OSKC Sea Kayaking Academy 2026

One weekend a month • Multiple Ontario locations • Real skill progression

Spend the summer of 2026 becoming a stronger, more confident paddler through a unique season-long program that meets one weekend per month from May to October. Instead of a single course, you’ll enjoy continuous coaching, time to practice between sessions, and the chance to paddle in a variety of Ontario environments. A 12-day course without the need to take time off work! Have more time to learn the skills with a month between each session allowing time for practice. Whats more, when you reach the level set by Paddle Canada we will certify you at Level 2 skills and with the additional time you will be well prepared to take a level 3.

Why This Program Works

Learn, Practice, Return Stronger

Each weekend builds on the last. You’ll refine strokes, rescues, and maneuvering in real conditions, then have a month to practice before coming back for the next session. By the end of the season you will be taking those skills into conditions.

Grow With a Community

You’ll paddle with the same core group all summer—creating friendships, shared memories, and a supportive learning environment. Teamwork to make the dream work

Program facilitator

Jeff Arbing, one of OSKC’s lead instructors, heads up this program. Jeff will join you every weekend as the main program instructor. Jeff will not only bring his expertise as a paddling coach to the program but will also create continuity throughout the weekends and will be providing each student with a personal development plan at the end of each session.

Guest Instructors

Benefit from consistent coaching plus fresh perspectives from guest instructors who bring specialized skills and new teaching styles. Each weekend Jeff will be joined by a different OSKC instructor. This give you the opportunity to learn from seven different very skilled coaches.

Multiple Ontario Locations, Real Conditions

Each weekend takes place in a different paddling area, exposing you to varied shorelines, water conditions, and challenges. By the end of the summer, you’ll be comfortable paddling confidently in many environments.

Personalized Feedback Every Weekend

After each session, you’ll receive individualized notes and clear practice goals so you can make real progress between weekends.

Who It’s For

Ideal for paddlers who want to:

• Improve skills over time
• Work toward Level 2 certification
• Explore diverse Ontario paddling venues
• Learn in a supportive, consistent environment

Reserve Your Spot for Summer 2026

Limited space ensures personalized coaching and a tight-knit group.
Join us for a summer of growth, adventure, and skill development.

Your Instructors

Our certified instructors are some of Canada's best!

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.

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.

David Johnston

David Johnston has been introducing people to the sport of sea kayaking for the past 20 years. He is a senior instructor trainer with Paddle Canada.

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.

Kelly Park

Kelly is a Paddle Canada Level 2 instructor who believes the best days are spent kayaking and sharing laughs. She coaches on the Great Lakes, helping paddlers build confidence and connection on the water.

Lee Richardson

Lee is an inspirational business leader and professional sea kayak instructor with over 17 years combined in the educational and sea kayak industry. He has taught at Symposiums all over North America and teaches and guides regularly on the East Coast and West Coast. 

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.

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