Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Skills

Course Basics:
– $190/person, GST included
– gear rental available
– one full day (8 hours)
– held in freshwater
– tons of fun!

Objective

This 8-hour course provides an excellent introduction to the foundational skills of flatwater kayaking, with a focus on the skills and knowledge required to enjoy short paddling excursions in calm, sheltered waters with peers of similar ability. Successful students will receive official Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Skills certification.

Times, Dates & Location

  • This course is 8 hours in duration and is usually completed in one day, on a Saturday or Sunday.
  • 2023 Dates:
    May 6 – WAITLIST
    June 4
    July 15
    August 12
    September 9
  • Most courses take place at Westwood Lake Park in Nanaimo, BC.
  • Private groups: Please contact us to discuss a date that works best for you.

Class Size & Fees

  • 2 students minimum; 6 students maximum.
  • $190/person.
  • $30 to rent a sea kayak and equipment for they day.
  • Prices include GST.

Prerequisites

  • No previous paddling experience is required.
  • Participants must sign our waiver and complete a medical form in advance of attending the course.

Curriculum

Paddling Skills:

  • Forward stroke
  • Reverse stroke
  • Stopping
  • Forward sweep stroke
  • Reverse sweep stroke
  • Pivot turn
  • Draw stroke
  • Low brace
  • Edging
  • Launching & Landing
  • Emptying a Kayak
  • Lifting & Carrying a Kayak

Re-Entry Skills:

  • Wet Exit
  • Assisted Re-entry

Knowledge:

  • Parts of a Kayak
  • Kayak Outfitting
  • Paddling & Safety Equipment
  • Collision Regulations
  • Injury prevention
  • Sun & Cold Safety
  • Navigation
  • Risk Assessment & Mitigation
  • Impact of Kayakers on the Environment
  • Kayaking Community & Resources

Full Course Details

Registration

To register, please e-mail us at crosscurrents@outlook.com or complete the form below and we will contact you to complete your registration.

Register for Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Skills!

Regarding Crosscurrents Kayak’s Waiver and Course Policies:

Waiver (opens in new window)

Course Policies (opens in new window)

After your submit this form, we will be in touch by email to complete your registration.
We can’t wait to see you on the water!

Questions about this course?

Please reach out to us at crosscurrents@outlook.com at any time!