Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayaking Skills and Wilderness Camping Course

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.

Your Instructors

Our certified instructors are some of Canada’s best!

Mark Gibeault

As an avid marathon paddler, Mark is always looking to refine the forward stroke and loves the efficiency of the Greenland Paddle, a shout-out to Traditional Indigenous Knowledge! A teacher by trade and lifelong learner, he also collects paddling certifications. Amongst his collection, PC Level 3 Sea Kayak Skills and is a PC Level 2 Instructor and Kayak Rolling Instructor.

Scott Rosborough

Scott Rosborough has been paddling and teaching for Ontario Sea Kayak Centre for eight years and is one of our best rolling instructors. He is a Paddle Canada Level Two Instructor, A Paddle Canada Rolling Instructor and he has his Level Three Skills.

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.