Most new paddlers choose Ontario Sea Kayak’s Paddle Canada level 1 kayaking course to launch their new kayaking hobby. Sea Kayak Level-1 Skills is a two-day course that moves you beyond flatwater kayaking and into the sport of sea kayaking. You will learn theory on-land and paddling skills on the water that will transform your ability in a kayak dramatically in two days. Upon completion, participants are equipped with good judgment and the skill set to safely enjoy day-trips in sheltered waters.
This course will teach you how to safely exit the kayak after a capsize, how to re-enter the kayak with a partner or solo, and to do it all safely and efficiently. The course also covers day-tripping skills such as Navigation, Weather, and equipment choices.
Kayaking Certification
Certification courses are recommended because when you have completed the course successfully, you know you have a certain level of proficiency in a skill set. The truly important and valuable part of our courses is the amount of helpful information you are going to acquire from our knowledgeable instructors. We promise participants that we often save our students the cost of the course by helping them to not waste money on the wrong gear!
We send students away with a newfound passion for kayaking, knowledge on what equipment to buy, and some solid skills to get out and more fully enjoy our beautiful country.
Why do most paddlers choose Ontario Sea Kayak Centre?
We have been teaching Paddle Canada level 1 skill courses in Ontario since 2007. Our professional kayak instructors’ expert skill-sets and fun attitudes will make sure you learn while enjoying yourself. Thanks to the readers of Sea Kayaker Magazine that voted us the Best Sea Kayak School in Eastern Canada. We were also recently awarded a Travel and Hospitality award as the best Watersport Company in Ontario! Who us!? Oh stop, you’re too kind. 😉
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our Paddle Canada kayaking courses in Parry Sound, Guelph Lake, and Deer Creek Conservation area. Email or call us 905-399-1216.
What You Will Learn
- Learn how to safely and properly enter and exit a kayak.
- Wet exits – learn how to safely and confidently exit your kayak in case of capsize. This is probably the most important skill you will ever learn.
- Basic strokes – forward and reverse paddling, forward and reverse sweeps, pivoting, stopping, draw strokes, stern rudders and bracing.
- Self-rescue and assisted rescue – essential safety skills for solo and group paddles.
- Theory – weather conditions, signals, packing, gear and problem solving.
- Buying your first kayak? The choices are endless. Our knowledgeable instructors can advise which boats will meet your needs and price point.
Jump to Course Location
Course Prerequisites
Please contact us with any question related to these trip prerequisites.
- Basic skills or equivalent experience
What's Included
Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.
Included
- Professional, certified Paddle Canada instructors. 1:6 student ratio maximum
- 16 Hour Sea Kayak Skills Course
- Kayak paddle floats and rescue stirrups
What's Not Included
- Kayak and equipment rental. (Available at checkout for $40 for the weekend)
- All five items required by Transport Canada (paddle, pfd, pump/bailer, whistle, a throw rope with 15 m of floating line.)
- Any parking fees at location if applicable at Guelph Lake or Deer Creek. Parking is included at OSKC.
- If you're on a Guelph Lake course, or Deer Creek course, you may wish to book a campsite for the weekend. Camping fees are not included.
- If you're on a Parry Sound course, you may need to book camping or accommodation. Details and links are in the Parry Sound course description.
What You Should Bring
A detailed gear list is sent before the start of the trip but this can get you started.
- Lunch, plenty of drinking water, and sun protection (sun block, hat).
- Towel and change of clothes (for after the wet skills portion of the course).
- A wetsuit is recommended for your personal comfort but not necessary.
- Your kayak, kayak skirt, paddle and pfd as well as all Transport Canada required safety gear (entire package available to for rent for $40 fee if needed)
Lessons in Parry Sound, Ontario
Our Parry Sound courses are run at OSKC’s home base. Turn your level 1 course into a weekend away! Stay onsite at OSKC in one of our on-site six prospector walled tents. On-site we have a screened-in pavilion/outdoor kitchen where each tent has its own labeled cupboard with personal dishware, cookware, fridge space, and everything you need except your own food! We also have a washing station with treated drinkable water for all your needs as well as cedar-lined hot outdoor showers.
Our accommodation is called Harmony Outdoor Inn and has countless five-star reviews. If you want even more luxury, there is also an on-site three-room B&B. To book to stay on-site check out our sister company Harmony Outdoor Inn for more details and availability. Use discount code “OSKCstudent” to get 15% off accommodation!
