Teen Camp
Paddle Canada Basic
Get ready for a wonderful week on the water! This camp is all about building confidence and skills for paddling in calm, sheltered waters.
Local business since 1991
Skill Level
Beginner
Duration
16 hours over 4 days
Location
Various Around the Comox Valley
Price
$295
About This Lesson
This teen camp is all about building confidence and skills for paddling in calm, sheltered waters. You'll learn the essentials of sea kayaking while exploring, making new friends, and gaining the confidence to paddle safely with your peers. By the end of the week, you have the option to earn your Paddle Canada Basic Sea Kayak Skills certification. It's the first step in an amazing kayaking journey! Ages 13-16
This course runs in Class-0 conditions which are described as: ● Non-challenging, protected waters
● Limited wind effect
● Little or no current
● Wind and sea state is calm to rippled (<15km/h or 8 knots)
● Easy landing and ready access to land-based assistance
Who This Lesson Is For
First-Time Kayakers
Perfect for people who are new to kayaking and want a safe, supportive introduction before paddling on their own.
Nervous Beginners
Ideal if you want to feel more comfortable with the boat, paddle, gear, and basic movement on the water.
Future Skill Builders
A good first step before progressing into rescue skills, confidence-building sessions, or Paddle Canada courses.
What You’ll Learn
This lesson introduces the core skills that help new paddlers feel more comfortable and capable on the water.
-
Paddling Skills
-
Lifting and carrying a kayak
-
Launching and landing
-
Emptying the kayak
-
Forward and reverse strokes
-
Stopping
-
Forward and reverse sweep strokes
-
Pivots
-
Draw stroke
-
Low brace
-
Edging
-
-
Re-entry Skills
-
Wet exit
-
Assisted re-entries
-
-
Other Knowledge
-
Kayak part names and outfitting
-
Paddling and safety equipment
-
Injury prevention
-
Sun sense
-
Transport Canada collision regulations
-
Navigation
-
Risk assessment and mitigation
-
Impact of kayakers on the environment
-
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
-
Kayak
-
Paddle
-
PFD
-
Required safety equipment
-
Beginner kayaking instruction
What to Bring
-
A light jacket (for cooler weather)
-
A hat
-
Sunscreen
-
A water bottle
-
A change of clothes and warm hat (leave them in your car for after class)
-
Snacks
-
Any personal medication
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 (you may need an extra jacket on a windy or rainy day)
-
Water shoes or sandals that secure to your feet and provide traction on rocky beaches or boat ramps (flip-flops are not recommended)
-
Wetsuit
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
Start your paddling journey with a beginner-friendly kayaking lesson focused on boat control, essential strokes, confidence, and safety on the water.
Why Learn Kayaking in the Comox Valley?
The Comox Valley offers a practical learning environment for new paddlers, with access to a boat launch into the river right behind the shop, leading into the 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.
Teen Camp FAQs
Do I need previous kayaking experience?
No. This teen camp follows the paddle canada basic curriculum and is designed for beginners and people who are just starting their paddling journey.
Is kayaking equipment included?
Yes. Kayak, paddle, PFD, and required paddling safety equipment are included for the lesson.
What will I learn in this lesson?
You’ll learn basic boat and gear setup, essential kayaking strokes, boat control, and introductory safety awareness.
Is this a good first step before Paddle Canada level 1?
Yes. This course covers the prerequisites you will need before moving into the Paddle Canada sea kayak progression.
Where does the lesson take place?
We will launch at various places around the Comox Valley. Largely the boat launch behind Comox Valley Kayaks and at Maple Lake, but it depends on the weather. We will have an accurate forecast 3 days ahead.
