Base Camp is Included – Skills Preparation

Course Overview

Kayak Ontario’s Level 3 Prep course is an advanced sea kayaking program for paddlers ready to train in open ocean conditions. Based in Nova Scotia’s 100 Wild Islands, this four-day training blends skill development, leadership, and expedition-style paddling.

Level 3 is about more than strokes. It is decision-making, seamanship, and resilience in dynamic coastal environments. You will refine technique, practice real-world rescues, and take on leadership challenges that prepare you for a Paddle Canada Level 3 assessment.

What You Will Learn

• Risk Management and Leadership: Advanced trip planning, decisions under pressure, group leadership in exposed conditions. This is the main focus of your on-water time.
• Seamanship and Navigation: Tides, currents, bearings, ranges, and group navigation challenges.
• Boat Control in Conditions: Surf entries and exits, rock gardening, momentum strokes, effective bracing.
• Rescues and Towing: All-in scenarios, incident management, multi-boat tows, communication.
• Rolling and Confidence: Rolling practice and support skills for rough water.

Built for Lifelong Learning

Every Kayak Ontario course includes access to your personal online learning dashboard. This best-in-class system makes your training hybrid, offering clear preparation before the course, structured learning on the water, and continued support afterward.

You will see your course progress, complete short modules on preparation, gear, safety, weather, and tides, and return any time to review lessons after the course ends.

Alongside your dashboard, you can add a Kayak Ontario Course Manual. Each manual mirrors the lessons from your course with step-by-step skill breakdowns, clear diagrams, and practical tips. It is a durable, full-colour workbook you can take to the shoreline, mark up with notes, and keep as a lasting reference on your paddling journey.

Sample Trip Plan

Subject to change with weather and conditions.

• Day 1 – Arrival and orientation. Risk Management, Tides and Currents Workshop. On-water rescue and stroke tune-up. Evening video review.
• Day 2 – Weather forecasting and interpretation. Paddling in current. Turning strokes under momentum. Navigation challenge. Rolling clinic. Evening navigation session.
• Day 3 – Expedition paddle into the Wild Islands. Towing practice and leadership scenarios.
• Day 4 – Rock gardening. Advanced rescues. All-in scenarios. Participant-led group management. Wrap-up and debrief.

What to Expect

• Hands-On Learning: Long paddling days with leadership challenges and evening theory.
• Camping: Three nights of camping included in the course fee.
• Meals: Participants bring their own food. We may visit local spots when time allows.
• Rain or Shine: Runs in all conditions except prolonged thunderstorms or extreme weather.
• Community: Train with paddlers committed to advancing skills in a supportive setting.

Equipment Needed

• Sea kayak with two bulkheads (fibreglass performance kayaks available).
• Safety gear: pump, whistle, 15 m floating line.
• Dry suit (available for rent).
• Camping kit: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, and personal gear.

Other Information

• Transportation to Norse Cove is not included.
• Parking permits and travel costs are the responsibility of participants.
• Food is not included. Bring snacks and lunches suited to full days on the water.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that this course takes place in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. These lands and waters are governed by Peace and Friendship Treaties. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn, paddle, and share knowledge here, and we remain committed to contributing to Indigenous-led organizations that sustain and protect these waters.