Paddle Canada - Basic Kayak Instructor

Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Instructor Certification

The Basic Kayak Instructor course is the entry point for those who want to introduce others to the joy of paddling. It’s not just about knowing how to paddle; it’s about learning how to break down fundamental movements and create a fun, safe, and supportive environment for first-timers.

The Kayak Ontario Advantage: Blended Learning

We believe that becoming a great teacher requires time to process theory before you ever hit the water. Your journey begins with our fully functional Learning Management System (LMS).

• Build the Foundation: Access comprehensive digital modules covering the "IDEAS" teaching model, equipment theory, and safety protocols.

• Case Studies & Games: Learn how to use "gamified" learning to teach technical strokes, making your future classes more engaging for students.

• Focus on the Water: Because the "knowledge" portion is handled through the LMS, we spend our on-water time on high-value feedback, demonstration quality, and group management.

• Take-Home Resource: You retain access to your digital lessons and lesson plan templates, providing a ready-made toolkit for your first solo class.

Skills, Coaching, and Inclusion

This course focuses on the art of the demonstration. * Precision Over Power: You don’t need to be an elite athlete to be a brilliant Basic Instructor. We focus on "demonstration quality"—the ability to perform a stroke slowly and clearly so a student can mirror you.

• Inclusive Teaching: We teach you how to adapt your instruction for different body types and learning styles. We believe that if you can't explain a stroke in three different ways, you don't fully understand it yet.

• A Welcoming Environment: All bodies and abilities are welcome. Our goal is to create instructors who represent the diverse community of paddlers we want to see on the water.

Who it’s for

This course is for the recreational paddler who loves the sport and wants to lead introductory clinics, waterfront programs, or club outings.

• The Next Step: This is the perfect follow-up if you have recently completed your Level 1 Skills and want to start your coaching journey.

• The Mentor: Ideal for camp counselors, club leaders, or anyone who finds themselves naturally helping friends on the water and wants to do it with a certified, national standard.

What to expect

This is a three-day program (longer than the national minimum) to ensure you aren't just "getting through it," but truly mastering the material.

We’ll break down the fundamental "Basic Skills" curriculum—lifting and carrying, launching, forward and reverse strokes, pivots, and basic rescues—and teach you how to deliver them using the Paddle Canada IDEAS approach. You will get multiple opportunities to lead "micro-teaching" sessions and receive supportive, constructive feedback from your Instructor Trainer.

Prerequisites

• Minimum age: 16

• Certification: Paddle Canada Level 1 Skills.

• First Aid: Current First Aid (14 hr) with CPR.

• Experience: Significant paddling experience in various conditions. You should be able to perform all basic skills with confidence and grace before the course begins.

Our Standards

We provide a structured onboarding process, including pre-course prep and a readiness call if you have questions about your skills. This isn't a barrier—it's a support system. We want to ensure that when you show up on Day 1, you are ready to focus on teaching, not just survival.

Certification and Career Pathways

Successful candidates earn the Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Instructor certification, authorizing you to:

• Conduct and certify Waterfront Kayak and Basic Kayak Skills courses.

• Assist a Level 1 Instructor on a Level 1 Skills course.

This is the foundational credential in the Paddle Canada system. Many of our students use this as a stepping stone toward their Level 1 Instructor certification or to work at summer camps and waterfront rental centers across Canada.

Why take it with Kayak Ontario?

We don't just teach the curriculum; we mentor the person. You’ll learn from trainers who are active in the industry and who prioritize safety and fun in equal measure. You’ll leave with more than a certificate—you’ll leave with a community