Course Notes
This course starts at 09:00 -17:00 Saturday and Sunday.
Weekend kayak equipment and rental available $40 +HST.
Your Instructors
Our certified instructors are some of Canada’s best!
Dympna Hayes
Dympna is co-owner and operator, of Ontario Sea Kayak Centre along with her partner and husband James. She loves sharing her craft with others through her coaching on skills courses and through her guiding while on kayaking trips.
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.
Course Dates
September 11 – 12, 2021
Know someone who wants to take this course?
Course Location and Driving Directions
Ontario Sea Kayak Centre
Parry Sound, Ontario
We will start the course at our base here in Parry Sound.
Driving Directions Address:
Ontario Sea Kayak Centre6 Harmony Lane
Parry Sound, ON
Ontario Sea Kayak Centre
Parry Sound, Ontario
We will start the course at our base here in Parry Sound.
Get Driving DirectionsLessons in Guelph Lake, Ontario
You may wish to book a campsite at Guelph Lake Conservation Area and enjoy a fun weekend getaway!
You will meet Jeff and another one of our instructors in the parking lot near the causeway to “The Island” at Guelph Lake Conservation Area, Guelph, ON. Look for a big kayak trailer!
Course Notes
This course runs 09:00-17:00 Saturday and Sunday.
Weekend kayak equipment and rental available $40 +HST.
Your Instructor
Our certified instructors are some of Canada’s best!
Jeff Arbing
Jeff is the primary instructor/mentor for all new recruits with a large southern Ontario Police Service. He also instructs senior level adult education, mental resiliency/leadership and supervisory courses.
Course Dates
August 14 – 15, 2021
Know someone who wants to take this course?
Course Location and Driving Directions
Guelph Lake Conservation Area
Guelph Lake, Ontario
You will meet our instructors in the parking lot near the causeway to “The Island” at Guelph Lake Conservation Area, Guelph, Ontario. Look for a big kayak trailer!
Driving Directions Address:
Guelph Lake Conservation AreaConservation Road
Guelph, ON
Guelph Lake Conservation Area
Guelph Lake, Ontario
You will meet our instructors in the parking lot near the causeway to “The Island” at Guelph Lake Conservation Area, Guelph, Ontario. Look for a big kayak trailer!
Get Driving DirectionsLessons in Langton, Ontario
You may want to book a campsite at Deer Creek Conservation Area and enjoy a fun weekend getaway!
Course Notes
The course starts at 0900 and will be finished by 1700 each day.
Weekend kayak equipment and rental available $40 +HST.
Your Instructor
Our certified instructors are some of Canada’s best!
Jeff Arbing
Jeff is the primary instructor/mentor for all new recruits with a large southern Ontario Police Service. He also instructs senior level adult education, mental resiliency/leadership and supervisory courses.
Know someone who wants to take this course?
Course Location and Driving Directions
Deer Creek Conservation Area
Langton, Ontario
Deer Creek Conservation Area captures the feeling of northern Ontario. Just a short drive north of Long Point, Deer Creek is the perfect place to have a picnic or sleep under the stars. The campground has 40 sites, including 23 with electrical service.
Driving Directions Address:
Deer Creek Conservation AreaNorfolk County Road 45
Langton, ON
Deer Creek Conservation Area
Langton, Ontario
Deer Creek Conservation Area captures the feeling of northern Ontario. Just a short drive north of Long Point, Deer Creek is the perfect place to have a picnic or sleep under the stars. The campground has 40 sites, including 23 with electrical service.
Get Driving DirectionsLessons in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
Ray Boucher will be leading this course. The exact location will be decided a few days before the course depending on the weather.
Your Instructor
Our certified instructors are some of Canada’s best!
Ray Boucher
Ray Boucher lives in Wawa Ontario with his wife Patty. Ray has been a school teacher and an x-ray technologist, and enjoys spending his time working and recreating in the outdoors.
Know someone who wants to take this course?
Course Location and Driving Directions
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
Exact course location TBD based on the weather.
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
Exact course location TBD based on the weather.
Get Driving Directions
Your Level one course was amazing. The demonstrations were clear and concise. Your feedback or coaching was very helpful. You both answered my many questions with clarity and patience.
International Visitors
We are more than willing to accommodate you in any way that we can. Contact us to see how we can help!
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our Paddle Canada kayak courses. Please email or call us 1-905-399-1216
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about this trip or about any of our other trips or courses.