Paddle Canada Courses
 

Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Courses

• PC Basic Kayak Skills Course
  

  Paddle Canada
  Basic Kayak Skills
  1 Day Course

  Price: $190 per person
  plus 3% booking fee + tax, or $205.49 inclusive

  Basic Kayaking Skills
  Course Details

  This 8 to 9 hour Paddle Canada certification course takes you through the basics of kayaking. We go over the equipment, how to prepare it, how to maintain it, and what is required by law. After the beginning introduction, we learn to launch, then get onto the water to learn and practice some skills in the kayak. Many kayak rental companies are now requiring renters to have had a basic introduction to kayaing.
  The course should give you the confidence and skills to paddle in shallow, calm, flat water in a protected area. If you want to get the skills to be able to go out on a farther journey for a day trip, join our Level 1 Kayaking Skills course. It is also a Paddle Canada certification course.
  
  Location: Fuller Lake, Chemainus, or Cowichan Bay depending on conditions (meet Cowichan Bay) ($190 plus 3% booking fee + tax, or $205.49 inclusive) and scheduled for:

  
  Dates
  
  June 21, 2025
  July 19, 2025

  Typical course itinerary. (Because we are travelling in a natural environment, itineraries can change. There are many factors that can affect how a course actually runs.) Read the COURSE DETAILS.
  
  ⚀ This course usually begins in Cowichan Bay, at the Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre, 1769 Cowichan Bay Road, in Cowichan Bay at 8:00 am. We begin with on land instruction with gear and basics.
  ⚁ We move into the water late morning for some practical skills instruction.
  ⚂ We usually break for lunch about 12:00, then return to the course by about 12:45.
  ⚃ In the afternoon, we continue with some practical skills, and end with the in-water (not ON, but IN) activities. We finish up about 5:30 pm.
  
  What’s Included--Coastal Bliss provides the following for your course:
  Professional instructors
  A preparation guide
  Kayaks and gear, including dry suit
  
  We can’t provide everything. You will have to provide:
  Food
  Your transportation to the departure location
  Accommodation before or after the course

• PC Level 1 Kayak Skills Course
  

  Paddle Canada
  Level 1 Kayak Skills
  2 Day Course

  Price: $310 per person
  plus 3% booking fee + tax, or $335.27 inclusive

  Level 1 Kayaking Skills
  Course Details

  This 12 hour minimum Paddle Canada certification course takes you through the kayaking skills you will need for day trips in protected waters. We go over the equipment, how to prepare it, how to maintain it, and what is required by law. After the beginning introduction, we learn to launch, then get onto the water to learn and practice some skills in the kayak. We do rescues and learn paddling skills to give you more confidence on the water.
  The course should give you the confidence and skills to paddle in calm, flat water up to light chop in a protected area, on extended trips for a day. If you want to get the skills to be able to go out on overnight trips, join our Level 2 Kayaking Skills course. This is a Paddle Canada certification course.
  
  Cowichan Bay ($310 per person plus 3% booking fee + tax, or $335.27 inclusive). Schedule for:

  
  Dates

  June 28-29, 2025

  Typical course itinerary. (Because we are travelling in a natural environment, itineraries can change. There are many factors that can affect how a course actually runs.) Read the COURSE DETAILS.
  
  ⚀ This course usually begins in Cowichan Bay, at the Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre, 1769 Cowichan Bay Road, in Cowichan Bay at 8:00 am OR it begins in Maple Bay, at the public boat launch at 9:00 am. Day 2 could be at a different location, depending on weather and sea state. We begin with on-land instruction with gear and basics.
  ⚁ We move into the water late morning for some practical skills instruction.
  ⚂ We usually break for lunch about 12:30, then return to the course by about 1:15.
  ⚃ In the afternoon, we continue with some practical skills, and end with the in-water (not ON, but IN) activities. We finish up about 4:00 pm.
  Day 2 follows a similar itinerary, but we try to be finished by 3:00 pm.
  
