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A whitewater instructor keeps and eye on a lady learning how to surf in a whitewater kayak.
Location: Medway River, Nova Scotia. Photo credit: Matt DeLong

Beginner River Kayak Instructor

Discipline: River Kayaking Stream: Instructor Development

The Beginner River Kayaking Instructor course is designed to provide a national certification in the instruction and administration of the Beginner River Kayaking Program.


The Beginner River Kayaking Instructor is certified to conduct Paddle Canada River Kayaking courses up to Beginner Skills course and to certify paddlers at that level. The Beginner River Kayak Instructor can teach paddlers river kayaking on water up to and including Class I.

Find a School  Search for a River Kayaking Course  Find a River Kayaking Instructor
Course Prerequisites
  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Certification
    • Paddle Canada Intermediate River Kayaking skills certification.
  • Instructor Experience
    • None
  • Safety Training
    • Swift Water Rescue Training recommended.
  • Rolling Ability
    • The demonstrated ability to consistently roll a kayak in a Class 1 water on one side.

How to Register for an Instructor Course

  1. Contact the course director/organization and register with them first.
  2. Register yourself as an instructor candidate member with Paddle Canada by following these steps:
    • Are you existing Paddle Canada member or a past skill course student? Login to your account and follow the instructor candidate link there.
    • Are you brand new to Paddle Canada? Proceed to the Instructor Candidate membership form.