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
- Course Information Package – Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Skills
(includes a course schedule, gear rental information, and a checklist for what you need to bring with you to the course)
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.
Questions about this course?
Please reach out to us at crosscurrents@outlook.com at any time!