Paddle Canada Basic Skills

A welcoming, confidence-building introduction to sea kayaking—designed to help you feel comfortable, capable, and excited to get out on the water.

The Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Skills course is the primary entry point into kayaking within the Paddle Canada skills pathway. This one-day course focuses on foundational skills, safety, and comfort on the water—so you leave feeling confident paddling in calm, sheltered conditions with friends.

This course follows the official curriculum and standards of Paddle Canada, with the added benefit of an inclusive learning environment where questions are encouraged, progress happens at your pace, and confidence grows naturally.

If you would prefer to take this course in a Women’s only environment check out our Women’s only Basic Skills Course!

For this course, a sea kayak, paddle, and safety gear are included at no extra cost.

Why this course works so well for beginners

Many paddlers learn best in an environment that feels:

• Encouraging and non-intimidating
• Collaborative rather than competitive
• Comfortable for asking questions and trying new skills

This course creates space to build skills, strength, and confidence—without pressure—while learning alongside others who are also new to sea kayaking.

Core paddling skills learned

• Carrying and launching a kayak
• Emptying water from a kayak
• Forward and reverse strokes
• Stopping efficiently
• Sweep strokes (forward & reverse)
• Turning and pivoting
• Draw stroke
• Low brace
• Introduction to edging
• Wet exits (capsize safety)
• Assisted rescues

Essential knowledge learned

• Kayak parts and outfitting
• Required safety and paddling equipment
• Basic navigation awareness
• Risk assessment and decision-making
• Environmental awareness and low-impact paddling

What to expect on course day

• Clear, supportive instruction from certified instructors
• Plenty of on-water practice time
• A relaxed, encouraging pace
• Coaching focused on comfort, technique, and confidence
• A positive group dynamic with others at a similar stage

Taught in a supportive learning environment, this one-day course focuses on foundational skills, safety, and comfort on the water No pressure. No judgment. Just learning, progress, and fun.

Your Instructors

Our certified instructors are some of Canada's best!

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.

Kristin Kelly

Kristin started her paddling journey as a kid at summer camp in Ontario, focusing on canoeing and canoe tripping at first, and then finding her way to kayaking. She fell deeply in love and hasn't looked back since! Kristin enjoys all aspects of sea kayaking- expeditioning, racing, playing in current, and coaching. She finds her joy on the water, and loves helping others find theirs too.

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