- 2026 Dates: April 10, April 11, April 24
- Skill Level: Little or no previous experience paddling in current
- Location: Gabriola Passage, Gabriola Island
- Duration: 4 hours
- Seats: 3
- Cost: 2026 Pricing TBA.
This clinic is a perfect introduction to paddling in current for paddlers with little or no previous experience in current. We will discuss key concepts on land before paddling a short distance to Gabriola Passage for slack (0 knots). We will familiarize ourselves with the water and learn techniques such as ferrying, eddy turns and more as the current slowly builds. When we are finished, we will ride the current back to our launch location. This is a great (and gentle) way to introduce yourself to the world of paddling in currents — or refresh skills you already have!
2026 Dates & Times
- Friday April 10, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Saturday April 11, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Friday April 24, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
More dates may be announced during the season. Join our mailing list to stay in the loop.
Location
This course takes place at Gabriola Passage, a current station accessed off the south end of Gabriola Island, near Nanaimo. Gabriola Passage is ideal for learning current skills because the eddy lines are consistent and the eddies are forgiving.
To reach Gabriola Island, course participants must take a 25-minute ferry from BC Ferries’ downtown Nanaimo Harbour Terminal. The ferry runs regularly, reservations are not required, and fares cover a round trip.
Fees
- 2026 Pricing TBA.
- Fee does not include ferry travel to/from Gabriola Island.
Prerequisites
- Minimum of Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayak Skills certification, or equivalent.
- Comfortable with the techniques of edging and bracing.
- Comfortable paddling in wind waves.
- Comfortable performing wet exits and re-entries without instruction. (Instructors will assist you if you capsize, but we cannot walk you through re-entry steps.)
- Capable of maintaining an average paddling speed of at least 2 knots, and a maximum paddling speed of at least 3 knots (for shorter intervals).
Required Equipment
- Sea kayak with full spray skirt, paddle and Transport-Canada required safety equipment. Please ensure your kayak has static (non-stretchy) perimeter lines around the full front and back decks.
- PFD with whistle attached and within reach of your mouth.
- Appropriate immersion gear: drysuit plus layers OR full-body wetsuit thick enough for the shoulder season.
- Appropriate neoprene accessories: e.g., gloves, pogies, surf cap, surf hood, etc.
- Helmet (we have loaners if needed)
- Appropriate sun protection: e.g., ballcap under helmet, sunglasses on cinch cord, sunscreen, etc.
- Adequate snacks and water, plus a warm beverage in a thermos. Please ensure your snacks and water are easily accessible in your PFD or on your deck. We will not have a dedicated break during the clinic, but there is a spot to get out if needed.
- Extra set of warm dry clothes in a drybag.
- Optional: nose clip and/or earplugs, if you are sensitive to cold water.
Registration
To register for this program, please e-mail us at crosscurrents@outlook.com or complete the form below and we will contact you to complete your registration.
Crosscurrents Kayak 