Paddle Canada Introduction to Sea Kayaking

This course is the first step in learning sea kayaking skills for beginner paddlers.  Introduction to Sea Kayaking Skills introduces the novice to paddling a kayak in calm, sheltered water. Rescue techniques at this level incorporate the use of a paddling partner and it is essential for all Introduction to Sea Kayaking certified paddlers to travel on the water with others who have been trained in the techniques of assisted  rescues.

Rescue Skills	Paddling Skills	Knowledge
Wet exit Retrieving a swamped kayak Eskimo rescue T-rescue Rafting	Lifting and carrying a kayak Forward and reverse paddling Forward and reverse sweep strokes Draw strokes Low brace Edging	Boat design Boat outfitting Clothing Safety equipment Paddles Injury prevention Equipment care Kayaking resources

Duration: 8 hours minimum (full day, 2 half days, 3 evenings) Cost: $150 per person; groups of 3-6 $99 per person Prerequisites: No experience necessary  What to bring: bathing suit and towel sunscreen, hat and sunglasses change of warm clothes water bottle and water, lunch/snacks Certification: Paddle Canada Introduction to Sea Kayaking Certification Dates:  Call for dates. Custom courses available.

Kayaking Basics

You will learn introductory sea kayaking skills.  Learn about kayak types and parts, paddles, safety gear and care of equipment.  Kayak launching and landing, basic strokes such as forward, back, draw, sweep and low brace are covered. You will learn assisted rescues and how to do wet exits.

All equipment is provided
Course Duration: 3 hours
Cost: $69 per person plus GST

Sea Kayaking Essentials

In this course you will refine the strokes and techniques covered in Introduction to Sea Kayaking.  Additional strokes are introduced such as sculling, sculling draw and brace, sweeps and rudder.  More in-depth instruction of rescue techniques including self rescue are covered.  Trip planning including weather, tides, currents and risk management are discussed.

All equipment is provided
Course Duration: 4 hours
Cost: $79 per person plus GST

Kayak Rescue Skills

This is a rescue clinic for beginners, or for experienced paddlers needing a refresher.  We will start with an overview of rescue gear, such as paddle floats, pumps, tow- lines, and stirrups.  This will be followed by a self - rescue session.  We will learn how to use a  paddle float to get ourselves back into the kayak.  From there we will move onto assisted rescues.  We will learn how to do a T Rescue,  a PPP rescue and  if time permits a Scoop Rescue.

We will end the session with some Towing instruction. We will cover Contact Tows and a basic inline tow.

As we will be in the water for much of this training, proper exposure protection will be worn.  This class can be conducted in the pool (call for price, minimum of 3 people).

All equipment is provided. (including wetsuit)
Course Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $69 per person plus GST

Rolling Clinic

Rolling can be a good way to recover from a capsize without exiting the boat, or a neat trick when you want to show off.  This session will start with some wet exits and capsize drills to get you comfortable with being upside down in the kayak. From there we will progress step by step until you are able to roll the kayak.  We will cover rolling from both sides, to rolling while moving forward and backwards. This class is a lot of fun.

All equipment is provided. This course can be conducted in the pool for an extra fee.
Course Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $79 per person plus GST

To view a PDF Kayak Guide, click here.