About the Course
High-quality sea kayak instruction? Check!
Opportunity to paddle on an ongoing basis? Check!
Expensive investment in gear? Nope!
Time-heavy prep and clean-up? Nope!
You live on the Island! It's time to get out on the water, and this is the way to do it! Start with Paddle Canada's beginner-friendly, one-day Kayak Basic Skills course, then follow it up with 4 included Group Paddling sessions.
What You'll Learn
Sea Kayak Skills
Launching & landing a sea kayak
Forward, reverse & stopping strokes
Sweep strokes & pivot turns
Draw strokes, edging & low brace
Rescue Skills
Safe & controlled capsize, emptying the kayak
Assisted re-entries
Self-rescue (optional)
Kayaking Knowledge
Kayaks, safety equipment, paddling gear
Injury Prevention
Navigation & Collision regulations
Kayakers & the environment
Introduction to weather, trip planning, using charts
Strength & Flexibility
Learn simple exercises you can do beachside or at home to support you as you enter the world of paddling & an active lifestyle.
Stress Management
Conversations around the stress of life always seem to come up. More productive then venting, these conversations - if they come up - will focus on normalizing what we're all going through while keeping the mood light and sharing strategies like basic mindfulness & grounding skills. The calming & healing effect of the sea make this easier than trying these skills in your usual environments!
What You Need To Know
Before Your Program
No pre-requisites.
No prior experience, pre-reading or other prep is needed.
Adaptive paddling assessments are available (book a Discovery Phone Call)
Consider booking a personal training session for a preparatory fitness routine custom built for you, following an in-depth movement & health assessment.
Private kayak coaching is available prior to course, great for those with some anxiety about paddling!
After Your Program
Continue paddling regularly! Start with the 4 included group kayaking sessions, then with individual sessions or a punch card with 10 paddling sessions for the price of 9.
💡Make it a fun activity with your partner, friend, parent, or adult child.
💡Date night?
💡Stressful shift? Skip drinks at the bar, come for a paddle instead!
About Group Paddling:
2 hours, gear included, in Nanaimo area
Includes morning, afternoon & evening sessions
Special events such as sunrise or moonlight paddling, summer solstice paddle, and more.
Book the sessions when you want - go kayaking every week, or just for special events - you choose!
Valid for 1 year after course
Once you're comfortable with paddling and have purchased your own equipment, you can join your local kayaking club or take courses with any of the other reputable businesses on the Island and beyond.
What's Included
1 full day of instruction plus Paddle Canada certification
4 two-hour kayaking sessions
Kayak & safety gear; dry suit or wet suit
Fully licensed & insured
Next Course Dates
June 21, 2025
More courses to be offered over the summer - please reach out to let me know you're interested.
Dates may be added to suit small groups of at least 3 paddlers!
Location
Nanaimo is home to many beautiful beginner friendly ocean and lake waterfronts. Exact locations are chosen based on participant skill levels and weather. You'll receive a message 24-48 hours before your session with the exact location.
Custom courses can be arranged anywhere in Central Vancouver Island and beyond.
Your Instructor
Joani Litchfield
Certified Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Instructor & Registered Nurse (Mental Health Nurse)