Paddle Canada Level-1 Skills - NB - 2 Days

Paddle Canada Level-1 Skills Course

July 11-12, 2026

Discover new confidence on the water — and love where it takes you.

Course Description — Sea Kayak Level-1 Skills

This two-day, 16-hour course moves you beyond flatwater kayaking and into sea kayaking — introducing the skills and confidence you need to paddle safely in Class-1 conditions. You’ll develop essential re-entry techniques (both assisted and unassisted), towing, and safety skills designed for open-water day trips.

Over the weekend, you’ll learn and practice:

• Launching and landing
• Forward, reverse, sweep, and draw strokes
• Bracing (low brace) and edge control
• Steering with the stern rudder
• Self and assisted re-entries
• Towing techniques

On the theory side, we’ll cover:

• Choosing and caring for your gear
• Communication and group safety
• Route planning and basic navigation
• Weather interpretation and sea-state assessment
• Cold-water risks, sun safety, and risk mitigation
• Environmental stewardship, history, and the kayaking community

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to paddle confidently in mildly challenging waters — capable, self-reliant, and ready to support others on day trips. This certification is a nationally recognized level, perfect for anyone looking to expand their kayaking beyond protected, calm lakes.

Prerequisites:

• Paddle Canada Basic Kayak certification (or equivalent) 
• At least five 2–3 hour kayaking trips in Class-0 conditions
• Ability to wet-exit and perform a simple assisted re-entry in calm water

2026 Dates:

July 11-12

Successful participants will receive the Paddle Canada Level-1 Sea Kayak Skills Certification.

We’re excited to offer multiple course dates and locations to fit your schedule.Explore the full Paddle Canada Level-1 curriculum here: Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Program