The Sea Kayak Level-1 Instructor course provides national certification in the instruction and administration of the Paddle Canada Level-1 Skills course.

Mandate of the Level-1 Instructor:

The Level-1 Instructor is certified to:

• Conduct Paddle Canada Waterfront Kayak, Basic Kayak and Level-1 Skills courses and certify paddlers at those levels,
• Assist a Level-2 Instructor on a Level-2 Skills course, and
• Assist a Basic Kayak Instructor Trainer on a Basic Kayak Instructor or Waterfront Instructor course.

Prerequisites:

• At least 18 years of age.
• Skills Certification
  • Paddle Canada Level-2 Skills.
• Instructor Certification
  • Basic Kayak Instructor highly suggested.
• Teaching Experience
  • None, though it is highly recommended that the prospective candidate have taught at least two Basic Kayak Skills courses within the past three years, being the lead instructor on at least one of those courses.
• First Aid Certification
  • Current certification in first aid (14 hours) with CPR.
• Paddling Experience
  • 30 days in Level-1 conditions (including overnights). You will need to submit some sort of proof. 

Skills certification prerequisite note: With the permission of the Instructor Trainer, a candidate may enroll in a Level-1 Instructor course prior to completing their Level-2 Skills certification. Certification as a Level-1 Instructor is delayed until Level-2 skill certification and all other requirements are complete. Passing the instructor course will be subject to the provision of completing the required Level-2 skill certification and updating the Instructor Course Report within one year.

This provision applies only to the Level-1 Instructor course and does not apply to any other certification.

Course Length:

40 hours of instruction (5 days) with a minimum of 16 hours of instruction on the water.

Course Notes:

• There is an additional fee of $99 (plus tax) for your Paddle Canada Instructor membership.

For the purposes of this class, you will require: Full List

• A sea kayak with 2 bulkheads. 
• We have fibreglass NDK sea kayaks for rent. You may use your own if you wish.
• You will need a pump, a whistle, and a 15-m floating rope. These can be purchased if necessary.
• Dry suits are available to borrow if required.
• Camping gear (Saugeen only) - We have some for rent; please enquire if you need it.
  
• There is no camping on the Toronto courses. You must arrange your own accommodation for the course.
• Food is not included.
  

If you are joining us on the Saugeen Peninsula, this program includes four nights of camping; please note that participants are responsible for parking permits at the launch sites.