Getting Started Kayaking Course

During the Getting Started Kayaking Course, you learn the basic strokes, correct techniques, and how to stay while enjoying a fun on-water experience!

Learn the fundamental kayaking skills in the warm, calm waters of our own beautiful Pearkes Lake. The course focuses on kayak terminology, understanding boat design, and key elements of what to look for in a kayak.

Get educated on how to enter and exit your kayak from a beach or dock, necessary safety gear, and in-water exits and reentries are emphasized through an assisted rescue.

Completing the Getting Started Kayaking course provides you with the skills to quickly become an educated, responsible kayaker!

Note: As an added bonus, if you sign up for our Paddle Board Lessons on the same day and SAVE 50% on the SUP course!

Prerequisite: Swim 50-Meters with a PFD

Course Length: 3.5-Hours

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

Cost: $95.00 + $12.35 (13% HST) = $107.35 (Includes Sea Kayak and Gear)

How to Book

Kayak Courses class dates and size are limited and fill up quickly.

To sign up, please complete the registration form. Payment is due in advance to secure your spot and payment is processed online, in person, or over the phone.

Note: Courses run rain or shine and are only delayed by lightening or unruly weather.

Getting Started Kayaking Course Itinerary

Theory

• Boat Designs – learn to distinguish the compromises between price, performance, quality, and safety
• Kayak Types – Sea/Performance-Touring Kayaks, Touring Kayaks, Recreational Kayaks, and Whitewater Kayaks
• Safety features - what constitutes a safe kayak
• Safety Gear – what one needs to be ‘legal’ vs. what one needs to be ‘safe’

On-Water Skills

• Entering and Exiting a Kayak from a Dock and Shoreline
• Forward and Reverse Strokes
• Technical Strokes - Sweeps, Draws, Pivots
• Low Brace (paddle slap) and Rafting
• Wet Exit and Entry - Solo Paddle Float Rescue and T-Bow Assisted Rescue
  T-Bow Assisted Kayak Rescue

We Provide

• Premium Delta Kayaks' Performance Touring Kayak
• PFD
• Kayak Paddle
• Paddle Float
• Bilge Pump
• Whistle
• Throw Bag

Note: If you are using your own pre-approved performance touring kayak, please bring the above items along with you.

Cancellation Policy

Courses are non-refundable; however, a credit is kept on file in the instance of a cancellation. This 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 Glasses Floats
• Sunscreen and lip balm (waterproof)
• On-Water Clothing - bathing suit, swim shorts, quick dry top, etc...
• Towel and Dry Cloths
• Water Shoes (if desired - not required)
• Water Hydration and Snacks
• An attitude for having fun!

Note: Our lake warms very quickly so wet and dry suits are not normally required. That said, Farmer John Wetsuits are available for rent or you're encouraged to bring your own.

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 

If you're looking for a unique stay during your Getting Started Kayaking Course, check out Cabinscape's Penner Cabin located on our property!

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

Once you've completed the beginner's kayaking course, the next step is to register for our Flat-water Introduction to Sea Kayaking Course!