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

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 a minimum of 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).

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 16 hours 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 fiberglass NDK sea kayaks for rent. You may use your own, if you wish.
• You will need a pump, a whistle, and a 15m floating rope. They are available to purchase if required.
• Dry suits are available to borrow if required.
• Camping gear (Saugeen only) - we have some for rent, please enquire if needed.
  
• There is no camping on the Toronto courses. You must arrange your own accommodation for the course.
• Food is not included but meal plans are available.
  

This program includes 4 nights camping if you are joining us on the Saugeen Peninsula; please note that participants are responsible for parking permits at the launch sites.