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People staring at a nautical chart during a navigation lesson.
Photo credit: Priscilla Haskin

Basic Kayak Instructor

Discipline: Sea Kayaking Stream: Instructor Development

The Basic Kayak Instructor course provides national certification in the instruction and administration of the Paddle Canada Basic Kayak skills course.


A Basic Kayak Instructor is certified to

  • conduct Waterfront Kayak and Basic Kayak skills courses and certify paddlers at those levels,
  • assist a Level-1 Instructor on a Level-1 Skills course,
  • assist a Kayak Rolling Instructor on a Kayak Rolling clinic, and
  • assist a Basic Kayak Instructor Trainer on a Waterfront Kayak Instructor course.
Find a School  Search for a Sea Kayak Course  Find a Sea Kayak Instructor
Course Prerequisites
  • At least 16 years of age.
  • Certification
    • Sea Kayak Level-1 Skills
  • Teaching Experience
    • None
  • Paddling Experience
    • Significant paddling experience in a wide variety of conditions and locations.
    • Candidates are expected to be able to perform all safety and skill items to a level and confidence superior to that of a student taking the Basic Kayak Skill course.

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.