These courses follow the Paddle Canada nationally certified program. Offering highly regarded comprehensive courses in sea kayaking, they are great for those that want to delve into the fun activity of kayaking. Coldspring Paddling currently offers two types of PC 'skills' courses, the Basic Kayak Skills and Level 1 Kayak Skills (L1). The 8-hour Basic course is great for those that have never kayaked before and want to learn to do it safely and efficiently. The 16-hour L1 course is the next step up and is suitable for those that have already taken the Basic course, or those that have some paddling experience (including practicing rescues/recoveries) and want to learn to do things safely and correctly. It's also a logical next step for those that have taken the IK course and are looking to progress their skills.
Students that have completed a Coldspring Paddling Introductory Clinic or the Basic Kayak certified course might be ready to enter directly into the Level 1 skills course if they are feeling fairly comfortable with the skills presented in those courses. Those that have a fair bit of kayaking experience, but perhaps no formal training, may also be ready to enter at Level 1.
An 8 hour course to introduce the novice paddler to kayaking following the Paddle Canada nationally-certified course. No prerequisites. Those that successfully complete the 8 hour course will receive a certificate of completion.
In the Basic Kayak Skills course we will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to begin kayaking and set the foundation for many years of efficient, healthy, and safe paddling. We conduct a portion of some of our courses in the pool at Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre so that you can learn in a comfortable environment. The remaining portions of the course are conducted at a nearby lake where you get to practice what was learned in the pool and pick up a few new paddling skills as well.
Recovery skills | Paddling skills | Knowledge |
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Wet Exit Retrieving a swamped kayak Assisted Rescue Rafting |
Lifting and carrying a kayak. Forward and reverse paddling. Forward and reverse sweep strokes. Draw stroke Low brace |
Boat design Boat outfitting Clothing Safety Equipment Paddles Injury prevention Equipment care Kayaking resources |
The Paddle Canada Level 1 Skills course is ideal for those that have already taken the PC Basic Kayak Skills (formerly Introduction to Kayaking) course and want to advance their skills, or that have some time in a kayak and want to learn to do things properly and take their paddling to a new level. This is a great course with enough time to really work on a few of our skills and introduce participants to a wider world of kayaking. It's also a lot of fun! This course runs a minimum of 16 hours and so will be spread over two days or more depending on the course you sign up for.
Just some of the material we cover:
Recovery Skills | Paddling skills | Knowledge |
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Have you ever wanted to teach kayak lessons? It's a ton of fun and you learn a lot too!