Paddling in Wind

This three-hour clinic helps you build experience and confidence paddling in windy conditions. We will review how wind waves affect your moving kayak, refine strokes and techniques to manage your direction and course, then practice boat control on a short journey in conditions. We offer sessions for different skill levels of paddlers, to ensure a good fit for your experience and learning goals.

Dates & Locations

• Paddling in Wind – Level 2+
  Saturday March 21, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Nanaimo
  (For paddlers with Paddle Canada Level 2 Skills certification or higher)
• Paddling in Wind – Level 1+
  Saturday March 28, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Nanaimo
  (For paddlers with Paddle Canada Level 1 Skills certification or higher)

Note: This clinic is highly dependent on suitable wind conditions being present day-of. If suitable wind conditions are not present, or if they are present later in the day, we may attempt to reschedule the clinic to another suitable time. If the clinic does not run, if rescheduling is not possible, or if you cannot attend the rescheduled time, you will receive a full refund.

Class Size & Fees

• $125 per person, GST included.
• Two students minimum; four students maximum.

Prerequisites

For our Level 1+ clinic (target wind speeds 8-14 knots):

• Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayak Skills, or equivalent experience.
• Competent with techniques such as edging, sweep strokes, pivot turns and engaging the legs for power.
• Comfortable paddling in smaller wind waves.
• Confident performing wet exits and assisted/solo re-entries without instruction, in deep water, as both a swimmer and a rescuer.

For our Level 2+ clinic (target wind speeds 12-20 knots):

• Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayak Skills, or equivalent experience.
• Competent with techniques such as edging, stern rudder, bow rudder and engaging the legs for powerful strokes.
• Comfortable paddling in smaller wind waves.
• Confident performing wet exits and assisted/solo re-entries without instruction, in deep water, as both a swimmer and a rescuer.

Required Equipment

• Sea-worthy kayak with sealed hatches fore and aft and perimeter (deck) lines around your full front and back decks.
• Transport Canada required safety equipment: PFD with whistle attached, bilge pump, 15-meter buoyant heaving line (aka throw bag or tow belt).
• Kayaking equipment: paddle, spray skirt, paddle float, spare paddle, etc.
• Paddling helmet. We have loaners if you don’t have your own.
• Immersion gear: drysuit with appropriate layers underneath OR full-body wetsuit of at least 4/3 thickness (4 mm neoprene on torso, 3 mm neoprene on arms and legs) with a rain/wind blocking paddling jacket.
• Neoprene accessories for warmth and comfort, as desired: gloves, pogies, booties, cap, surf hood, etc.
• Surf/swimming earplugs and/or a nose clip, if desired.
• Toque or ball cap to wear under your helmet, sunglasses on cinch cord, sunscreen, etc., as conditions dictate.
• Change of warm, dry clothes in a drybag to take with you in your kayak.
• Adequate food and drink for the session, including a thermos with a hot drink. Ensure some of your food and water is accessible in your PFD or secured on the deck of your kayak.
• Signed waiver and medical forms, provided two weeks prior to the course start date.