Trip Planning & Consultation

Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Skills

This is the primary starting point of the Paddle Canada Sea Kayak skills progression. With a focus on foundation skills and knowledge, Basic Kayak Skills inspires students to go out on short paddling excursions in class-0 or calm and sheltered waters.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to confidently paddle in calm, sheltered waters in the company of peers with similar abilities.

Typical Course Length

8 hours of instruction (1 day).

Course Water Class

This course runs in Class-0 conditions which are described as:

Non-challenging protected waters with limited wind effect, little or no current, easy landings, and ready access to land-based assistance. Wind and sea state is calm to rippled (<15km/h or 8 knots).

Learn more about our water classification system.

Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Level-1 Skills

Building on the information covered in Basic Skills, Sea Kayak Level-1 Skills is a two-day course that moves participants beyond flatwater kayaking and into the sport of sea kayaking.

The course is conducted in slightly rougher water than Basic Kayak, aiming to develop the paddler’s comfort. There is a strong focus on re-entry techniques as well as the skills required to safely plan and execute a day trip with friends (for example, navigation & route planning, weather interpretation, proper clothing/gear.)

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to confidently paddle in class-1 conditions in the company of one or more paddlers with similar skills or knowledge. The paddler should be self-reliant yet an asset to the group and an active participant, willing and able to assist others if they need assistance.

Typical Course Length

16 hours of instruction (2 days).

Course Water Class

This course runs in Class-1 conditions which are described as:

Non-challenging waters with mild wind effect (0-20 km/h or 0–11 knots), little or no current (0-1 km/h or 0–0.5 knots), uninterrupted easy landing options, and ready access to land-based assistance. Sea state is calm to light chop.

Learn more about our water classification system.

Paddle Canada Kayak Rolling Clinic

This (typically) 2-hour clinic introduces the basic mechanics involved in rolling a kayak leading to the ability to roll a kayak confidently in class-0 or calm water.

Upon completion of the clinic, students will either be able to confidently roll their kayak in calm, sheltered waters or have learned knowledge and exercises to continue practising and working towards mastering the skill.

Typical Course Length

2 hours minimum.

Course Water Class

This course runs in Class-0 conditions which are described as:

Non-challenging protected waters with limited wind effect, little or no current, easy landings, and ready access to land-based assistance. Wind and sea state is calm to rippled (<15km/h or 8 knots).

Learn more about our water classification system.