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 helpful 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, however, is the amount of helpful information you are going to acquire from our knowledgeable instructors. We often tell our students we can save them 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 of 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. Our team of instructors are some of the highest trained and experienced sea kayakers in Canada. We were voted the Best Sea Kayak School in Eastern Canada by readers of Sea Kayaker Magazine. 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. 😉
By choosing to take your course with OSKC you are helping our planet. We donate 1% of our gross revenue directly to environmental charities such as the UNESCO Georgian Bay Biosphere.
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 1-905-399-1216.
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.
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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 $50 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, especially in July and August when the water is warm.
- Your kayak, kayak skirt, paddle and pfd as well as all Transport Canada required safety gear (entire package available to for rent for $50 fee if needed)
Really happy to have rolled 4 out of 5 times in a row thanks to James' & Scott's guidance. Interesting how I learned a vital tip from each one of you.
Lessons in Parry Sound, Ontario
Our Parry Sound courses are run at the Ontario Sea Kayak Centre itself. Our base is located on 10 wooded acres right on the Seguin River. A perfect location to learn these paddling skills.
Turn your level 1 course into a weekend away! We love the vibe at OSKC when we have a group of paddlers staying on-site and we think you will too. So much value comes from talking with like-minded paddlers about their equipment and places they have been paddling. Make new friends around the waterfront firepit in the evening.
This course will be held at Ontario Sea Kayak Centre in Parry Sound. On-site at our 16-acre property we have glamping tents privately nestled in the woods. Accommodation is available to add to your booking at check out for your convenience. The atmosphere at our paddling centre is one of inclusivity, fun, and sharing. Staying on-site allows you to connect with the other students on the course and share knowledge around the waterfront fire in the evenings. Accommodation will say Saturday and Sunday on the booking but we include Friday accommodation for free. Three nights for the price of two.
There is also a screened-in pavilion/outdoor kitchen where each guest has their own labeled cupboard with personal dishware, cookware, fridge space, and everything you need except your own food! We also have a washing station with filtered drinkable water for all your needs as well as cedar-lined hot propane-on-demand outdoor showers.
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Course Notes
This course starts at 09:00 -17:00 Saturday and Sunday.
Weekend kayak equipment and rental are available $50 +HST.
Your Instructors
Our certified instructors are some of Canada's best!
Heather Stewart
I love helping people find their connection to their kayak... Yoga for Paddlers is a great way to find how to move and be one with the boat.
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.
Eric Clinton
Eric has loved paddling and the great outdoors his entire life. He has been working in the outdoor industry since 2019 and spends his summers at OSKC as a level 1 instructor and also works for our sister company Georgian Bay Tours as a kayak guide and commercial boat captain.
Melissa Heaman
Melissa grew up visiting Parry Sound every summer, where her love of being on the water began.
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
Ontario Sea Kayak Centre
Parry Sound, Ontario
We will start the course at our base here in Parry Sound.
Ontario Sea Kayak Centre
Parry Sound, Ontario
We will start the course at our base here in Parry Sound.
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Lessons 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 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!
Book Now!
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Course Notes
This course runs 09:00-17:00 Saturday and Sunday.
Weekend kayak equipment and rental are available $50 +HST.
Your Instructors
Our certified instructors are some of Canada's best!
Jeff Phaneuf
Jeff has been a teacher/coach (volleyball & rugby) at Ursuline College in Chatham for almost a quarter of a century. He is now combining his passion for teaching/coaching and the outdoors.
Heather Stewart
I love helping people find their connection to their kayak... Yoga for Paddlers is a great way to find how to move and be one with the boat.
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.
Kyle Steward
Kyle Steward has been one of our instructors since 2015 and his passion for the sport is infectious. Kyle is a very skilled Greenland roller and kayak instructor.
Know someone who wants to take this course?
Course Location
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!
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 Directions
Lessons in Langton, Ontario
Deer Creek is a stunning little spring-fed lake. This clean lake is a great place to take this course.
You may want to book a campsite at Deer Creek Conservation Area and enjoy a fun weekend getaway!
Book Now!
Searching Availability...
Course Notes
The course starts at 0900 and will be finished by 1700 each day.
Weekend kayak equipment and rental are available $50 +HST.
Your Instructors
Our certified instructors are some of Canada's best!
Jeff Phaneuf
Jeff has been a teacher/coach (volleyball & rugby) at Ursuline College in Chatham for almost a quarter of a century. He is now combining his passion for teaching/coaching and the outdoors.
Patricia Jones
Patricia has been kayaking now for over 12 years and is a graduate of the Adventure Expedition and Interpretive Leadership program at Fanshawe College.
Working with OSKC, Patricia has many skills to transfer to people and her passion for the outdoors will inspire anybody who wants to step in and experience adventure and freedom.
Know someone who wants to take this course?
Course Location
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.
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 Directions
