This program can be taken online or in person.

Course materials can be shipped or picked up in class.

Course Overview: 

The Basic Kayak Navigation Course is an 8-week theory-based program introducing paddlers to the foundational skills and knowledge required for safe and confident kayaking navigation. This course covers essential tools such as marine charts, compasses, and tide tables and emphasizes understanding the role of weather in planning kayak trips. Through interactive lessons, practical exercises, and real-world scenarios, participants will gain the confidence to plan and assess simple day trips.

Who Is This Course For?

• Kayakers with Level 1 skills or equivalent.
• Paddlers who want to improve their understanding of charts, tides, and weather.
• Kayakers preparing for more advanced navigation training.

Course Structure:

• Duration: 8 weeks (2.5 hours per session).
• Location: Classroom-based.
• Format: Interactive lessons, practical exercises, and group discussions.

Week 1: Introduction to Kayak Navigation

• Course overview and goals.
• Basic tools: chart, compass, marine GPS, and tide tables.
• Understanding charts: symbols, scales, and orientation.
• Safety in navigation (weather awareness and planning).

Week 2: Reading a Marine Chart

• Chart types and scales.
• Features: depths, contours, aids to navigation (buoys, beacons).
• Practice: Identifying key symbols and features on charts.

Week 3: Using a Compass

• Understanding a marine compass: true north vs. magnetic north.
• Taking bearings and triangulation basics.
• On-land practice: Finding and following bearings.

Week 4: Introduction to Tides and Currents

• Why tides and currents matter for kayakers.
• Reading tide tables and current charts.
• Simple trip planning considering tidal movement.

Week 5: Basic Route Planning

• Creating a simple route on a chart.
• Calculating distances and estimating time (speed considerations).
• Plotting checkpoints for beginner routes.

Week 6: Weather Basics

• Reading marine weather forecasts.
• Wind, waves, fog, and their impact on kayaking navigation.
• Developing weather-dependent plans.

Week 7: Safety and Contingency Planning

• Basics of risk assessment (identifying hazards).

• Backup plans in case of navigation errors.
• Gear check: emergency tools (GPS, VHF radio, etc.).

Week 8: Final Review and Assessment

• Review concepts from the course.
• A short route exercise combining all learned skills.
• Final Quiz
• Q&A and discussion on the next steps (intermediate navigation).

Equipment Required:

• Marine Chart
  • A marine chart (e.g., Canadian Hydrographic Service training chart).
  • Printed or digital copies of tide and current tables for your local paddling area.
  • Apps or resources like Tide & Current prediction tools can supplement.
• Compass
  • A hand-held marine compass and square plotter.
  • Optional: 
    • Course plotter or parallel ruler to plot bearings.
    • Dividers for measuring distances and transferring positions on charts.
• Tools
  • Soft pencils (e.g., 2B) for marking charts.
  • Eraser for making corrections.
  • A basic ruler for measuring distances on charts.
• Weather Forecast Access
  • Smartphone, tablet, or printed resources for accessing marine weather forecasts.
  • Recommended: Environment Canada Marine Forecasts or similar.
• Notebook and Course Materials
  • Notebook for taking notes.
  • Handouts provided during the course (instructor-supplied).
• Calculator (optional)
  • For performing basic speed, time, and distance calculations.