Click above to view current Level 3 courses.

The Paddle Canada Level 3 Sea Kayak Course develops advanced paddlers into self-reliant expedition leaders. Conducted in exposed coastal environments, this course integrates leadership, navigation, risk management, and technical precision in rough water, surf, and wind.

Typical environment: exposed shorelines with combined wind, waves, surf (up to 1 m), and swell; open crossings up to 2 NM; dynamic landings and launch sites.

Typical conditions: 15–25 knot winds, 1 m + seas, and surf zones to 1 m.

• Boat control in surf, swell, and 1 m + wind waves
• Rolling, re-entries, and rescues under real expedition conditions
• Advanced towing and incident management in rough water
• Navigation with bearings, coastal piloting, and limited visibility travel
• Weather interpretation and trip adjustments in real time
• Leadership, communication, and group management under stress
• Expedition planning and environmental awareness

Outcome: Graduates demonstrate the ability to plan and lead multi-day journeys in exposed Great Lakes or coastal environments, with the judgment and technical ability to operate safely and support peers.

The hallmark of Level 3 is judgment — calm decisions when the sea is not.

Level 3 courses are held in rugged, dynamic environments that provide a true coastal experience while remaining accessible and safe for assessment.

• Lake Superior Provincial Park — long crossings, surf landings, and remote expedition travel
• Atlantic Canada at Norse Cove — open-water and tidal current training (advanced candidates)

Completion of Paddle Canada Level 2 or equivalent experience is required. Participants should have logged multiple multi-day trips, demonstrate strong rescue and towing proficiency, and be comfortable paddling in 15–20 knot winds and 1 m seas.

A reliable roll is strongly recommended.

• Risk management and group leadership in rough water
• Developing trip plans using weather, tides, and sea-state forecasts
• Coastal navigation using charts, bearings, and back bearings
• Surf and dynamic launch techniques
• Self- and assisted rescues in surf and swell
• Efficient forward paddling and bracing in dynamic water
• Leadership communication and peer coaching

Level 3 certification is awarded based on demonstrated leadership, seamanship, and safety in real-world conditions. Assessment occurs throughout a multi-day expedition and focuses on practical application rather than drills.

Candidates are evaluated on their ability to:

• Manage group safety and logistics under pressure
• Navigate accurately in wind, waves, and reduced visibility
• Lead landings and launches in surf and rock environments
• Apply advanced rescue systems and problem-solving
• Demonstrate sound judgment, environmental awareness, and leadership ethics

Successful participants receive Paddle Canada Level 3 Sea Kayak Skills certification.

Kayak Ontario is one of Canada’s few schools authorized to deliver full Paddle Canada Level 3 programs on the Great Lakes. Our instructors are national-level leaders who combine evidence-based coaching, inclusive mentorship, and expedition-tested experience.

• National Instructor Trainers: Paddle Canada Level 3 ITs and ORCKA educators
• Advanced training environments: surf, swell, and expedition travel
• Inclusive coaching: trauma-informed, safe-sport-aligned instruction
• Premium expedition gear: Valley, Rockpool, Kokatat, Werner, Sweet Protection
• Canada-wide influence: training programs from Georgian Bay to the Atlantic

The premier school for advanced coastal paddlers — trusted across Canada.

Wherever you paddle, our name represents excellence, safety, and respect for the sea. Join us in shaping the next generation of Canadian sea-kayak leadership.