Basic Kayak Instructor - 3 Days

June 12-14, 2026

Get ready to lead — and share the joy of paddling.

The Basic Kayak Instructor course is designed for experienced recreational sea-kayakers who want to step up: either to deepen their own skills or to begin a professional teaching journey under the Paddle Canada standards. Over three intensive days, this program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and teaching framework needed to deliver safe, quality beginner sea-kayak instruction.

You’ll refine your personal paddling and self-rescue skills, ensuring confidence and control in calm coastal waters. At the same time, you’ll learn how to design and organize beginner-level lessons — from crafting clear lesson plans with objectives and learning outcomes, to delivering on-water instruction, providing effective feedback, and managing groups with confidence. 

The course also emphasizes safety, leadership, and sound decision-making: you’ll become familiar with administrative procedures, risk assessment, and group-management protocols as defined by Paddle Canada.

Upon successful completion, you will be certified to:

• Lead waterfront and basic sea-kayak courses and certify new paddlers at those levels. 
• Assist higher level instructors (e.g., on Level-1 courses or rolling clinics), broadening your scope of teaching involvement. 

Whether you aim to share your passion for sea-kayaking with newcomers, start a career as a kayak instructor, or simply enhance your own paddling confidence and competence, the Basic Kayak Instructor course offers a solid, nationally recognized foundation.

Explore the Basic Kayak Instructor curriculum - Basic Kayak Instructor