Level 1 Sea Kayaking Skills - Paddle Canada
Call us at 1 (867) 445-4512 for more information about our paddling courses!
This Paddle Canada certified course is designed for individuals who wish to become more proficient kayakers and confidently explore the many beautiful lakes of the North. This kayaking course builds on the skills developed in our Intro to Kayaking Course and introduces skills, theory, and rescues needed to confidently embark on longer, more ambitious kayak adventures.
Over 2-days, this course is designed for kayakers who are building up towards or planning more remote kayak trips in the northern wilderness. This course is suitable for those who have some experience kayaking but would benefit from fine-tuning strokes, broadening skills with an experienced instructor, and having fun on a hands-on course.
There is a strong focus on re-entry rescue techniques as well as the skills required to safely plan and execute a trip with friends (for example, navigation & route planning, weather interpretation, proper clothing/gear.)
If you are totally new to kayaking, and looking for fundamental skills to better control your kayak as a causal kayaker, learn more about our Beginner Kayaking course here.
Looking for a Level 2 Skills Course? We are soliciting interest to run one from Sept 11-14, 2025 ($1,350 + gst per participant). Limited to 4 participants + 1 instructor. Level 2 Skills challenges intermediate kayakers with skills to travel along semi-exposed shoreline on an overnight trip. Open-water rescues, incident management, and leadership are core parts of the curriculum in rougher water conditions. If keen to participate, please email info@jackpinepaddle.com.
If you would rather learn to canoe, you can learn more about our Intro to Lake Canoe courses here.
Inquire about a custom course date for groups of 6 or more.
The instructors are top notch. All of them are knowledgeable, patient, fun, and supportive. In 2021 my friend and I went on an epic 8-day paddle on the remote North Arm route through wind and waves. Thank you so much Dan and instructors at Jackpine Paddle for giving me the skills and confidence to pursue my goals on the water. 100% would recommend.
All equipment including your kayak, lifejacket, sprayskirt, paddle, pump, paddle float are included. Participants may use their own equipment if they prefer. A wetsuit or a drysuit if recommended to be comfortable in the water when practising rescues. Drysuits are available for $85 CAD + GST per participant.
If you are unable to attend and you can send someone in your place, we can transfer your spot free of charge.
Cancellations with more than 30 days notice, 75% refund.
Cancellations with less than 21 days notice, 50% refund.
Cancellations within 14 days of the course cannot be refunded.
Please read carefully: Should your paddling course have to be cancelled, postponed or altered by a force majeure (including but not limited to: weather, poor visibility, or mechanical breakdown causing delayed or cancelled charter flights or helicopter journeys, fire, flood, pandemic, highway closures, community evacuations, ongoing or newly introduced travel ban or government statement), Jackpine Paddle and its partner operators are not obligated to provide a refund or offer alternative travel services.
The minimum age for unaccompanied minors in our courses is 16. Participants under the age of 16 are welcome to register if joined by a parent or guardian. Participants must be able to swim 50 m with a lifejacket but no previous paddling experience is required.