The Paddle Canada Level 4 skills course covers advanced paddling skills, problem-solving, group dynamics, and leadership during a multi-day trip in a rough-water environment. The course will focus on the student’s ability to confidently sea kayak in class-4 water conditions along remote and exposed open coast for an extended trip. The student will be an effective part of a group of peers, able to perform both leadership and supportive roles.
This scenario-driven course will challenge paddlers to navigate an exposed coastline as a peer group finding solutions to problems posed by the instructors, elements, and geography we encounter. Learning will occur from debriefing the scenarios we run through and from peer-to-peer feedback. This is the highest level in the Paddle Canada sea kayaking program. It is about showing up with your paddling/rescue and touring systems and putting them to the test.
As this is an advanced touring-kayak-focused program we will be basing the course out on trip. We will meet and depart on our trip and the entire program will unfold in an expedition context, exactly what we are training to do.
Join James, OSKC’s senior instructor in the West Coast of Vancouver Island as he teams up with Lee Richardson again for this course.
Head over to our friends at Best Coast Outfitters to book this course.
What You Will Learn
- Advanced paddling skills coaching in dynamic conditions.
- On-water problem solving.
- Leadership skills.
- Group dynamics.
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.
Lee Richardson
Lee is an inspirational business leader and professional sea kayak instructor with over 17 years combined in the educational and sea kayak industry. He has taught at Symposiums all over North America and teaches and guides regularly on the East Coast and West Coast.
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.
Dates
May 1–6, 2025
Price From
$995
per person plus taxes
Course Prerequisites
Please contact us with any question related to these trip prerequisites.
- Paddle Canada Level 3 Certification or equivalent.
- At least 10 day-trips kayaking in class-3 conditions.
- A minimum of three extended trips totalling 10 or more overnights. The student must show evidence (e.g. weather/sea state logs, photography or video) that they spent a minimum of five days during any trip in class-3 conditions.
- An ability to confidently roll (on one side) in class-3 conditions is essential.
- Wilderness first aid certification (36 hours) with CPR is strongly recommended.
- Restricted Radio Operator's Licence (marine VHF) is strongly recommended.
What's Included
Don't worry, we've got this covered.
Included
- Paddle Canada Certified Instructors
- Six days of instruction
What's Not Included
- Sea Kayak and paddling equipment
- Camping gear and food
What You Should Bring
A detailed gear list is sent before the start of the trip but this can get you started.
- A Sea Kayak with all required paddling gear
- Camping equipment and meals to sustain you on a multi-day journey
- A VHF Radio with required licensing
Dates
May 1–6, 2025
Price From
$995
per person plus taxes
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