FAQ’s about Paddle Canada Courses that Ocean River offer
What is Paddle Canada?
Paddle Canada is the national organization that sets safety, skill, and instructional standards for recreational paddling in Canada.
What types of courses are offered, and does Ocean River offer all of them?
The courses that Ocean River offers are Sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, ranging from introductory skills to advanced levels. The courses that Ocean River offers are on the web site as available and/or bookable courses:
Browse our courses!
Do I need prior experience to take a course?
Our entry level courses are designed for beginners and require no previous paddling experience.
What if I am not sure where to start?
You can email into instruction@oceanriver.com with any questions.
How long are the courses?
Course length varies by level. For sea kayak courses:
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Introductory - basics course one 8 hour day
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Level 1 - two 8 hour days
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Level 2- four 8 hour days
For SUP courses:
What do I learn in the courses?
Core skills learned in sea kayak courses:
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Forward strokes, stopping, turning (sweeps, pivots), edging, low bracing, stern rudders, efficient paddling.
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Wet exits, assisted/self-rescue (capsize recovery), emptying kayaks, launching/landing safely, understanding cold water/sun safety.
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Route planning, understanding tides/weather, risk assessment, communication, Transport Canada rules.
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Equipment knowledge: kayaks, paddles, outfitting, care, and selection.
Progression by Level:
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Basics: Focuses on fundamental strokes, controlled wet exits, assisted rescue, basic knowledge and understanding of sea state, weather, navigation and safety.
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Level 1: Focuses on refining strokes, self rescues, safety, navigation and route planning short trips in calm water.
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Level 2 (Intermediate): Builds on Level 1 with skills for semi-exposed shorelines, swells, entry surf, currents, preparation for overnight trips, and basic leadership and group management skills.
Are Paddle Canada courses nationally recognized?
Yes. Paddle Canada certifications are recognized across Canada and are widely respected by paddling organizations, camps, and outfitters.
What equipment do I need?
Participants are usually required to bring:
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Appropriate clothing for weather and water temperature. Base layers are important. Cotton is not the preferred material for a base layer. (Drysuits are available for rent).
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Any of your own gear including kayak or SUP board, PFD (Transport Canada certified), paddles, safety gear (bilge, throw, paddle float), immersion gear (dry, semi dry or wet suits and shoes)
What if you don’t have your own gear?
Ocean River will provide the following if you require it, included in your fee:
Extras not included in the fee but are available to rent:
Will I get wet during the course?
Short answer, always prepare to get wet.
Are the courses safe?
Yes. Safety is a core component of Paddle Canada courses. Instructors are certified, and courses emphasize risk management, rescue skills, and environmental awareness.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Courses typically run in light wind and rain. Ocean River will run the course in the appropriate water and weather conditions for your level. Instructors may modify activities, change locations or reschedule if conditions are unsafe.
Will I receive certification at the end of the course?
If you successfully meet the course standards and can execute the abilities to the instructor's satisfaction, you will receive a Paddle Canada certification card for that specific course level.
What if I do not pass?
At the end of your course, the instructor will provide you with a pass, fail or a conditional pass. A conditional pass may be awarded when the participant has one weak skill or theory topic, at the discretion of the Instructor. Conditional passes must be completed within one year from the last day of the course. Failure to complete the conditions within the time allowed will automatically result in a “Fail” for the candidate. At the discretion of the instructor, they will advise how to proceed with the conditional.
Are there age restrictions?
Our courses and clinics do not have age restrictions however, participants are required to demonstrate the physical capability necessary to complete all on-water and safety related activities.
How do I register for a course?
Click HERE!
Ocean River Kayak Clinics & Personal Coaching – FAQs
What are Ocean River’s specialized kayak clinics?
Ocean River’s specialized kayak clinics focus on targeted skill development in a small-group setting. Clinics are designed to improve technique, confidence, and safety, and may focus on specific paddling environments, conditions, or skill sets.
What kind of kayak clinics does Ocean River offer?
What is the difference between a clinic and personal coaching?
Clinics are small-group sessions centered on a specific skill. Personal coaching offers one-on-one or private group instruction tailored entirely to individual goals, experience level, and learning pace and provided with a progression plan in mind.
Who are these clinics for?
Clinics are suitable for paddlers of various experience levels, from those looking to refine fundamentals to experienced paddlers seeking advanced skills or efficiency improvements. These clinics are great opportunities for introductory, re discovery or refocusing on specific skills.
Do I need Paddle Canada certification to participate in the more advanced clinics?
Paddle Canada certification is not required. However, some clinics may align with Paddle Canada skill levels or require equivalent experience for safety and effectiveness. Please reach out to instruction@oceanriver.com for more information on advanced water clinics.
How long are the clinics and coaching sessions?
Clinics run from March - September. There are several offerings throughout the months for clinics and are available to sign up online. They run Mondays-Fridays and some weekend availability depending on the month.
Time: 2-4 hours, times vary.
Personal coaching and progression planning is dependant on the instructor and the individuals however, they are typically 4 sessions ranging from 2-4 hours each.
Personal coaching sessions can be scheduled for shorter or longer timeframes depending on goals and availability.
What is the instructor to participant ratio?
Ocean River clinics maintain low instructor-to-participant ratios to ensure personalized feedback and a high-quality learning experience, 1 instructor for 4 participants.
** A minimum of two participants is necessary for the clinics to run. **
Where do the clinics take place?
Oak Bay, around the Marina is our primary area of choice as it provides shelter or more dynamic water close by for those clinics requiring it. We sometimes use our downtown location located at the base of Swift Street. Our primary location for clinics is around the Oak Bay Marina. This area is ideal as it offers both sheltered and more dynamic water conditions, depending on the clinic's needs. Occasionally, we also utilize our downtown location, situated at the base of Swift Street. Location can change depending on the clinic focus and prevailing conditions.
Cancellations
Clinics may be subject to cancellations due to weather or water conditions. Our focus is to reschedule or pivot and choose a suitable location that may be more sheltered if possible.
Our clinics require at least 2 participants to run and may be cancelled due to lack of participants. We will do our best to reschedule and accommodate those who were registered.
Sessions may be adapted, relocated, or rescheduled if conditions are unsafe. Safety and learning outcomes remain the priority.
For more information click here
Are these clinics Paddle Canada–certified?
Many clinics are taught by Paddle Canada–certified instructors and may follow Paddle Canada standards, though our clinics are not certifiable.
Can clinics be customized for private groups?
Yes. Ocean River offers customized clinics and private coaching for individuals, families, and groups with specific goals or scheduling needs. Please reach out to our instruction team for interest, instruction@oceanriver.com