  What’s Included--Coastal Bliss provides the following for your course:
  Professional instructors
  A preparation guide
  Kayaks and gear, including dry suit
  
  We can’t provide everything. You will have to provide:
  Food
  Your transportation to the departure location
  Accommodation before or after the course (some camping available at Coastal Bliss Base)

• PC Level 2 Kayak Skills Course
  

  PC Level 2 Kayak Skills
  5 Day Course

  Price: $799 per person
  plus 3% booking fee + tax, or $864.12 inclusive

  Level 2 Kayaking Skills
  Course Details

  This 5 day (it is 4 days minimum) Paddle Canada certification course takes you through the kayaking skills you will need for day trips in protected waters. Building on the skills developed in Level-1, Level-2 provides you with the intermediate skills you need to go sea kayaking in class-2 conditions along semi-exposed shoreline with a possible overnight camp. Leadership, incident management, open-water rescue, self-care and navigation are core parts of the curriculum. Upon completion of the course, you should be able to confidently sea kayak in class-2 conditions along moderately exposed shoreline in the company of one or more paddlers with similar skills and knowledge. We go over more advanced skills to do with weather and navigation. After the beginning introduction, we learn to launch, then get onto the water to learn and practice skills in the kayak. We do rescues and learn paddling skills to give you more confidence on the water.
  Scheduled:

  Dates

  July 5-9, 2025

  Typical course itinerary. (Because we are travelling in a natural environment, itineraries can change. There are many factors that can affect how a course actually runs.) Read the COURSE DETAILS.
  
  ⚀ This course usually begins in Cowichan Bay, at the Cowichan Bay Kayaking and Adventure Centre, 1769 Cowichan Bay Road, in Cowichan Bay at 8:00 am. OR it begins in Maple Bay, at the public boat launch at 9:00 am. Day 2-4 could be at a different location, depending on weather and sea state. We begin with on-land instruction with gear and basics, on water later in the morning and afternoon, usually ending for the day between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.
  ⚁ Day 2 is a mix of on land and on water instruction, but on a day trip, finishing around 4:00 pm.
  ⚂ Day 3 is similar to day 2. There is a significant day trip component, but ending a little earlier to prepare for the overnignt trip. We finish between 3:00 and 3:30 to prepare for the next day.
  ⚃ Day 4 begins the two-day, overnight trip component. After having created the float plan, we arrive at our put-in location to begin the trip. We finish up for the day when we arrive at camp, then spend some time with campcraft.
  ⚄ Day 5 is the journey back to the put in, the debrief, and final thoughts. Expect to finish the day around 5:00 pm.
  
  What’s Included--Coastal Bliss provides the following for your course:
  Professional instructors
  A substantial preparation guide
  Kayaks, gear, and dry suit (25% discount if you provide your own)
  All food and group gear (camp cooking is part of the course, so you will be helping at times)
  All camping fees (camping at Coastal Bliss Base on non-expedition days)
  
  We can’t provide everything. You will have to provide:
  Your transportation to the departure location in Cowichan Bay
  Accommodation before or after the course
  Any accommodation other than camping during the course

• PC Basic Kayak Skills Instructor Course
  

  PC Basic Skills Instructor
  3 Day Course

  Price: $425
  plus 3% booking fee + tax, or $459.64 inclusive

  Paddle Canada
  Basic Kayaking Skills
  Instructor Course Details

  This 3 day (20 hours of instructions, minimum of 8 hours on water) Paddle Canada certification course takes you through the kayaking and teaching skills you will need to instruct others to a Basic Skills Certification level.
  Fuller Lake, Chemainus; Cowichan Bay

  Dates TBA

  Typical course itinerary. (Because we are travelling in a natural environment, itineraries can change. There are many factors that can affect how a course actually runs.) An instructor course can be even more open than a skills course. Read the BECOMING AN INSTRUCTOR manual.
  
  ⚀ This course usually begins at Coastal Bliss Adventures' base location at 4865 Bench Road near Cowichan Bay at 8:00 am. Day 2 and 3 could be at a different location, depending on weather, sea state, and objectives for the day.
  ⚁ Day 2 is a mix of on land and on water instruction, modelling and imitation from you.
  ⚂ Day 3 is similar to day 2.
  
