Here’s where your story begins. You’ll learn the essentials of confidence and safety while discovering how natural it feels to move with your kayak.

It’s about connection, friendship, and time outdoors — the gateway to the sport, where you might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.

Confidence is built one calm crossing at a time.

Next Step → Intermediate Development

Building on the foundation of Paddle Canada Level 1, you’ll learn to travel confidently in coastal conditions — exploring the Great Lakes shorelines and planning trips of your own.

Days are filled with seamanship, decision-making, and moments of laughter shared over charts and backcountry meals. By the end, you’ll feel a belonging: in the sport, the community, and in your growing trust in your own skills.

You don’t control the sea — you learn to understand it.

Next Step → Instructional Tours

Learning becomes adventure. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, you’ll travel real coastlines, refine group awareness, and turn practice into lived experience.

Skill turns to wisdom when miles are shared.

Next Step → Advanced Skills

Conditions now teach the lessons. You’ll refine surf entries, coastal rescues, and leadership in complex water. Precision meets humility — and growth never stops.

Mastery isn’t control — it’s awareness without panic.

Next Step → Instructor Pathways

Teaching transforms what you know into what others can become. Instructing isn’t about authority — it’s about service, clarity, and shared growth.

A great coach teaches people, not paddling.

Next Step → Leadership & Community

At the far end of skill lies purpose. This stage is about stewardship — giving back to the community that shaped you. Through mentoring, organizing, and advocacy, you help define what paddlesports in Canada will become for those who follow.

Leadership isn’t a level — it’s a way of showing up for others.

Next Step → Why Choose Kayak Ontario

Kayak Ontario is the only school in Ontario certified to teach every Paddle Canada and ORCKA program stream. With two Instructor Trainers from each system on staff, we can tailor any pathway to your goals—from your first strokes to instructor certification.

Our scale spans Ontario and the Maritimes, supported by a professional network of guides, educators, and partner outfitters. Wherever you paddle, you’ll find consistent instruction, mentorship, and community.

We’re also the main Ontario retailers for the world’s top paddling brands: Valley, Rockpool, Kokatat, Astral, Werner, Sweet Protection, and Nookie. The best gear in the world partners with the best schools—and that’s no coincidence.

The premier brands deal with premier schools—and so should you.

Next Step → Where We Teach

We teach where the best lessons live—on Canada’s most inspiring coastlines and lakes. Every location is chosen for both safety and challenge, giving you the ideal environment to grow.

From quiet bays to wild coasts, our classrooms stretch across the Great Lakes—and beyond. Every stroke builds connection with place, purpose, and the sea.

Your classroom is the water—and Canada’s coastline is your curriculum.