Objective

This 16 hour course focuses on the kayaking skills and theoretical knowledge required to participate in a day trip in Class 1 waters. You will be learning a variety of kayaking paddle strokes, re-entry techniques and the theory of visual navigation, route planning, group communication, safe decision making and equipment choices.  Successful students will receive official Paddle Canada Level 1 Kayak Skills certification.

Prerequisites

Paddle Canada Basic Level course or equivalent.

Participants should be able to execute a controlled wet exit and an assisted rescue.

Participants must sign our medical form and waiver prior to participating in the course.

​

Course Content

Paddling Skills:

• Forward stroke

• Reverse stroke

• Stopping

• Forward sweep stroke

• Reverse sweep stroke

• Pivot turn

• Draw strokes - pulling and sculling

• Low brace

• Stern rudder

• Edging

• Launching & Landing

• Lifting & Carrying a Kayak

• Vehicle and Boat Tie Down

​

Re-Entry Skills:​

​

• Assisted Re-entry - T rescue and parallel park and pump rescue

• Unassisted Re-entry - Paddle float and scramble rescue

• Contact Tow

​

Knowledge:

• Equipment Selection and Care

• Communication

• Route Planning & Basic Navigation

• Weather and Sea State

• Sun & Cold Safety

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation

• Impact of Kayakers on the Environment

• Kayaking Community & Resources​​

• Kayaking History & Heritage

Registration

To register, please e-mail us at surfsidepaddlesports@gmail.com or phone 250-338-8844.