Level One Sea Kayaking Course

Paddle Canada’s Level One Sea Kayaking Course is our most in-depth and comprehensive paddling course. We combine both in-class and on-water teaching environments to provide you with the theory and fundamental paddling skills required to become a confident sea kayaker.

Our Level One Sea Kayaking Course emphasizes a strong foundation of technical paddling skills, rescues, navigation, and safety techniques. Participants must also demonstrate beyond-basic techniques with a firm knowledge in Journeying and Seamanship; a portion of the course focuses on navigation, weather, sea state, safety, communication, and group awareness.

Level One Sea Kayaking Course Itinerary:

Safety

• Assisted Eskimo Rescue
• Deep Water Rescue (both as victim and rescuer)
• Self Rescues without assistance
• Contact Towing
• Communication (demonstrating by attitude and action)

Theory

• Sea Kayak equipment, accessories and personal gear
• Journey and seamanship
  • Trip Planning and Organization
  • Launch and Landing Options
  • Navigation and Route Selection
  • Compass Reading
  • Weather and Water Interpretations
  • Group Awareness and Communication
  • Kayak Fit and Adjustment
• Safety
• Hypothermia
• First Aid
• Communication
• Emergency Procedures
• Available Kayaking Resources

Skills

• Lift, Carry, Launch, and Landing
• Paddling forward, reverse, and stopping
• Turning
• Moving sideways
• Supporting and recovery strokes
• Stern rudder
• Paddling Strokes and Techniques
  • Draws
  • Low and High Brace
  • Forward Stroke and Forward Sweep
  • Reverse Stroke and Reverse Sweep
  • Sculling Draw

Candidate Evaluations

• Participation (individual and group)
• Kayaking skills
• Group awareness and self-control
• General attitude

Note: Successful participants receive a Paddle Canada Level One Sea Kayaking Course Certification Card.

What's Provided:

• Quality Delta Kayaks Performance Touring Kayaks (if not using your own pre-approved boat)
• Kayak PFD
• Kayak paddle
• Paddle Float
• Pump
• Whistle
• Throw Bag

Note: If you are using your own pre-approved performance touring kayak, don't forget to bring along the necessary gear as indicated above!

Cancellation Policy

Courses are non-refundable; however, a credit is kept on file in the instance of cancellation. The credit can be used towards a future course or purchase.

Frontenac Outfitters reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any course or clinic due to inclement weather or lack of participation.

Suggested Stuff to Bring

• Wide-brimmed sun hat
• Sunglasses and eyeglass floats
• Sunscreen and lip balm (waterproof)
• Towel
• Proper water clothing - Bathing suit, T-shirt and shorts, light long-sleeve shirt, etc... whatever you feel most comfortable wearing
• Raincoat, paddling jacket, and sweater (if needed)
• Water shoes or sandals (not required)
• Kayaking Trip Log (if you have one)
• Pen, pencil and notebook
• Any reference material you may wish to share with the group
• Water
• Lunch

Places to Stay

• We offer on-site wooded and waterfront campsites at $25 per night
• There are country-style Bed and Breakfasts nearby 
• Kingston is a short 35-minutes away with an abundance of accommodations available 

Should you have any questions about our kayak lessons, please do not hesitate to call 613.376.6220 or email us at [email protected] 

Cost and Requirements

Prerequisite: Paddle Canada Flat-water Intro to Sea Kayaking Course

Length: 2 Days with approx. 8 Hours each Day

Location: Frontenac Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Centre’s Pearkes Lake

Cost: $295.00 + $38.35 (13% HST) = $333.35

Note: If you require a kayak for the Level One Sea Kayaking Course, a rental reservation is to be made at the time of course booking. You will receive a 50% discount on the rental fee – $56 (rental rate) x 2 (days) + $14.56 (13% HST) = $126.56 – 50% = $63.28

How to Book

Complete the registration form to sign up - payment is due in advance to secure your spot with it being processed online, in person, or over the phone. 

Courses have a limited capacity and are usually filled in advance.

Courses operate rain or shine and are only delayed by lightning or unruly weather.

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