Take your abilities to the next level with our Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayaking Skills. This course is for you if you have your Level 1 Sea Kayaking certification from Paddle Canada and are ready to learn the skills necessary for multiday expeditions. Full prerequisite details are listed below. Gain the skills needed to kayak in class-2 conditions along semi-exposed shorelines. Learn to plan and paddle multi-day camping and paddling excursions while also learning to lead groups, plan routes, and perform a variety of open water rescues in a full-participation style. Gain vital skills like incident management, self-care for paddling long durations, and navigation. You have Options! Base camp - or - Wilderness Tripping skills Get what you want from this course. The Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayaking Skills course offers two distinct options: Base Camp and Wilderness Camping, both providing valuable experiences, but with different approaches to learning and adventure. Here’s a breakdown of the two options: Base Camp Option: Structure: In the Base Camp option, participants return to a central campsite each evening after a day of paddling. This allows for a more structured and less physically demanding experience, where students can focus on refining their paddling and safety skills without the added responsibility of camping in remote locations each night. Campsite Setup: The camp is usually set up in a designated, comfortable location with facilities such as toilets, running water, and possibly even nearby amenities. It offers a more comfortable and convenient base for participants, allowing for better rest after long days on the water. Learning Focus: The main focus is on sea kayaking skills, including advanced paddling techniques, navigation, and on-water rescues, with theoretical sessions and hands-on training in a controlled environment. While you still get a taste of outdoor life, camping isn't the primary focus of the course. Ideal For: Those looking for a more relaxed experience or for beginners who may not yet be comfortable with the full wilderness camping experience. The Base Camp Course option will be hosted in Kingston and the Thousand Islands for 2026. Base Camp Option Summary: Offers a comfortable setting with a focus on kayaking skills, paddling techniques, and safety, while returning to a central campsite each night for rest. This option provides the opportunity to earn a Level Two Sea Kayaking certification. Wilderness Camping Option Structure: In the Wilderness Camping option, participants will paddle to different remote campsites each night, setting up camp on islands or secluded shorelines. This immersive experience requires participants to be fully self-sufficient, managing all aspects of outdoor living, including tent setup, camp kitchen, food preparation, and sanitation. Campsite Setup: You’ll be camping in the wild, without the comforts of established campsites or amenities. Each night’s campsite will be selected based on the group’s needs and environmental considerations, which requires participants to be adaptable and resourceful. Learning Focus: Along with refining paddling and rescue skills, there’s a stronger emphasis on wilderness camping techniques, such as selecting campsites, setting up tarps and tents, managing camp kitchens, and practicing Leave No Trace principles. You’ll also focus on more advanced trip planning, weather assessment, and self-sufficiency skills. Ideal For: Those seeking a more rugged and immersive outdoor experience, who want to build skills for multi-day kayaking trips and enjoy the challenge of camping in remote environments. The Wilderness Camping option will be hosted on Phillip Edward Island in Georgian Bay for 2026. Wilderness Camping Option Summary: Provides a more adventurous, self-sufficient experience with the added responsibility of camping in remote locations, focusing on both paddling and wilderness camping skills. This option provides the opportunity to earn a Wilderness Tripping certification and a Level Two Sea Kayaking certification. Both options provide a valuable learning experience, but your choice will depend on your level of comfort with outdoor living and the type of experience you’re seeking. Skills covered: In the Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayaking Skills program, participants will learn a wide range of essential skills and techniques to become more proficient and confident kayakers. Key topics covered include: Advanced Paddling Techniques Refining strokes and maneuvers, including forward stroke, reverse stroke, sweep strokes, and bracing. On-Water Rescue Skills Performing self-rescue and assisted rescues, including techniques like the T-rescue, paddle float rescue, and deep-water rescues. Navigation Basic and intermediate navigation skills, including route planning, reading maps, compass use, and understanding weather patterns. Seamanship Proper boat handling, kayak control in different conditions, and understanding tides and currents. Safety and Risk Management Identifying hazards, managing risk, group management on water, and responding to emergencies. Weather Assessment Learning how to interpret weather patterns, forecasting, and understanding how conditions impact kayaking. Trip Planning How to plan for multi-day kayaking trips, including considerations for route selection, food, and gear. Leadership Skills Developing skills to lead groups, make decisions under pressure, and ensure safety in a group setting. Camping and Outdoor Skills (Only taught in the Wilderness Tripping) Campsite selection, setting up tarps and tents, camp kitchen and sanitation, and wilderness survival basics. These topics are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of sea kayaking, equipping participants with the skills to safely paddle in a variety of conditions and confidently undertake multi-day trips. Where: Our Paddle Canada Level two courses will occur in different locations this year. We have our backyard, the Thousand Islands, beautiful Georgian Bay, and more. On the day of the course, we ask that you arrive at the designated meeting area by 830 am - this will be confirmed in the online pre-trip meeting. The courses will be a mix of backcountry/kayak camping and base camp options for a more comfortable retreat. Camping accommodations will be provided, but you are responsible for your tent, sleep system, etc. INSTRUCTOR TEAM Kevin Juckers Kelly Parks Kristin Kelly Zack Fiddis PREREQUISITES: - Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level 1 Certification (or equivalent at the discretion of course director - please email [email protected] with any questions) - Experienced at least three one-day-long kayaking trips - Cold water immersion protection. A dry suit is required for this course. - Wilderness First Aid training is recommended, but it's not necessary. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us at (613) 376-6220 or email us at [email protected]. Included: Six days of sea kayak instruction & wilderness-tripping skill-building One-on-one assistance for skills as needed Campsite accommodations Level 2 Sea Kayaking Certification* Wilderness Tripping Certification* *** upon successfully meeting standards set out by Paddle Canada and registration with Paddle Canada.** Only included with the Wilderness Tripping option What to bring: A full touring kayak with two bulkheads All safety gear, as required by Transport Canada A skirt appropriate for your touring kayak and a paddle float Drysuit or other sufficient coldwater immersion protection A personal towing systemClick here to browse our selection of towing and rescue gear Meals - Prepare for four days' worth of meals Charts or Topo Map of paddling location Compass and Navigation AidsClick here to browse our selection of navigation equipment. Sleeping bags, camping gear Personal on-water garments Personal comfort items like extra snacks, sunscreen, etc.
