Location: Gull Pond, NL. Photo credit: Diane King
Recreational Basic Kayak Skills - Course
Recreational Kayak Basic Skills is the starting point for individuals seeking to learn the art of Kayaking. There is a strong emphasis on water safety, equipment use/care, Kayaking fundamentals and skill development. The candidate will learn the theory and skills necessary for paddling close to shore on a pond or a calm ocean environment (Wind calm < 8 knots with a sea state calm to rippled).
No previous Kayaking experience necessary but good swimming ability/confidence is highly recommended.
Late May – early June is the one time of year that Paddle Newfoundland and Labrador offers a Paddle Canada sanctioned Skills School to the general public and to Paddle NL members.
All courses are taught by Paddle Canada certified instructors. The age requirement is 14 years or older for the Recreational Basic Kayak Skills course. Applicants under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Participants will receive a Paddle Canada Certification after a successful completion of the course, recognized anywhere in Canada.
Course Overview
Typical Course Length
6 hours of instruction (1 day)
Course Water Class
This course runs in Class-0 conditions which are described as:
Non-challenging protected waters with limited wind effect, little or no current, easy landings, and ready access to land-based assistance. Wind and sea state is calm to rippled (<15km/h or 8 knots).
Course Topics
Rescue Skills
- On the Water
- Getting to shore
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
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
Course Prerequisites
- None
Course Price: $ 75. (Total)
Course Location: Rotary Sunshine Park - Lectures and Onwater
To complete this course you will have to attend the full session
Items not items not included with the course: All Participants must have their own Recreational Kayak, paddle and a life jacket. (We can provide you with a Paddle and a Life Jacket if you do not have one.)
If you have any questions about the Recreational Basic Kayaking course not covered on this page email us at web@paddlenl.ca.