Confidence Building
Once you have taken a lesson with us, our 2.5-hour Confidence Building Paddle is the perfect way to improve your skills while enjoying time on the water. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll receive personalized feedback tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Think of it as a guided paddle tour with coaching along the way, helping you refine your technique, build confidence, and enjoy a more comfortable paddling experience.
Whether you're looking to improve specific skills or simply gain more confidence in your kayak, this session offers supportive, hands-on instruction in a relaxed setting.
Local business since 1991
Skill Level
NOVICE
Duration
2.5 hours
Location
Comox Valley Kayaks at 2020 Cliffe av Courtenay
Price
$55
About This Lesson
Have you taken a lesson but still feel unsure about paddling on your own or leading a group? These sessions are designed to boost your confidence! With no structured lesson, you'll have the opportunity to practice your paddling skills while receiving personalized feedback and guidance from an instructor.
Who This Lesson Is For
Recent Students
Kayaking students who want more practice before paddling independently.
Beginner Paddlers
With experience, looking to improve confidence, boat control, and decision-making.
Future Skill Builders
Paddlers preparing to join group trips or work toward more advanced courses.
What To Wear
● Quick-dry clothing (avoid jeans or cotton); dress similarly to what you would wear for jogging or biking
● Appropriate clothing for weather conditions
● Water shoes or sandals that secure to your feet and provide traction on rocky beaches or boat ramps (flip-flops are not recommended)
● Expect to wade up to your knees when launching & landing
What To Bring
● A light splash/rain jacket (for cooler weather)
● A hat
● Sunscreen (sun reflects off the water)
● A water bottle
● A change of clothes and a warm hat (leave them in your car for after class)
Learn With Experienced Local Instructors
Comox Valley Kayaks has been serving Vancouver Island paddlers since 1991. Lessons are led by instructors and guides who paddle, trip, teach, and support the local paddling community.
This local experience helps new paddlers understand not only how to move a kayak, but how to make better decisions around gear, weather, water conditions, and safe progression.
What’s Included
Included
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Kayak
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Paddle
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PFD
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Required safety equipment
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Kayaking instruction
What to Bring
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Clothing suitable for the weather
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Water bottle
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Change of clothes
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Snacks if needed
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Any personal medication
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Expect to wade up to your knees when launching & landing
Before You Arrive
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Review your booking details
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Arrive early for check-in
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Complete a waiver before your lesson
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Wear your water shoes or sandals that secure to your feet and provide traction on rocky beaches or boat ramps (flip-flops are not recommended)
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Wear quick-dry clothing (avoid jeans or cotton); dress similarly to what you would wear for jogging or biking
Safety, Equipment & Instruction Standards
Safety is built into the lesson from the start, with appropriate paddling equipment, instructor guidance, and practical awareness of local water conditions.
Equipment Provided
Kayak, paddle, PFD, and required paddling safety equipment are included for the lesson.
Instructor Guidance
You’ll receive clear instruction and feedback while practising basic strokes, boat control, and comfort on the water.
Local Water Awareness
Instruction is shaped by real Comox Valley paddling conditions, including weather, water temperature, and safe decision-making.
Your Paddling Progression
Our 2.5-hour Confidence Building Paddle is the perfect way to improve your skills while enjoying time on the water. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll receive personalized feedback tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Confidence Building
Why Learn Kayaking in the Comox Valley?
The Comox Valley offers a practical learning environment for new paddlers, with access to launch into the river right behind the shop or from the nearby ocean. We have instructors who understand Vancouver Island paddling conditions.
Learning locally helps you build skills that apply beyond the lesson, including confidence with gear, basic safety, weather awareness, and choosing appropriate next steps.
Confidence Building FAQs
Do I need previous kayaking experience?
Yes, Confidence Building is for recent kayaking students who want more practice before paddling independently.
Is kayaking equipment included?
Yes. Kayak, paddle, PFD, and required paddling safety equipment are included for the lesson.
Is this a good first step before Paddle Canada Level 1?
Yes. This lesson is a helpful starting point before or after moving into rescue skills, or before the Paddle Canada Sea Kayak courses.
Where does the lesson take place?
Confidence Building sessions are usually a longer paddle, often going from places like Comox Marina to Royston Wrecks. Each session has a different launching and landing spot.
