Level 2 Sea Kayak Courses
The journey continues. You’ve built confidence in calm conditions — now it’s time to expand your range, strengthen your decision-making, and learn to work with wind, waves, and navigation. Paddle Canada Level 2 takes your sea kayaking from practice to performance, preparing you for real-world touring.
1. Course Overview Navigation, wind, and waves — building true resilience
Click above to see upcoming courses.
Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayak builds on Level 1 with advanced strokes, navigation, and seamanship for open-water touring. You’ll develop the judgment, teamwork, and self-reliance needed for day and overnight trips in dynamic conditions.
- Refined forward, reverse, and sweep strokes with edging
- Rescues in wind, surf, and rougher water
- Introductory towing, leadership, and group management
- Chart & compass navigation with real trip planning
- Weather interpretation and route strategies
- Overnight camping, packing, and expedition behaviours
You don’t control the sea — you learn to understand it.
2. Locations Wind, waves, and wilderness across Ontario
Our Level 2 courses run in true coastal environments chosen for challenge and safety:
- Tobermory – Georgian Bay — open-water crossings and classic limestone coastlines
- Niagara River — current, ferry angles, and eddy skills
- Lake Superior Provincial Park — expedition-style training with surf landings
3. Prerequisites Solid foundation from Level 1 or equivalent experience
You should already be comfortable with basic rescues and paddling in light wind and waves. A completed Level 1 Sea Kayak Certification or equivalent skills are required. Good fitness and an adventurous spirit help too.
4. What You’ll Receive Certification, mentorship, and expedition experience
- Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayak Certification (on successful completion)
- Detailed feedback and individual skills tracking
- Access to Kayak Ontario’s Online Learning Portal
- Trip planning templates, packing lists, and post-course support
5. Gear and Rentals Expedition-grade kayaks and full outfitting available
We supply premium expedition kayaks and safety gear. Rental packages include sea kayak, paddle, PFD, spray skirt, pump, paddle float, and free drysuit rental for cold-water sessions. You’re welcome to bring your own boat — we’ll help set it up for touring efficiency.
6. Why We’re the Best in Class in Canada Instruction, leadership, and inclusivity that set the national standard
Kayak Ontario is Canada’s recognized leader in advanced sea kayaking education. Our Paddle Canada Instructor Trainers teach not just technique, but judgment and leadership — helping paddlers evolve into safe, confident coastal travelers.
- Dual-certified Instructor Trainers: Paddle Canada & ORCKA accreditation
- Cutting-edge coaching: experiential learning grounded in sport science
- Inclusive community: safe-sport, trauma-informed, and welcoming to all paddlers
- Premium equipment: Valley, Rockpool, Kokatat, Werner, and Sweet Protection
- National reach: programs from Georgian Bay to the Maritimes
The premier brands partner with the premier school — and so should you.
Wherever you paddle in Canada, our name stands for excellence, integrity, and connection to the water. That’s why we’re proud to be the standard-bearer for Canadian sea-kayak instruction.
Reserve Your Spot
Choose your preferred location and date — spaces fill quickly each season.
View Upcoming Level 2 Courses