Skip to product information
Lion's Head
1/2
Lion's Head

Lion's Head

$221.00 USD

A two-day, beginner-friendly course designed for paddlers who are new to sea kayaking — or have some experience and want a proper foundation. You'll learn the essential skills to plan and enjoy safe day trips on calm waters, with hands-on coaching, games, and real-world scenarios that make the learning stick.

This course is relaxed, inclusive, and built around the idea that nobody should feel put on the spot. You'll only demonstrate to the group if you volunteer. If that sounds good — along with the promise of some terrible dad jokes — you've found the right place to sign up.

2Days
16Hours
1:6Instructor Ratio
0Gear to Own

What You'll Learn

Two full days of on-water coaching plus access to our online dashboard and workbooks.

Paddling Techniques
The strokes that make everything else possible — coached properly from the start so you build good habits instead of fighting bad ones later.
  • Forward and reverse strokes
  • Edging and turning
  • Low brace
  • Stopping and speed control
Safety Skills
What to do when things go sideways — practiced in a supportive environment so you're ready when it matters.
  • Wet exit
  • Self-rescue and re-entry
  • Assisted re-entry (T-rescue)
  • Group safety awareness
Navigation & Trip Planning
The basics that let you plan a safe day on the water — not just paddle around and hope for the best.
  • Basic chart reading
  • Weather awareness and forecasting
  • Simple day trip planning
  • Reading the environment
Equipment Knowledge
How to choose, fit, and use the gear that keeps you safe and comfortable on the water.
  • Kayak fit and adjustment
  • PFD fitting and safety gear
  • Paddle selection and sizing
  • Dressing for the conditions

Built for Lifelong Learning

Every Kayak Ontario course includes access to your personal online learning dashboard — a hybrid system offering clear preparation before the course, structured learning on the water, and continued support afterward. Track your progress, complete short modules on preparation, gear, safety, and theory, and return any time to review lessons.

  • Online learning dashboard access is included with your course
  • Full-colour Kayak Ontario Course Manual available as an add-on — take it to the shoreline, mark it up with notes, and keep as a lasting reference

What to Expect

  • Hands-on learning — practice essential skills through fun group activities, games, and drills in a supportive environment
  • You will get wet — bring a towel and a change of clothes. Avoid cotton clothing, as it's not ideal for kayaking
  • Safety first — detailed instructions on safety practices and equipment use before you go on the water
  • Rain or shine — the course runs in all conditions, though we reschedule for prolonged thunderstorms
  • Make friends — connect with a group of paddlers at the same stage in their development

What's Included

  • Two full days (16 hours) of on-water coaching
  • Expert instruction at a 1:6 instructor ratio
  • Online learning dashboard access
  • Paddle Canada Level 1 or ORCKA Flatwater B assessment and certification (you choose which award to challenge)

Available to Add

  • Kayak + paddle rental — Valley sea kayak and paddle available to book with your course. Own your boat? Bring it.
  • Course manual — full-colour workbook with step-by-step breakdowns and diagrams
  • Safety gear — pump, whistle, and 15-metre floating rope available for purchase

Good to Know

  • Participants are responsible for lunch, snacks, drinking water, and sunscreen
  • Wear quick-drying clothing — no cotton. You will be getting in the water.
  • The course runs rain or shine, though we reschedule for prolonged thunderstorms

Equipment Needed

Don't own gear yet? No problem. Rentals and loaners are available for everything you need.

  • Sea kayak — with two bulkheadsRentals available
  • PFD — personal flotation deviceLoaners available
  • PaddleRentals available
  • Safety kit — pump, whistle, 15-metre floating rope (Transport Canada approved)Rentals available

Prerequisite: None. This course is designed for complete beginners. If you've never been in a kayak before, this is where you start.

After your Level 1 → Continue building with the Skill Building Series half-day clinics to sharpen fundamentals, or jump into the weekend clinics for coastal environments. When you're ready, Level 2 is the next certification step.

Questions

Do I need my own kayak or gear?
No. Kayak, paddle, PFD, and safety gear rentals or loaners are available to book with your course. You don't need to own anything to take this course.
What certification do I get?
This course can be used to challenge either a Paddle Canada Level 1 or an ORCKA Flatwater B certification — you decide which award you'd like to pursue. If you meet the assessment criteria during the course, you'll receive your certification.
Will I get wet?
Yes. Wet exits and rescue practice mean you'll be in the water. Bring a towel, a change of clothes, and wear quick-drying layers — no cotton.
I've kayaked before but never taken a course. Is this too basic?
Probably not. Most self-taught paddlers have gaps in stroke mechanics, rescue skills, and safety knowledge. Level 1 gives you a proper foundation — and you might be surprised how much there is to refine. If you think you're beyond L1, get in touch and we'll help you figure out the right starting point.
What if the weather is bad?
The course runs rain or shine — paddling in varied conditions is part of the learning. We only reschedule for prolonged thunderstorms or conditions that pose a genuine safety risk.
Do I have to demonstrate in front of the group?
Only if you volunteer. This course is built around a relaxed, inclusive approach. No pressure to perform in front of others — you learn at your own pace with coaching support.
What's the online learning dashboard?
Our online learning system with structured modules covering preparation, gear, safety, and paddling theory. Access is included with your course — it extends your learning before, during, and long after the on-water days.
What should I wear?
Quick-drying layers — no cotton. Synthetic or wool base layers work well. You will get wet during rescue practice. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes or sandals with heel straps.

We acknowledge that our courses in Lion's Head take place on the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which includes the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation. These lands and waters have been cared for and remain vital to the Anishinaabek people.

At Kayak Ontario, we are grateful for the knowledge shared with us by Indigenous peoples and recognize that our presence on this land carries responsibility. We support this acknowledgement with action, including donations to Indigenous-led organizations that make a real difference in their communities.

You may also like