Kayak Ontario Level 1 - Lion's Head
Course Overview
Level 1 is a two-day, beginner-friendly course designed for individuals who are new to kayaking. It will teach you the essential skills to plan and enjoy safe day trips on calm waters (Level 1 conditions). This course is ideal for beginners or those with some prior experience, as it serves as the foundation for most people's training.
Over two days (16 hours), plus access to our online manual and workbooks:
- Paddling techniques: forward and reverse strokes, edging, turning, bracing
- Safety skills: wet exit, self-rescue, assisted re-entry
- Navigation and planning: basic charts, weather awareness, simple day trip plans
- Equipment knowledge: how to choose and fit the essentials
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’ll see your course progress, complete short modules on preparation, gear, safety, and theory, and return any time to review lessons after the course ends.
Together, the dashboard and on-water instruction create a learning path that is unique in paddlesports—structured, supportive, and designed to keep you growing long after the weekend.
Alongside your online 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’s 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.
What to Expect
- Hands-On Learning: You'll practice essential skills in a supportive environment through fun group activities, games, and drills.
- Get Wet: Be prepared to get in the water—bring a towel and a change of clothes. Avoid cotton clothing, as it is not ideal for kayaking.
- Safety First: You’ll receive detailed instruction on safety practices and equipment use to ensure a safe, enjoyable learning experience.
- Rain or Shine: The course runs rain or shine. In case of prolonged thunderstorms, we will reschedule.
- Make friends: with a group of kayakers who are at a similar stage in their development.
What You Need to Bring
Please come prepared with the essentials listed below. If you don’t own them, rentals and loaner gear are available.
Required gear
- Sea kayak with two bulkheads – rental fleet available
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) – loaners available
- Paddle – rentals available
- Safety kit (Transport Canada approved: pump, whistle, 15 m floating rope) – rentals available.
Personal items
- Sunscreen
- Lunch and snacks
- Drinking water
This class is enjoyable, relaxed, and provides a positive, inclusive experience. We will incorporate games, group activities, and real-world scenarios as much as possible. You will only be asked to demonstrate in front of the class if you volunteer, and there will be no pressure to speak in front of large crowds unless you choose to do so. If this sounds appealing, along with the promise of some terrible dad jokes, then you've found the right place to sign up!
Land acknowledgement
We acknowledge that our courses in Lion’s Head take place on the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which includes the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation. These lands and waters have been cared for and remain vital to the Anishinaabek people.
At Kayak Ontario, we are grateful for the knowledge shared with us by Indigenous peoples and recognize that our presence on this land carries responsibility. We support this acknowledgement with action, including donations to Indigenous-led organizations that make a real difference in their communities.