About the Course
The ultimate self-care. Whether you're enjoying 1-on-1 attention and the option to unload and de-stress from the day, learning new skills, refining your Greenland paddle stroke, or mastering your hand roll, private coaching gives you the ultimate in flexibility!
Need a break?
Schedule yourself sea kayak therapy as a way to get active, get outdoors and take care of your health on all fronts, without the investment in gear, prep time, or stress of deciding if/where it's safe to paddle. Just show up and paddle, and let the ocean and SeaStrength take care of you..
Need a little more support?
As a Registered Nurse, I can act as an extension of the healthcare professionals you're currently working with, providing seamless follow-up and continuity of care. Whether you're looking to maintain the gains you've achieved in counseling with a solid self-care routine, or transitioning from joint rehabilitation, let me serve as a bridge from their specialized care to your next challenge.
Paddle Canada Basic or Level 1 Sea Kayak Skills Certification
Private Paddle Canada sea kayak skills instruction and certification is available for those who prefer not to be in a group setting. Contact me to discuss options.
Traditional Style Paddling
If you use a Greenland paddle and are looking for coaching with your forward strokes, blended strokes or rolling, book a session to learn how to use this beautiful type of paddle to its full potential.
*Semi-private sessions available.
*Personal gear discount for those with their own sea worthy sea kayak, immersion gear and appropriate safety gear.
Kayak Rolling = Kayak Therapy
Sea Kayak rolling isn't just for extreme sea kayakers. There is just something about being on, in and under the water that helps you be completely in the moment. The experience is therapeutic in itself. Much like hanging from the monkey bars when you were a kid, or lying upside down on the couch, or doing handstands or yoga inversions, sea kayak rolling provides a significant sensory experience for your brain. If you spend a lot of time behind a desk or a screen, give sea kayak rolling a try - you might just be surprised how great you feel after! I use a primarily Greenland-style approach to rolling, which means that there is almost NO upper body strength needed, the movements are fluid, and the feeling of success is like nothing else! Taught and practiced primarily at Westwood Lake, pool sessions are available in the winter and the sea is a beautiful place to practice when it warms up!
Rolling Instruction
As a certified sea kayak rolling instructor, I can help you learn from the beginning, refine your roll, or learn one of the many types of Greenland rolls. I'm grateful to have been mentored by James Manke, whose exceptional talent inspired me on my kayaking journey.
*Semi-private sessions available.
*Personal gear discount for those with their own sea worthy sea kayak, immersion gear & appropriate safety gear.
About the Program
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 keep paddling year-round with group kayaking sessions.
What You'll Learn
Sea Kayak Skills
This is a non-instructional program, leaving you with time to enjoy the water, your fellow paddlers, and work on your skills at your own pace.
Coaching is always available to help you continue to develop your sea kayak and rescue skills
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
While this isn't counselling, being out on the water can be very therapeutic. We take stock each week to see what people want to focus on: options include cardio fitness focus, targeted strength and flexibility training, peer debriefing, managing stress, ADHD, and more. Having a trained facilitator present ensures conversations & activities stay on track as decided by the group.
What You Need To Know
Before Your Program
You must have basic sea kayaking skills, including the ability to perform a controlled wet exit/capsize and assisted re-entry.
These skills must be demonstrated annually.
Paddle Canada certification is not required, but is strongly encouraged.
You can take a Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Skills or Sea Kayak Level 1 Skills course with SeaStrength Health or any other certified Paddle Canada instructor.
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, or those who have the basic pre-requisite skills but no certification
After Your Program
Continue paddling regularly! This is why SeaStrength Health exists and what makes me different. I want to open the doors to year-round paddling for everyone, so they can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of kayaking beyond Summer. The group kayaking sessions are an affordable way to get outside and get active year round, and are a great option for anyone with time or financial restrictions that make owning their own kayak a challenge.
💡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 sessions when you want - go kayaking every week, or just for special events - you choose!
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
2 hours of sea kayaking in a small group setting (maximum 6 participants)
Kayak & safety gear; dry suit or wet suit
Fully licensed & insured
Upcoming Special Events & Regular Sessions
Summer Solstice Sunset Paddle: June 21 @ 8pm
National Paddling Week FREE Paddle: June 25 @ 6pm
Moonlight Paddle: July 9 (tentative)
Phosphorescence Paddle: July 24 @ 9pm
Moonlight Paddle: Aug 10 @ 8pm
Black Moon Phosphorescence Paddle: Aug 22 @ 9pm
Moonlight Paddle: Sept 6 @ 8pm
Phosphorescence Paddle: Sept 21 @ 8pm
Super Full Moon Event: Nov 5, 2025 @ 9pm
Weekday & Weekend sessions most days of the week throughout the summer.
Dates may be added to suit small groups of at least 3 paddlers!
Location
SeaStrength takes care of the guesswork - weather, tides, and conditions will dictate the location - all you need to do it show up. We'll use one of Nanaimo's many ocean or lakefronts for our kayak therapy paddles, and you'll get an update the day before to let you know the spot.
Custom sessions 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)