Paddle Canada Level 2 - The Fox Islands
TOURING THE QUARTZITE LACLOCHE MOUNTAINS
Course Overview
The Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayaking Skills course is an intermediate program designed to help beginner kayakers advance to proficient sea kayakers. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Fox Island Archipelago, this course focuses on refining paddling skills, enhancing navigation knowledge, improving seamanship, and building leadership abilities. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to confidently plan and prepare for your own overnight kayaking trips with friends.
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.
What You Will Learn
Over four days, you’ll dive into the following topics:
- Navigation & Seamanship: Learn to navigate in coastal waters, handle tides and currents, and understand the art of seamanship.
- Knots, Tarps & Expedition Behavior: Master key knots, tarp setups, and the skills needed for extended kayaking trips.
- Risk Management & Weather Prediction: Gain the ability to assess risk, predict weather patterns, and respond accordingly on the water.
- Boat Handling & Rescue Techniques: Refine your boat-handling skills with advanced strokes, towing techniques, and on-water rescues.
Sample Trip Plan:
- Day 1 - Meet at
- Chikanishing Trail** Safety debrief, skill reviews, and Level 2 rescue exercises. Paddle to the campsite.
- Day 2 - Navigation, seamanship and weather forecasting.
- Day 3 - Coastal touring, kayak handling with L2 strokes and towing introduction.
- Day 4 - Last Campsite:** Rescue and Towing Scenarios, Rolling, and course wrap-up.
- Day 5 - Head home and fish and Chips at Herbert's!
What to Expect
- Hands-On Learning: Full days of practical, on-water training, plus evening sessions focused on theory and discussion.
- Camping: Four nights of camping are included in the price. (Some rental camping gear is available if needed.)
- Meals: Participants are responsible for bringing their own food. We will visit local pubs and food trucks for meals, but camping meal prep is part of the experience!
- Rain or Shine: The course runs rain or shine, though we will reschedule if there are prolonged thunderstorms.
- Community & Fun: Connect with fellow kayakers at a similar skill level, with plenty of opportunities to share experiences and learn together.
Equipment Needed
To participate, make sure you bring the following:
- Sea Kayak with two bulkheads (rentals available)
- Safety Gear: Pump, whistle, and 15-meter floating rope (available for purchase)
- Dry Suit (available for rent)
- Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, etc. (some rentals available)
Other Information
- Camping Included: Four nights of camping are part of the course fee; participants are responsible for parking permits at launch sites.
- Food Not Included: Participants will need to bring their own food, but we’ll enjoy some fun meals out at local spots along the way.
We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we gather (Known as Killarney) is the traditional territory of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ and Mississauga.
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.
