This 3 hour course packs in the basics for planning a multi day trip.  It includes: Trip planning, communication, rescues, equipment orientation, navigation, tides and currents, weather.

A must for renting kayaks to go to the Broken Group Islands or Clayoquot Sound.

Our guides can pass on their local knowledge and customized this lesson to suit your needs.

1. Trip planning

• Discuss the plan and all the variables that could come into play
• Where to camp
• Communication options

2. Rescues

• Wet exit
• Learn how to re enter your kayak using a paddle float
• Practice a few assisted rescue techniques

• Make sure that you have everything you need for your multi day trip
• Kayak safety equipment

• Reading the chart
• Using the compass
• Measuring your distances
• Dealing with fog

• Understanding the basics
• What to be aware of in the area you are planning to go

• Review the current forecast
• Put some contingency plans in place
• Local weather trends

This Course gives you the best possible introduction to kayaking. You'll be amazed how quickly you will progress and gain confidence. The course will feature information on;

1. Equipment, knowledge and safety

• Kayak safety equipment
• PFD and Spray skirt
• Kayak (rudder, cable, hatches...)
• Paddling position
• Wet exit
• Launching

2. Basic Strokes

• Forward stroke
• Reverse stroke
• Sweep strokes
• Draw stroke

• Decision making and awareness
• Tide, currents and weather systems

This Sea Kayak instruction course will provide a comprehensive 1 day introduction to the skills and theory needed for paddling daytrips in protected water. The Course will feature information on;

1. Paddling skills

2. Rescues

Refine your paddling skills in more challenging conditions, learn to roll and prepare for and embark on an overnight wilderness trip in four days of sea kayak instruction. This paddling- and rescue-skills intensive course will prepare you for paddling open water and provides an introduction to the theory and planning necessary for overnight sea kayak trips. The Course will feature information on;

1. Paddling skills

• Forward stroke
• Reverse stroke
• Sweep strokes
• Low and High brace
• Draw and sculling stroke
• Low and high brace turns
• Bow and stern rudder strokes

2. Rescue Skills

• Assisted rescues
• Unassisted rescues
• All in rescues
• Rolling
• Towing
• Communication
• Knots

• Equipment
• Journey and seamanship
• Safety
• Leave no trace
• Kayaking resources