplishments, these Paddle Canada certification courses are for you. Paddle Canada is a national accreditation organization dedicated to promoting recreational paddling across Canada. For more information on Paddle Canada, please visit their website at www.paddlingcanada.com. Our accredited Paddle Canada kayaking courses comprise the following:

• Sea Kayaking Introduction to Kayaking Skills
• Sea Kayaking Level 1 Skills
• Sea Kayaking Level 2 Skills
• Sea Kayaking Level 3 Skills
• Sea Kayaking Level 4 Skills
• Sea Kayaking Instructor Level 1
• Sea Kayaking Instructor Level 2

(8 hours) Starting out!

This introductory course is suitable for new paddlers on their path through an accredited curriculum. You will learn basic paddling skills, including forward and reverse paddling, drawing your kayak sideways, and edging (intentionally leaning). As well, youʼll practice capsizing safely and confidently and how to be rescued by nother kayaker. Finally, weʼll discuss useful information to round out your understanding of kayaking, including aspects of boat design, safety equipment, and proper clothing. Upon completion of this course, you will have the skills and knowledge to paddle safely in sheltered waters. This course teaches you the necessary components for Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Skills Introduction to Kayaking Certification.

2010 Dates: Jul 18, Sep 4

Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Location: Thetis Lake (25 minutes northwest of Victoria, BC)

Cost: $135      Kayak & Paddling Gear Rental: $30

Ages: 16 and up

Introduction to Sea Kayaking Skills Itinerary
Printable Waiver Form

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Sea Kayaking Level 1 Skills

(2 days) Now, that’s paddling!

This course forms the next step to becoming a competent paddler. You’ll build on your Flatwater Kayaking Skills to develop more competence and confidence, and you’ll progress in your capabilities and capacity for paddling in progressively challenging conditions. You’ll develop further competence in skills learned previously, and add important new skills to your repertoire, including towing, self-rescue technique, and seamanship. Upon completion of this course, you’ll be well on your way to safely enjoying the life-long sport of sea kayaking. This course teaches you the necessary components for Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level 1 Certification.

Before taking this course, we recommend you have Paddle Canada Flatwater Kayaking Skills Certification or equivalent skills and experience.

2010 Dates: Jun 26-27, Sep 5-6

Times and Locations:

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Sea Kayaking Level 2 Skills

(4 days) Explore your watery world!

In this four-day course, you will learn how to handle more challenging sea conditions with comfort and confidence. We will guide you through intermediate level paddling techniques, rescue skills, and towing techniques for use in areas with ocean currents and moderate sea conditions. In order to quickly recover from a capsize, we will teach you kayak rolling! 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 tour. This course teaches you the necessary components for Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level 2 Skills Certification.

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.

2010 Dates: Jul 24-27

Location: Victoria and the Gulf Islands, British Columbia

Cost: $540   Kayak & Paddling Gear Rental: $90

Ages: 16 and up

Sea Kayaking Level 2 Skills Itinerary
Printable Waiver Form
Printable Medical Form

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Sea Kayaking Level 3 Skills

(4 days) Paddle with confidence and competence! 

In this four-day course, you will learn the skills necessary to embark on multi-day 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 race in surf to prevent a capsize. You'll also learn how to use timing and finesse to make your kayak respond quickly and accurately to changing situations such as surge channels and rock gardens. As an advanced paddler, you are 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 our group safe. This practical course take place in the field, so you'll take par in  multi-day kayak tour 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.

Before taking this course, we recommend that you have Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level 2 Skills Certification or equivalent skills and knowledge, including basic kayaking skills, rescue skills and navigation knowledge. As well, you should have overnight kayaking tripping experience comprising extended trips of 2 or more days and totaling 10 overnights.

2010 Dates: Aug 26-29

Location:  Clayoquot Sound  (Tofino, BC)

Cost: $540   Kayak Rental: $90

Ages: 16 and up

Sea Kayaking Level 3 Skills Itinerary
Printable Waiver Form
Printable Medical Form

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Sea Kayaking Level 4 Skills

2010 Dates: TBA

Location: TBA

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Sea Kayaking Instructor Level 1

(4 days) Now it’s your turn to teach!

In this comprehensive program, we will review and refine your technical paddling skills and focus on preparing, teaching, and evaluating 1- and 2-day sea kayak programs for novice paddlers. Topics include designing lesson plans, writing objectives, evaluation techniques, and group management. Successful candidates will be awarded Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Instructor Level 1 Certification.

Before taking this course, we recommend that that you have Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level 2 Skills Certification and at least 30 days of experience paddling in Level 1 conditions (including overnights).

2010 Dates: Jul 30-Aug 2

Location: Victoria, BC

Cost: $540   Kayak & Paddling Gear Rental: $90    Paddle Canada Instructor Membership Fee: $70

Ages: 16 and up

Sea Kayaking Instructor Level 1 Itinerary
Printable Waiver Form
Printable Medical Form

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Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level 2 Instructor

(5 days) More information to come...

2010 Dates: TBA

Location: TBA