Camping -  Skills Preparation

This course is run from a base camp, which is Included in the price!

Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayaking Skills course is an intermediate program designed to help beginner kayakers become proficient sea kayakers. Set on the scenic 100 Wild Islands and Norse Cove, this course focuses on enhancing paddling skills, navigation knowledge, seamanship, and leadership abilities. The ultimate goal is to equip participants with the skills necessary to plan and prepare for overnight trips with friends.

This course is designed for individuals who have Paddle Canada Level 1 certification. This indicates that you are a relatively new sea kayaker with knowledge of re-entry techniques and can paddle forward for a full day of activities. If you want to develop your skills further in a coastal environment, this course is for you.

Participants will gain hands-on experience by working on real-life scenarios related to on-water rescues, seamanship, and navigation skills. They can expect full days dedicated to hands-on learning and evening sessions that will focus on theoretical concepts. While meals are the responsibility of each participant, we will visit some fun pubs and food trucks for dining options.

Key topics include:

• Navigation and Seamanship.
• Knots, Tarps and Expedition Behaviour.
• Risk Management and Weather Prediction.
• Boat Handling and Rescue Techniques.

   

Sample Trip Plan:

• • Day 1 - Norse Cove:** Safety debrief, skill reviews, and Level 2 rescue exercises.
  • Day 2 - Ship Harbour:** Navigation, seamanship and weather forecasting.
  • Day 3 - Owl's Head:** Coastal touring, kayak handling with L2 strokes and towing introduction.
  • Day 4 - Taylor's Head:** Rescue and Towing Scenarios, Rolling and course wrap up.

     

Equipment Needed:

• • A sea kayak (two bulkheads required; rentals available)
  • Safety gear: pump, whistle, 15m floating rope (available for purchase)
  • Dry suits (available for rent)
  • Camping gear (some rentals available.

• This program includes four nights of camping, which are included in the cost; participants are responsible for parking permits at the launch sites. 
• Food is not included.

We are grateful for the knowledge shared with us by the Indigenous peoples of what is now known as Canada as well as the circumpolar region of the Northern Hemisphere.