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 of Journeying and Seamanship; a portion of the course focuses on navigation, weather, sea state, safety, communication, and group awareness.

Prerequisite:
Either a basic kayak certification from our Paddle Canada Flat-water Intro to Sea Kayaking Course or equivalent skill and knowledge at the discretion of the course director.

Length: 2 Days with approx. 8 Hours each Day

Location: Frontenac Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Centre

Required: A touring kayak. If you don't have one of your own, we may have rentals available.

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 only be charged 50% of the total rental cost for both days. Please call us to arrange the kayak rental after booking the course.

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:

• Kayak PFD
• Kayak paddle
• Paddle Float
• Pump
• Whistle
• Throw Bag

Note: If you are using your 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, provided the cancellation has occurred a minimum of 30 days before any course date. This credit can be used towards a future course or purchase but must be used up within the same calendar year.

Frontenac Outfitters reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses due to extreme 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 a short, 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 an additional cost.

Should you have any questions about our kayak lessons, please do not hesitate to call 613.376.6220 or email us at info@frontenacoutfitters.com. 

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Check out our paddle board lessons to learn more about walking on water!

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Kayak Course Cancellation Policy

Thank you for choosing our kayak course! We understand that plans can change, so we’ve created a cancellation policy to provide clarity and fairness for all of our participants.

1. Cancellation by the Participant:

• More than 30 days before the course: Full refund.
• 30 to 14 days before the course: 50% refund*
• Less than 14 days before the course: No refund unless spot is filled.

*If you cancel at any point, and you are able to fill your spot with another participant, you will receive a full refund minus a $25 processing fee.

2. Weather-Related Cancellations:

• Our courses run rain or shine. However, we monitor weather conditions and prioritize safety. If your course is canceled due to unsafe weather, you will be notified at least 24 hours in advance. In this case, we will offer a full refund or the option to reschedule your session.

3. Health or Emergency Situations:

• If you need to cancel due to an emergency or health-related issue, we ask that you notify us as soon as possible. At our discretion, we may offer a refund or the option to reschedule.

4. Transfer of Registration:

• If you can no longer attend your scheduled course but would like to transfer your spot to someone else, please contact us as soon as possible to make this change. A transfer fee may apply.

If We Cancel the Course:

• If we need to cancel a course due to unforeseen circumstances or low enrollment, we will provide you with a full refund or reschedule your course at your convenience.

By booking a kayak course with us, you agree to the terms of this cancellation policy. If you have any questions or need to make adjustments to your reservation, please contact us as soon as possible.