Paddle Canada
Sea Kayak Level-1 Skills
A 2.5-day certification course for paddlers ready to move beyond flatwater kayaking and build the skills, judgement and confidence needed for sea kayaking in Class-1 conditions.
This course focuses on re-entry techniques, boat control, route planning, basic navigation, weather awareness and safe group paddling.
Skill Level
Intermediate
Duration
19 Hours / 2.5 Days
Location
Comox Valley locations vary
Price
$350
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About This Course
Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Level-1 Skills is designed for paddlers who are already comfortable with basic kayaking and are ready to take the next step into sea kayaking.
This course moves beyond sheltered flatwater and introduces the practical skills needed to paddle in slightly rougher water. You will work on boat control, launching and landing, assisted and unassisted re-entries, towing, communication, route planning, basic navigation, weather interpretation and sea state assessment.
The goal is not just to paddle better. The goal is to understand how to make safer decisions on the water with other paddlers.
Course locations vary depending on conditions, giving participants exposure to different local environments while staying within Paddle Canada Level-1 standards.
Who This Course Is For
Paddlers Ready for Level-1
You have Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Skills or equivalent experience and want to progress into sea kayaking with more structure, confidence, and technical instruction.
Returning Kayakers
You have already completed several short kayaking excursions and want to improve your rescue skills, strokes, edging, weather awareness, and trip planning.
Future Day Trippers
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to confidently paddle in class-1 conditions in the company of one or more paddlers with similar skills or knowledge. The paddler should be self-reliant yet an asset to the group and an active participant, willing and able to assist others if they need assistance.
Prerequisites
Certification or Equivalent Skills
Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Skills certification, or equivalent skill and knowledge:
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Lifting and carrying a kayak
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Launching and landing
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Forward and reverse strokes
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Forward and reverse sweep strokes
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Draw stroke
Paddling
Excursions
At least five kayaking excursions of 2 to 3 hours in Class-0 conditions.
Rescue Readiness
Participants should be able to complete a controlled wet exit and perform a simple assisted re-entry in Class-0 conditions.
Please contact us if you do not meet the requirements as admittance is based on the discretion of the instructor. lessonstours@comoxvalleykayaks.com
What You’ll Learn
This course builds the practical skills and knowledge needed for confident sea kayaking in Class-1 conditions.
You will work on:
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Launching and landing
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Forward and reverse strokes
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Stopping, sweep strokes, and draw strokes
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Low brace, stern rudder, and edge control
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Assisted and unassisted re-entry
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Towing and on-water communication
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Route planning and basic navigation
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Weather interpretation and sea state assessment
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Risk assessment and mitigation
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Cold-water issues and sun safety
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Environmental awareness and kayaking etiquette
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Loading and tieing down kayak
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Equipment care
- Planning A Kayaking Journey
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Community resources
Learn With Experienced Local Instructors
Comox Valley Kayaks is a local, small business led by people who paddle, teach, and spend time on Vancouver Island waters themselves.
Our instructors bring practical local experience to the course, from choosing appropriate launch sites and reading conditions to dressing for the water, packing gear, and making smart group decisions.
You will not just memorize techniques. You will practise skills in real coastal conditions that match the Level-1 standard, including mild wind, calm to light chop, easy landing options and access to land-based assistance.
What’s Included
Included
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Kayak
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Paddle
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Lifejacket with whistle
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Throw bag
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Bailing device
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Wetsuits available for the rescue portion of class
What to Wear
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Quick-dry clothing
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No jeans or cotton
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Weather-appropriate layers
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Water shoes or secure sandals with traction
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A light jacket for cooler weather
What to Bring
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Hat
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Sunscreen
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Water bottle
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Change of clothes for after class
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Your own lifejacket, if you have one and prefer the fit
Safety, Equipment & Instruction Standards
Paddle Canada Level-1 Skills is taught in Class-1 conditions around the Comox Valley. These are non-challenging waters with mild wind effect, little or no current, calm to light chop, easy landing options and ready access to land-based assistance.
Class-1 Course Conditions
Expect calm to light chop, mild wind, little or no current and accessible landing options.
Rescue Practice
You will practice wet exits, assisted re-entries, unassisted re-entries, towing, and group support skills.
Planning & Judgement
You will learn how to assess weather, sea state, route options, risks, and communication before and during a paddle.
Before You Arrive
Please complete the liability waiver in your confirmation email and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so you have time to park and get organized.
Meeting locations may vary throughout the course depending on conditions. This allows the course to stay appropriate for the group while giving participants exposure to a variety of local paddling environments.
Check your course email before arriving at the confirmed meeting location for any final instructions.
Your Sea Kayaking Progression
Start with basic boat control. Build rescue confidence. Learn how to assess conditions. Finish with the knowledge to paddle in Class-1 conditions with similarly skilled paddlers.
Intro To Kayaking
Confidence Building
Rescue Lesson
Paddle Canada Level-1 Skills
Why Learn Sea Kayaking in the Comox Valley?
The Comox Valley gives developing sea kayakers access to protected coastal environments, changing weather patterns, practical launch sites, and real conditions that support meaningful skill development.
This is a strong place to learn because Level-1 paddling is not only about strokes. It is also about judgment, preparation, communication, and understanding what is happening around you on the water.
With Comox Valley Kayaks, you learn from local paddlers who understand Vancouver Island conditions and the small decisions that make a sea kayaking day safer, smoother, and more enjoyable.
Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Level-1 Skills FAQs
Do I need previous kayaking experience?
Yes. This is not a first-time kayaking course. Participants should have Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Skills certification or equivalent experience, including several short paddling excursions, a controlled wet exit and simple assisted re-entry ability. Please contact us if you don't meet the prerequisite requirements and we can have a discussion.
How long is the course?
The course includes 19 hours of instruction over 2.5 days.
What conditions will we paddle in?
This course is taught in Class-1 conditions around the Comox Valley. These include non-challenging waters, mild wind effect, little or no current, calm to light chop, easy landing options and access to land-based assistance.
Will I receive Paddle Canada Level-1 certification?
This is a Paddle Canada certification course. Certification is based on successful completion of the course outcomes and the instructor’s assessment during the program.
Do I need my own kayak or gear?
No. A kayak, paddle, lifejacket with whistle, throw bag, and bailing device are provided. If you have your own lifejacket, we recommend bringing it for a better fit and increased comfort.
What should I wear?
Wear quick-dry clothing and avoid jeans or cotton. Bring weather-appropriate layers, water shoes or secure, traction-gripped sandals, a light jacket, a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a change of clothes for after class.
Where does the course meet?
Locations vary throughout the course depending on conditions. Please check your course email for the confirmed meeting location and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
