In 2018 Paddle Canada split the Paddle Canada Level 2 skills course curriculum up into paddling and knowledge skills and Wilderness Camping Skills. Before that time we would run our course over five days on trip in Georgian Bay’s many islands. In our opinion, these were some of the best level 2 skills courses we ever ran. There is so much learning that happens in the evenings in camp from discussions with our instructors and other students on the course which are invaluable. There is so much learning that happens from living outdoors in regards to changes in the weather. So back this year by popular demand is the on-trip version of our level 2 skills program.
The course will start with an online lesson to prepare you to show up to the course with the right camping equipment and food. (Camping gear rentals are available). The course will start in person at one of our Georgian Bay launch sites where you and your fellow students and instructors will head out into the Islands and set up camp. You will learn how to select and navigate to a good campsite. How to set up tarps and tents to comfortably live outdoors for 6 days and camp kitchen and sanitation skills. Once you are settled in you will work on the level 2 paddling skills, rescue skills, navigation, towing, and more all while monitoring the weather and exploring the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. This course will teach you all the necessary skills to use your kayak to camp and explore, safely and effectively.
What You Will Learn
- Efficient paddling strokes
- New maneuvering skills
- Skills to Monitor and predict the weather
- Land and water based navigation
- Towing and Advanced Rescues
- Kayak Rolling
- Food preparation and water purification
- Camping skills - Shelter, Water, Food, Fire, Animal issues and more.
Your Instructors
Our certified instructors are some of Canada’s best!
Kris Shaw
She enjoys sharing her passion for being outdoors and teaching others how to be safe and comfortable while seeking new adventures and pushing the envelope, just a little.
Her motto – ‘life should fit into a kayak’.
Karen Dominick
The spirit of adventure has led Karen to explore some remote locations from the seat of her kayak and the soles of her boots over the last 20 years. An explorer at heart, she loves encouraging paddlers (especially women) to move outside of their comfort zones in a safe learning environment.
Course Prerequisites
Please contact us with any question related to these trip prerequisites.
- Paddle Canada Level 1 (or equivalent via other classes and experience), which includes theory, basic strokes, wet exit, plus self and assisted rescues.
What's Included
Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.
Included
- Six days of kayak instruction
- Paddle Canada Level 2 Certification (on meeting standard) and registration with Paddle Canada.
- Paddle Canada Wilderness Camping Certification (on meeting standard) and registration with Paddle Canada.
- Highly trained insured kayak instructors with decades of experience.
- Complimentary copy of: Navigation, Sea state and Weather. A Paddler’s Manual.
- Group camping equipment. Large tarps, group safety equipment.
- Expedition First Aid Kit. Guides are Wilderness Medical Associates First Responder Certified.
What's Not Included
- Touring Sea Kayak and required safety gear. (Rentals available. Reserve during checkout)
- Tent and sleeping mat. (Rentals available. Reserve during checkout)
- Camp cooking gear and food. (What to bring will be taught during the online lesson.)
- Parking fees during the course. (Budget around $10/day)
What You Should Bring
A detailed gear list is sent before the start of the trip but this can get you started.
Know someone who wants to take this course?
Course Location
Georgian Bay, Ontario
Out on Georgian Bay, Ontario
Head out on Georgian Bay with one of our instructors from one of our five Georgian Bay launch spots.
ON
Canada,
Georgian Bay, Ontario
Out on Georgian Bay, Ontario
Head out on Georgian Bay with one of our instructors from one of our five Georgian Bay launch spots.
Get Driving DirectionsWhat 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.
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.