Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayak Skills

2026 Dates:
May 7-12 in Nanaimo OR June 5-10 on Gabriola Island; Fall date pending
Why Choose Us?
– Small class size: 4 students max.
– 5.5 days of instruction = more flexibility and learning.
– Overnight camping component.
– Strong intro to paddling in current.
– Gear rental available.

Objective

This 32-plus-hour course builds on the skills and knowledge developed in your Level 1 Sea Kayak Skills course. The course provides paddlers with the intermediate skills needed to undertake kayak journeys in Class II waters, including moderately exposed coastline, moderate potential wind effects (12-19 knots), sea state of less than 1 metre, gentle to moderate currents (less than 3 knots) and light surf beaches. Leadership, incident management, open-water rescue, self-care and navigation are core parts of the curriculum. Successful students will receive official Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayak Skills certification.

Our courses run longer than the Paddle Canada minimum requirement, to allow for more flexibility and learning. We also include a strong introduction to paddling in areas with current.

Dates, Locations & Fees

  • May 7 to May 12, 2026, in Nanaimo and the Southern Gulf Islands
    • 6 days total: 5.5 days of instruction with a half-day off midway through the course.
    • Two-day (one-night) kayak camping component.
    • $850 per person (includes campsite booking/fees for the overnight trip).
  • June 5 to June 10, 2026, on Gabriola Island and the Southern Gulf Islands
    • 5.5 days of instruction.
    • Three-day (two-night) kayak camping component.
    • $900 per person (includes campsite accommodations for the full course and parking for the overnight trip).

Class Size

  • 3 students minimum; 4 students maximum.

Fee Particulars

  • Prices include GST.
  • Kayak and equipment rentals available for an additional fee.
  • If the course includes an overnight camping component, camping fees for the overnight trip are included in the course fees.
  • Additional fees such as ferry fees, parking fees, etc. are possible and are not included in the course fee unless specifically noted.
  • Food and gear for the course and the overnight trip are not included in the course fee.

Prerequisites

The following skillset is required to register for this course:

  • Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayak Skills certification, or equivalent skill and knowledge at the discretion of the course director;
  • At least three one-day-long kayaking trips in Level 1 conditions in different locations.

Wilderness first aid (16 hours) with CPR is strongly recommended.

📢 Note that we expect our Level 2 candidates to be confident and proficient in their Level 1 skillsets before registering for the Level 2 course!

Please contact us if you’d like to discuss your experience.

Other Course Particulars

  • This course includes pre-course assignments and activities, including an online classroom component and a practical assignment.
  • Some sessions of this course include an overnight camping component, which takes place over the last days of the course. Students are responsible for supplying and carrying their own camping equipment and food for this component. Guidance will be provided in advance on what to bring and how to pack your kayak.
  • This course includes an introduction to paddling and tripping in areas with current up to 3 knots.
  • Immersion gear appropriate to shoulder-season conditions (dry suit or appropriate wetsuit) is required for this course. We do not provide or rent immersion gear, but can offer suggestions for rentals if required.

Curriculum

Paddling Skills:

  • Launching & landing
  • Forward stroke
  • Turning strokes
  • Sweep strokes
  • Low & high brace turns
  • Bow rudders
  • Low & high brace
  • Draw strokes
  • Sculling draw
  • Hanging draw
  • Stern draw and stern pry
  • Paddling in rough water

Re-Entry Skills:

  • Assisted Re-entry
  • Unassisted Re-entry
  • All-in Re-entry
  • Bow rescue
  • Re-entry exercises / scenarios
  • Towing
  • Introduction to rolling

Knowledge:

  • Equipment
  • Introduction to tides & currents
  • Navigation techniques
  • Nautical charts & topographic maps
  • Other navigation tools / activities
  • Weather interpretation & basic forecasting
  • Heat / cold issues
  • Emergency overnight
  • Leadership & decision-making
  • Risk assessment / incident management / evacuation options
  • Kayak knots & rope work
  • Transport Canada collision regulations

Registration

To register for our Level 2 Sea Kayak Skills course, please email us at crosscurrents@outlook.com or complete the form below and we will contact you to complete your registration.

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Thank you! We will be in touch shortly via email with next steps to complete your registration and course payment. Be sure to check your spam folder; sometimes our confirmation email ends up there!

Register for Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayak Skills!

Which session would you like to attend? (required)
Would you like to rent a kayak and equipment?(required)
What is your set up for immersion gear? (required)

Regarding Crosscurrents Kayak’s Waiver and Course Policies:

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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?

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