Perfect for beginners or those with a little experience, this course will teach you how to move the kayak in all directions, 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.
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.
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.
Exclusive OSKC bonus: Continue your learning online after your course.
As an added bonus when you take your Paddle Canada course with OSKC you will receive one month free access to Online Sea Kayaking, thanks to our exclusive partnership. Online Sea Kayaking has a collection of videos and learning modules that you will gain access to after your course so you can review the skills that you just learned and start working towards the next level. These videos are filmed beautifully and the instruction is clear and easy to understand. The key to learning is repetition. We have seen great improvement in our long term students that have used Online Sea Kayaking to compliment their in-person training. What’s more, as a student of OSKC you can also get 10% off your subscription for life! Just use this discount code when checking out at Online Sea Kayaking: “ONTARIOSEAKAYAK”
Why 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. 😉
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our Paddle Canada kayaking courses. Email or call us 1-905-399-1216.
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Course Prerequisites
Please contact us with any question related to these trip prerequisites.
- No experience is neccessary
What a boost to your kayaking self-confidence to have Dympna and James alongside you in the water! Their wet exit demonstration and one-on-one support made learning fun not fearful.
Lessons in Parry Sound, Ontario
Our Parry Sound courses are run at Yvonne Williams Park. This park is on the Seguin River in Parry Sound which provides fresh clean water to paddle in all summer long. It is a calm and boat-free area to paddle with lots of picnic tables shaded by large pine trees for our theory segments. A perfect location to learn these paddling skills.
Turn your level 1 course into a weekend away! There are multiple Airbnb’s and hotels within a 5 minute drive of the course location. We are also closely located to Oastler and Killbear provincial Park.
Book Now!
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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.
What's Included
- Ontario's best professional 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 park entry fee at Guelph Lake. Parking and access is free in Parry Sound.
- If you're on a Guelph Lake 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)
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!
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.
Melissa Heaman
Melissa grew up visiting Parry Sound every summer, where her love of being on the water began.
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.
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.
Know someone who wants to take this course?
Course Location
Yvonne Williams Park, Parry Sound, Ontario
Parry Sound, Ontario
Yvonne Williams Park, Parry Sound. Turn off of Williams Street onto Halls Road. At the end of this dead-end road you will see our instructors in the park. You can park anywhere on this road.
Yvonne Williams Park, Parry Sound, Ontario
Parry Sound, Ontario
Yvonne Williams Park, Parry Sound. Turn off of Williams Street onto Halls Road. At the end of this dead-end road you will see our instructors in the park. You can park anywhere on this road.
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 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!
Searching Availability...
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.
What's Included
- Ontario's best professional 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 park entry fee at Guelph Lake. Parking and access is free in Parry Sound.
- If you're on a Guelph Lake 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)
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 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.
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.
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
