Objective

This 8-hour course provides a solid introduction to the foundational skills of flatwater kayaking, with a focus on the skills and knowledge required to enjoy short paddling excursions in calm, sheltered waters with peers of similar ability. Successful students will receive official Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Skills certification.

Prerequisites

No paddling experience is necessary.

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

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Course Content

Paddling Skills:

• Forward stroke

• Reverse stroke

• Stopping

• Forward sweep stroke

• Reverse sweep stroke

• Pivot turn

• Draw stroke

• Low brace

• Edging

• Launching & Landing

• Emptying a Kayak

• Lifting & Carrying a Kayak

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Re-Entry Skills:

• Wet Exit

• Assisted Re-entry

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Knowledge:

• Parts of a Kayak

• Kayak Outfitting

• Paddling & Safety Equipment

• Collision Regulations

• Injury prevention

• Sun & Cold Safety

• Navigation

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation

• Impact of Kayakers on the Environment

• Kayaking Community & Resources​​

Registration

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