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

By booking a course, you agree to these Terms and Conditions. Courses are non-refundable; however, if a cancellation is made 30 days prior to the scheduled course date, a credit is kept on file. The credit can be used towards a future course or purchase. Course participants can allow someone else to take their spot instead, but please contact us and let us know the participant will be changing. If you are not able to attend the scheduled course, let us know and we will try to fill your position. If we are able to fill the position, you will receive a reimbursement.

Courses are non-refundable.

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 $35 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.

Register Here