Paddling in Current 2.0

2026 Dates: March 14, March 15, March 17, March 31
Skill Level: Previous current experience required
Location: Dodd Narrows or Gabriola Passage; other locations TBA
Duration: 4 hours
Seats: 3
Cost: TBA

Our Paddling in Current 2.0 clinics are perfect for paddlers with solid foundational current skills who wish to gain practice and exposure in more challenging tidal current environments. The clinics take place in different locations, and at different maximum current speeds, so you can customize your learning. Take one session or multiple sessions to broaden your current horizons, boost your skills and learn to read and react to different water conditions. Be prepared to try different objectives and challenges during each session.

2026 Dates, Times & Locations

Saturday March 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Dodd Narrows, ebb current; max current speed ~4.5 knots
Sunday March 15 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Dodd Narrows, ebb current; max current speed 5.0-5.5 knots
Tuesday March 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Gabriola Passage, flood current; max current speed 4.5-5.0 knots
Tuesday March 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Gabriola Passage, flood current; max current speed 5.0-5.5 knots

More dates may be announced during the season. Join our mailing list to stay in the loop.

You might also be interested in CurrentPalooza on April 8, 2026 — a full day at Gabriola Passage to experience both the flood and the ebb.

Course Fee

2026 prices TBA.
Ferry travel to/from Gabriola Island (Gabriola Pass sessions only) is not included in the course fee.

Prerequisites

Previous training and experience paddling in currents.
Already able to execute the concepts of ferrying across current and turning in/out of eddies using edging and bracing.
Comfortable paddling in wind waves.
Comfortable performing wet exits and re-entry procedures in moving water.
Able to complete re-entry procedures independently, without instruction. (Instructors will assist you if you capsize, but we cannot walk you through re-entry steps.)
Able to maintain an ongoing paddling speed of at least 2 knots, and a maximum paddling speed of at least 3 knots (for short bursts).

Required Equipment

Sea kayak with full spray skirt, paddle and Transport-Canada required safety equipment. Please make sure your kayak has static (non-stretchy) perimeter lines around the full front and back decks.
PFD with whistle attached. Please make sure you can blow your whistle quickly and easily while on the water.
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.
Paddling helmet.
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 we can rest in the eddies and 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, please e-mail us at crosscurrents@outlook.com or complete the form below and we will contact you to complete your registration.

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Register for Paddling in Current 2.0!

First and Last Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Clinic Date(s) – Choose one or more (required)

March 14, 2026 – Dodd Narrows ebb March 15, 2026 – Dodd Narrows ebb March 17, 2026 – Gabriola Passage flood March 31, 2026 – Gabriola Passage flood

If you are an active member of a local kayak club, please provide the club name here:

What immersion gear will you be wearing?

Please indicate your previous experience paddling in currents, and your goals for this course:

Regarding Crosscurrents Kayak’s Waiver and Course Policies:

I have read and agree to the contents of Crosscurrents Kayak’s waiver (link below) and will complete and sign a copy of this waiver prior to the course.

Waiver (opens in new window)

I have read and agree to Crosscurrents Kayak’s Course Policies, including the Cancellation Policy (link below).

Course Policies (opens in new window)

Would you like to subscribe to Crosscurrents Kayak’s mailing list?

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After your submit this form, we will be in touch by email to complete your registration.
See you soon on the water!