100 Wild Islands - Norse Cove

This course is run from a base camp, which is Included in the price!

Course Overview

The Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayaking Skills course is an intermediate program designed to help beginner kayakers advance to proficient sea kayakers. Set against the stunning backdrop of the 100 Wild Islands, this course focuses on refining paddling skills, enhancing navigation knowledge, improving seamanship, and building leadership abilities. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to confidently plan and prepare for your own overnight kayaking trips with friends.

This course is designed for individuals who have Paddle Canada Level 1 certification. This indicates that you are a relatively new sea kayaker with knowledge of re-entry techniques and can paddle forward for a full day of activities. If you want to develop your skills further in a coastal environment, this course is for you.

• Participants will gain hands-on experience by working on real-life scenarios related to on-water rescues, seamanship, and navigation skills. They can expect full days dedicated to hands-on learning and evening sessions that will focus on theoretical concepts. While meals are the responsibility of each participant, we will visit some fun pubs and food trucks for dining options.

  What You Will Learn
  Over four days, you’ll dive into the following topics:

  • Navigation & Seamanship: Learn to navigate in coastal waters, handle tides and currents, and understand the art of seamanship.
  • Knots, Tarps & Expedition Behavior: Master key knots, tarp setups, and the skills needed for extended kayaking trips.
  • Risk Management & Weather Prediction: Gain the ability to assess risk, predict weather patterns, and respond accordingly on the water.
  • Boat Handling & Rescue Techniques: Refine your boat-handling skills with advanced strokes, towing techniques, and on-water rescues.

Sample Trip Plan:

• • Day 1 - Norse Cove:** Safety debrief, skill reviews, and Level 2 rescue exercises.
  • Day 2 - Ship Harbour:** Navigation, seamanship and weather forecasting.
  • Day 3 - Owl's Head:** Coastal touring, kayak handling with L2 strokes and towing introduction.
  • Day 4 - Taylor's Head:** Rescue and Towing Scenarios, Rolling and course wrap up.

     

What to Expect

• Hands-On Learning: Full days of practical, on-water training, plus evening sessions focused on theory and discussion.
• Camping: Four nights of camping are included in the price. (Some rental camping gear is available if needed.)
• Meals: Participants are responsible for bringing their own food. We will visit local pubs and food trucks for meals, but camping meal prep is part of the experience!
• Rain or Shine: The course runs rain or shine, though we will reschedule if there are prolonged thunderstorms.
• Community & Fun: Connect with fellow kayakers at a similar skill level, with plenty of opportunities to share experiences and learn together.

We are grateful for the knowledge shared with us by the Indigenous peoples of what is now known as Canada as well as the circumpolar region of the Northern Hemisphere.