OSKC Spring Social

Discover Kayaking, Tune Up Your Skills & Season Kick Off!

Every spring, the Ontario Sea Kayak Centre launches the paddling season with our Spring Social—a weekend of skill-building, community, and fun on the water. Whether you’re brand-new to kayaking or a seasoned paddler looking to sharpen your skills, this is the perfect way to dive into the year ahead.

Try Kayaking for the First Time

Discover Kayaking – Perfect for Complete Beginners
Curious about kayaking but not ready to invest in gear or a full course? This is the most affordable way to get out on the water with an experienced instructor and see if kayaking is the sport for you. We provide everything—kayaks, paddles, safety gear, and Paddle Canada–certified coaching. Come try it, love it, and if you’re ready for the next step, explore our Paddle Canada Level 1 Skills Courses.

3-hour clinics – Saturday or Sunday
9:00–12:00 or 14:00–17:00 — $80 + HST

Tune Up Your Skills for the Season

Spring Paddler Tune-Up – Refresh Your Strokes & Rescues
Already have some training under your belt? Brush off the winter cobwebs and reconnect with your technique. This clinic is ideal for paddlers who’ve taken Level 1 or Level 2 and want a professional refresher before heading out for the season. Our instructors will help fine-tune your strokes, rescues, and confidence. If you’re ready to keep progressing, take a look at our Paddle Canada Level 2 Skills Courses.

3-hour clinics – Saturday or Sunday
9:00–12:00 or 14:00–17:00 — $80 + HST

Learn to Roll

Master the Ultimate Capsize Recovery Technique
Ready to take your paddling to the next level? Our Learn to Roll clinic introduces the foundation of kayak rolling through land-based instruction, on-water coaching, and expert demonstration. Taught by James, our senior instructor with 20+ years of experience and hundreds of successful roll students, this clinic is the perfect starting point for anyone serious about developing this essential skill. Want the full experience? Check out our Learn to Roll Day long clinics.

3-hour clinic – Saturday or Sunday
9:00–12:00 — $100 + HST

Not Free That Weekend?

No problem—our rolling clinics continue throughout the summer.

Parry Sound Rolling Clinics
Guelph Lake Rolling Clinics
Or join the fun at Paddlepalooza, our Georgian Bay paddling festival in September!

Even if you’re not participating in a clinic, you’re always welcome to stop by, say hello, and connect with our paddling community.

Used Kayaks & Gear Sale

We’ll have a selection of used rental kayaks and paddling gear available for purchase throughout the weekend. Drop by to browse, talk gear, or get advice from our instructors. Test paddles for used kayaks will be offered Saturday & Sunday afternoons.

We can’t wait to kick off the season with familiar faces and new paddlers alike.

Your Instructors

Our certified instructors are some of Canada's best!

Jeff Phaneuf

Jeff Phaneuf is one of OSKC's hardest working coaches. He has been a full-time teacher and coach (volleyball & rugby) at Ursuline College in Chatham for almost a quarter of a century. He is combining his passion for teaching and the outdoors by instructing many of our Paddle Canada Level 1 and Level 2 programs.

Jeff Arbing

Jeff is drawn to the dynamic side of kayaking and thoroughly enjoys working with people to embrace the psychological challenges presented with paddling.

James Roberts

James started kayaking at 18. Since then his paddling career has taken him all over the world as an expedition leader and senior kayak instructor.

Joedy Ebert

Joedy has been teaching teenagers for 25 years but she has always recharged at and on the water. She got her Paddle Canada start with OSKC 10 years ago, spending the years since padding the shores of Lake Ontario and the Niagara waterways. She is thrilled to be joining the team at OSKC.

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