  What’s Included--Coastal Bliss provides the following for your course:
  Professional instructors
  A substantial preparation guide
  Kayaks, gear, and wet suit
  
  We can’t provide everything. You will have to provide:
  Your transportation to the course location in Cowichan Bay
  Accommodation before, after and during the course

 

• PC Canoe Skills Courses
  

  PC Canoe Skills
  1/2 Day Courses

  1. Morning Canoe Skills Intro
  2. Afternoon Safety and Rescue Skills
  Price: $129 each, plus 3% booking fee + tax ($139.51, inclusive)
  Both for $190 plus 3% booking fee + tax ($205.49, inclusive)

  Paddle Canada
  Canoe Skills Course Details

  These half day (2 to 4 hours) Paddle Canada certification courses take you through the basic lake or flat water canoeing skills to enjoy protected waters canoeing.

  Dates TBA

  Canoe skills course aims. To introduce novice participants to paddling with a partner, in shelter calm waters. The skills and knowledge gained at this level form the foundation for basic paddling close to shore on sheltered bodies of water. Rescue options are discussed at this level and can be demonstrated by the instructor.
  Prerequisites: None
  Course length: 2 – 4 hours
  Class ratio: 1 instructor: max 10 participants, 5 canoes
  Location: Sheltered pond or lake, Pool
  Conditions: Calm with no wind
  Area: Similar to the Waterfront Designated Area Limitations.
  Assessment: Activities focus on safety and comfortable paddling in a calm designated area and shoreline. While there is a great deal to learn at this level, activity should concentrate on progress, teamwork and an awareness of the need for future learning. Paddlers should leave the course empowered and motivated to continue their learning and aware of their individual limitations. Read the PC Tandem Canoe Course Details.
  
  Canoe safety & rescues course aims. This Lake Water Canoe Safety and Rescue Clinic provides the opportunity to practice commonly used shore and lake rescue skills. Unlike the Lake Skill Courses that emphasize paddling skills, this clinic emphasizes shore and lake water safety and rescue skills. It focuses on the fundamental skills, knowledge, and manoeuvres of rescuing paddlers and equipment from the shore or on lake water situations from a paddlers’ perspective. The intent of this clinic is to provide an opportunity for recreational lake water paddlers to practice rescues. This course is for all levels of canoeists as well as both tandem and solo canoeists. Instructors must teach within their Paddle Canada Lake certifications. Most safety and rescue techniques incorporate the use of a paddling partner and it is essential for all Lake paddlers to travel on the water with others who have been trained in the techniques of assisted rescues as the rescuers. Instructors have the flexibility to adapt this program to meet their clients needs.
  Prerequisites: Canoeing Basics or permission of Instructor.
  Course length: 2 to 4 hours (for each level) or up to 1 day
  Class ratio 1 instructor: max 12 participants. There may be a mix of tandem and solo canoes (either a max of 6 canoes or 12 participants).
  Location: This clinic can be conducted in a pool for the Intro and Intermediate levels and/or waterfront (pond, lake, ocean) location. This clinic can partly be conducted in a classroom setting.
  Conditions: No wind to wind conditions that coincide with the certification level of the instructor.
  Assessment: This clinic is a participatory event with no pass or fail certification given. Participants are encouraged to partake in this clinic as often as they like and as often as is required to refresh their safety and rescue skills. Read the Canoe Safety and Rescues Clinic Details.
  
  ITINERARIES
  ⚀ The Introductory course will begin at Fuller Lake Park or Cowichan Bay at 8:00 am, and the Safety and Rescues course begins at 1:00 pm at the same location. Expect to be off the water and wrapping up by 4:00 pm.
  
  What’s Included--Coastal Bliss provides the following for your course:
  Professional instructors
  Preparation information
  Canoes and related gear
  
  We can’t provide everything. You will have to provide:
  Your transportation to the course location
  Accommodation before, after and during the course
  Any food for the day

  PC and RCABC Solo Lake Canoe, Fuller Lake
  This course is recommended for canoeists with some basic skills in tandem canoeing, wishing to learn solo skills. The course covers a range of skills and maneuvers, aspects of safety and can be combined with a canoe rescues course. Course cost: $129 + 5% tax for single course or $190 + 5% tax combined courses. For information and registration please go to www.cowichanbaykayaking.com or contact: Coastal Bliss Adventure / Cowichan Bay Kayaking at info@cowichanbaykayaking.com or Call 250 597 3031

 

• PC SUP Basic Skills Courses
  

  PC SUP Basic Skills
  1/2 Day Courses

  Basic Flatwater SUP Skills Course
  Price: $129, plus 3% booking fee + tax ($139.51, inclusive)

  Paddle Canada
  SUP Skills Course Details

  This 3 hour Paddle Canada certification course takes you through the basic lake or flat water stand-up paddle boarding skills to enjoy protected waters.

