Women On the Water
The Next Step Series
This series is the next step after Women on the Water Intro Series. The Next Step follow the Paddle Canada Level 1 curriculum. You will learn re-entry skills, navigation, weather, strokes, towing and more.
Local business since 1991
Skill Level
Intermediate
Duration
4-5 Sessions
Location
Comox Lake / CVK
Price
$192
About This Lesson
Women+ on the Water is an inclusive sea kayaking program. Led by female instructors, the class is designed to create a supportive, learning environment where participants can build skills and confidence on the water.
Inclusivity: We welcome cisgender women (women at birth), and other gender-diverse participants who feel this class is the right fit for them.
Who This Lesson Is For
Experienced Kayakers
Perfect for people who have taken the Intro Series or who have some experience taking lessons and are ready to level up.
Nervous Folks
Ideal if you want to feel more comfortable with the boat, gear, edging and paddle strokes to move on the water.
Future Skill Builders
A good first step before progressing into Paddle Canada Level 2 Skills.
What You’ll Learn
Knowledge:
● Equipment
● Communication
● Route Planning & Basic Navigation Techniques
● Weather & Sea State
Strokes:
● Forward, Reverse & Stopping strokes
● Sweep strokes & Pivots (for Turning)
● Draw strokes (to move sideways)
● Edging (How to put your kayak on edge for efficiency)
● Low brace strokes (to prevent capsizing)
Re-entry Skills:
● Wet exits
● Assisted re-entry
● Solo re-entry
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.
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.
What’s Included
Included
-
Kayak
-
Paddle
-
PFD
-
Required safety equipment
-
Beginner kayaking instruction
What to Wear
-
Quick-dry clothing
-
No jeans or cotton
-
Weather-appropriate layers
-
Water shoes or secure sandals with traction
-
A light jacket for cooler weather
-
Wetsuits for the rescue portion (we have limited sizes to borrow or you can rent a farmer style from pacific pro dive)
-
Nose plugs for the rescue portion (we may have some you can borrow)
-
Grippy shoes for seaweed and barnacle covered rocks
What to Bring
-
Hat
-
Sunscreen
-
Water bottle
-
Change of clothes for after class
-
Your own lifejacket, if you have one and prefer the fit
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.
(optional)
Why Learn Kayaking in the Comox Valley?
The Comox Valley offers a practical learning environment for new paddlers, with access to local waterways and 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.
The Next Step FAQs
Do I need previous kayaking experience?
Yes, this lesson is best for women who have taken WOW: Intro. If not and you have other kayaking experience, please contact us.
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 paddling strokes, wet exits, re-entries and theory.
Is this a good step before the Paddle Canada Level 2 course?
Yes. This lesson follows the Paddle Canada Level 1 curriculum and has the option to become certified as a Level 1 Skills paddler. That is the prerequisite for the Paddle Canada Level 2.
Where does the lesson take place?
Women On the Water: The Next Step takes place at various locations around the Comox Valley.
