Comox Valley Kayaks
Lessons
Whether you’re interested in trying out a sport for the first time or are looking to improve your skills in one you’re already involved in, Comox Valley Kayaks offers various classes for every level of experience. Join any of our courses to develop your skillset in a professional and positive environment, and start playing today.
*Courtenay Rec registration is open for Spring programs and for courses starting in Late May registration opens April 27, 2026.
Beginner
Intro to Kayaking $98
Introduction to Kayaking is the perfect starting point for your paddling journey. We begin with the fundamentals of boats and gear, then head onto the water to practice essential kayaking strokes. Throughout the session, we focus on building confidence, control, and enjoyment on the water. Whether we’re exploring calm stretches or venturing a bit farther from shore, you’ll gain the skills you need to paddle safely and have fun wherever your adventure takes you.​
Intro to Tandem Canoeing on the Sayward Route $180
This course is for beginners looking to get started with tandem canoeing. You will learn basic paddling strokes, portaging skills, and water rescue techniques. You will also learn local knowledge about the Sayward Canoe Route, and paddle a section of the route. You will be paddling in a tandem canoe, but you do not need a partner to register.
Day 1 will cover basic strokes, wet exit, and re-entry techniques. Day 2 will involve paddling and portaging a section of the Sayward Canoe Route. A canoe and all Transport Canada required padding equipment is provided. You are required to arrange your own food. We have a campsite reserved which you can book for an additional fee.
Confidence Building Session $55
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 a certified instructor.
Women on the Water Intro Series $160
Our women’s paddling courses are designed to meet you where you’re at, whether you’re just getting started or ready to build on existing skills. Learn and refine essential strokes, rescue techniques, navigation, weather awareness, and trip-planning skills in a supportive, encouraging environment.
This follows the Paddle Canada Basic Curriculum.
After this is "Women on the Water: The Next Step" which follows the Paddle Canada Level 1 curriculum
Kayak Rescue - At The Pool $98
Our rescue class takes place in the comfort of the Courtenay & District Memorial Outdoor pool. In this lesson we learn how to fall out of our boat and help each other get back in. The skills taught are wet exits and tandem rescues, and if there's time we play with types of solo rescues.
Kayak Rescues + Edging & Bracing At Comox Lake $98
This kayak rescue class builds confidence and essential safety skills for handling capsizes and challenging conditions. You’ll practice self-rescue and assisted rescues like wet exits, re-entries, T-rescues, and paddle float rescues, while also covering communication and risk management. We’ll reinforce key strokes from Intro to Kayaking and add some edging and bracing to improve manoeuvrability and control. This hands-on course is ideal for paddlers looking to feel more capable and prepared on the water.
Intermediate-Advanced
Women on the Water
The Next Step Series $192+
You’ll develop essential paddling techniques like forward and reverse strokes, sweep strokes, edging, and bracing, along with practical safety skills including solo and assisted re-entries and basic towing. Beyond strokes, the course covers key knowledge areas such as gear selection and care, navigation and route planning, weather awareness, risk management, and environmental stewardship.The program also includes a half-day kayak journey to apply your new skills in a real setting, with an optional full-day trip available for those working toward Paddle Canada Level 1 certification.
Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Level-1 Skills
$340
Sea Kayak Level-1 Skills is a two-day course that moves participants beyond flatwater kayaking and into the sport of sea kayaking.
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The course is conducted in slightly rougher water than Basic Kayak, aiming to develop the paddler’s comfort. There is a strong focus on re-entry techniques as well as the skills required to safely plan and execute a day trip with friends (for example, navigation & route planning, weather interpretation, proper clothing/gear.)
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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.
Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Level-2 Skills
$595
Building on the skills developed in Level-1, Level-2 provides paddlers with the intermediate skills they need to go sea kayaking in class-2 conditions along semi-exposed shoreline with a possible overnight bivvy.
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Leadership, incident management, open-water rescue, self-care and navigation are core parts of the curriculum.
Paddling Improvement Series $115
Building on the skills developed in Level 1, These sessions are aimed at people who have some previous paddling experience and will be best suited to those who have already received some kayak instruction. This series will be particularly helpful for anyone preparing for their level 2 Paddle Canada certification.
Kayak Rolling Clinic 75 min
$68
In this clinic, you’ll learn the basic mechanics of rolling a kayak in a shallow section of the ocean, building the confidence to roll in calm, sheltered waters. You will borrow one of our boats that rolls well. By the end, you’ll either be able to confidently roll your kayak or have learned knowledge and exercises to continue practicing and working towards mastering the skill.
Theory
Virtual Trip Planning $17
Join canoe instructor Juliane Bell for a comprehensive virtual session on planning your canoe trip to Sayward or Qathet (formerly Powell River Forest)! Learn what to expect, essential equipment to pack, and key skills to prepare for the journey. The session wraps up with a Q&A, so bring your questions!
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Kayak Trip Planning Series $65
Weekly sessions over 4 weeks. The sessions will cover topics related to trip planning; Tides and currents; Navigation basics; Leadership, Risk Assessment and Decision-making Skills and Weather. This information and the skills and knowledge you gain will support you to plan your ideal trip for the summer. Each session will build on prior knowledge from the weeks before.
Prerequisite: Must have participated in at least 3 kayak day trips. Best suited to someone who has also received some basic instruction in kayak theory.
Survival On Shore
Wind can change quickly on the water. Sometimes the safest decision is to land on shore and wait for conditions to improve.
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Using simple affordable items such as garbage bags, a lighter or ferro rod, a popcan, you’ll learn how to insulate yourself, build a quick shelter, collect water and start a fire in coastal conditions.
Tailored
Senior "Tour" Tuesday $78
Discover the joy of paddling and explore the waterways of the Comox Valley with our Senior Tour Tuesday! Join a friendly group of seniors, aged 60+ as we embark on an adventure to learn the basics of paddling. Led by two certified instructors/kayak guides, you'll receive guidance and support every step of the way. Suitable for beginner paddlers.
Custom Lesson
Starting at $68 / 1 hr
Looking for personalized instruction that fits your goals, schedule, and experience level?
Get in touch with us to find out the length of time we recommend for the skills you want to work on.
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Rates including use of an appropriate kayak:
$68 for 1 hr
$104 for 2 hrs
$115 for 2.5 hrs​
$134 for 3 hrs
Price is the same if you bring your own kayak.
Ideal for beginners, skill refreshers, or targeted coaching.
Teen Camp - Paddle Canada
$295
This camp focuses on foundational skills and knowledge, preparing students for short paddling excursions in calm, sheltered waters. By the end, participants will have the confidence to paddle safely in calm conditions with peers of similar abilities. Teens will have the option to leave this camp with Paddle Canada Basic Sea Kayak Skills certification, the first step in the Paddle Canada Sea Kayak skills progression.
Ages 13-16.
