In 2018 Paddle Canada split the Paddle Canada Level 2 skills course curriculum up into sea kayak skills and knowledge and wilderness camping skills. Before that time we would run our course over five days on trip, among 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 experienced instructors and other students on the course which are invaluable. There is so much learning that happens from living outdoors in the environment you are learning about. So if that sounds like it appeals to your style of learning, then the on-trip version of our level 2 skills program might be for you.
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 on the shores of Georgian Bay where you and your fellow students and instructors will head out 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 5 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.
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Your Instructors
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Trip cancellation insurance. Trip medical/Cancellation insurance strongly recommended.
What You Should Bring
A detailed gear list is sent before the start of the trip but this can get you started.
- A detailed packing list will be sent to you prior to the course. You will also learn what to bring during the online zoom lessons with your instructors before the course.
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.
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.
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