Paddle Canada Level-4 Skills

Our Lead Instructor, Jarrod, is really excited to be mentoring with James Roberts from Ontario Sea Kayak Centre to begin the process to gaining his Level-4 Instructor status. In 2023 he will be mentoring with one of the leading sea kayak schools in the country and working with one of the most highly trained instructor trainers.

Here is the description from their website as well:

The Paddle Canada Level 4 skills course covers advanced paddling skills, problem-solving, group dynamics, and leadership during a multi-day trip in a rough-water environment. The course will focus on the student’s ability to confidently sea kayak in class-4 water conditions along remote and exposed open coast for an extended trip. The student will be an effective part of a group of peers, able to perform both leadership and supportive roles.

This scenario-driven course will challenge paddlers to navigate an exposed coastline as a peer group finding solutions to problems posed by the instructors, elements, and geography we encounter. Learning will occur from debriefing the scenarios we run through and from peer-to-peer feedback. This is the highest level in the Paddle Canada sea kayaking program. It is about showing up with your paddling/rescue and touring systems and putting them to the test. 

As this is an advanced touring-kayak-focused program we will be basing the course out on trip. We will meet and depart on our trip and the entire program will unfold in an expedition context, exactly what we are training to do. The program registration and coordination is all done through Ontario Sea Kayak Centre. Please see link below 2023 course dates:

2023 Course Date

Dates – September 27 – October 1, 2023

Location – TBD

Link to registration and program details on Ontario Sea Kayak Centre

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2024 Course Date

If the 2023 dates don’t work you can mark your calendar for the 2024 season as we will be offering another Level-4 Skills program in the Fall of 2024 as well. We will not be opening registration for the 2024 program at this time but have dates selected to allow you make your plans:

Dates – October 1 – October 6, 2024

Location – Bay of Fundy