This course provides national certification in the instruction and administration of the Paddle Canada Level-1 Skills course.

Mandate of the Level-1 Instructor

The Level-1 Instructor is certified to:

• Conduct Paddle Canada Waterfront Kayak, Basic Kayak and Level-1 Skills courses and certify paddlers at those levels,
• Assist a Level-2 Instructor on a Level-2 Skills course, and
• Assist a Basic Kayak Instructor Trainer on a Basic Kayak Instructor or Waterfront Instructor course.

Prerequisites

• At least 18 years of age.
• Skills Certification
  • Paddle Canada Level-2 Skills.
• Instructor Certification
  • Basic Kayak Instructor highly suggested.
• Teaching Experience
  • None, though it is highly recommended that the prospective candidate have taught a minimum of two Basic Kayak Skills courses within the past three years, being the lead instructor on at least one of those courses.
• First Aid Certification
  • Current certification in first aid (14 hours) with CPR.
• Paddling Experience
  • 30 days in Level-1 conditions (including overnights).

Skills certification prerequisite note: With the permission of the Instructor Trainer, a candidate may enroll in a Level-1 Instructor course prior to completing their Level-2 Skills certification. Certification as a Level-1 Instructor is delayed until Level-2 skill certification and all other requirements are complete. Passing the instructor course will be subject to the provision of completing the required Level-2 skill certification and updating the Instructor Course Report within one year.

This provision applies only to the Level-1 Instructor course and does not apply to any other certification.

Course Length

40 hours of instruction (5 days) with a minimum 16 hours instruction on the water.