  Pre-booked
     8 AM - 11 AM   Basic SUP Skills Intro

  SUP basic skills course aims. To introduce the novice to paddleboarding in enclosed sheltered waters under calm conditions. Skills covered include a kneeling, standing on a board, forward and turning strokes, and safety awareness.
  Prerequisites: None
  Course length: 2 – 3 hours
  Class ratio: 1 instructor: max 6 participants
  Location: Sheltered pond or lake, Pool
  Conditions: Calm with no wind
  Area: Similar to the Waterfront Designated Area Limitations.
  Assessment: Activities focus on safety and comfortable paddling in a calm designated area and shoreline. While there is a great deal to learn at this level, activity should concentrate on progress and an awareness of the need for future learning. Paddlers should leave the course empowered and motivated to continue their learning and aware of their individual limitations. Read the PC SUP Courses Details.
  
  SUP Basic Skills course aims. Safety skills concentrate on the safety of the individual paddler while paddling near shore with uninterrupted stretches of easy landing opportunities.
  Prerequisites: None.
  Course length: 2 to 3 hours (for each level) or up to 1 day for both Basic and Advanced Skills.
  Class ratio 1 instructor: max 6 participants.
  Location: This course can be conducted in a pool for the Intro and Intermediate levels and/or waterfront (pond, lake, ocean) location. This clinic can partly be conducted in a classroom setting.
  Conditions: No wind to wind conditions that coincide with the certification level of the instructor.
  Assessment: This clinic is a participatory event with no pass or fail certification given. Participants are encouraged to partake in this clinic as often as they like and as often as is required to refresh their safety and rescue skills. Read the SUP Course Details.
  
  ITINERARIES
  ⚀ The Basic course will begin at Cowichan Bay Kayaking at Bluenose Marina at 8:00 am. Expect to be off the water and wrapping up by 11:00 am.
  
  What's Included--Coastal Bliss provides the following for your course:
  Professional instructors
  Preparation information
  SUPs and related gear
  
  We can't provide everything. You will have to provide:
  Your transportation to the course location
  Accommodation before, after and during the course
  Any food for the day

• PC SUP Advanced Skills Courses
  

  PC Advanced SUP Skills
  1/2 Day Course

  Price: $129 plus 3% booking fee + tax ($139.51, inclusive)

  Paddle Canada
  SUP Skills Course Details

  This 3 hour Paddle Canada certification course takes you through more advanced techniques for lake or flat water stand-up paddle boarding to enjoy protected waters.

  Pre-booked
     12 PM - 3 PM   Advanced SUP Skills

  SUP advanced skills course aims. To increase the skills and knowledge of the novice paddleboarder in enclosed sheltered waters under slightly more challenging conditions. Skills covered include a kneeling, standing on a board, forward and turning strokes, and safety awareness.
  Prerequisites: None
  Course length: 2 – 3 hours
  Class ratio: 1 instructor: max 6 participants
  Location: Sheltered pond or lake, Pool
  Conditions: slightly challenging conditions, Class 1 environments
  Area: Similar to the Waterfront Designated Area Limitations.
  Assessment: Activities focus on safety and comfortable paddling in a calm designated area and shoreline. While there is a great deal to learn at this level, activity should concentrate on progress and an awareness of the need for future learning. Paddlers should leave the course empowered and motivated to continue their learning and aware of their individual limitations. Read the PC SUP Courses Details.
  
  SUP Advanced Skills course aims. This course builds on the skills and knowledge gained in the Basic SUP course and introduces participants to paddling in more challenging conditions and to more advanced paddleboarding skills.
  Read the SUP Course Details.
  
  ITINERARIES
  ⚀ The Basic course will begin at Cowichan Bay Kayaking at Bluenose Marina at 8:00 am. Expect to be off the water and wrapping up by 3:00 pm.
  
  What's Included--Coastal Bliss provides the following for your course:
  Professional instructors
  Preparation information
  SUPs and related gear
  
  We can't provide everything. You will have to provide:
  Your transportation to the course location
  Accommodation before, after and during the course
  Any food for the day