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From Beginner Paddling Courses to Intermediate and Advanced Level Qualifications
Ocean River’s kayaking and paddleboarding school has been rated the best school in Western Canada. Whether you are a beginner looking to try kayaking or paddle boarding for the first time, or are looking for a course to further your skill development, we have a course to fit your needs.
Ocean River Kayak Clinics
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Essential Kayak Navigation
See Course DatesBiweekly Fridays from Feb 7th, 5pm - Oak Bay
(Private coaching upon request)
In this 2-hour class, you'll learn the basics of water navigation, including tides, currents, wind, weather, and reading nautical charts. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to refresh their skills for safe and confident navigation on the water.
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From Chart to Water!
See Course DatesBiweekly Fridays from Apr 11th, 5pm - Oak Bay
(Private coaching upon request)
Exclusively for those who’ve attended the "Essential Kayak Navigation" clinic, this 2.5-hour session offers hands-on practice. We’ll launch kayaks, review navigation concepts, and explore the natural environment, identifying contours, navigation aids, and water movement.
Prerequisite: Proper winter watersport attire.
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Refine Your Strokes
See Course DatesBiweekly Tuesdays from Feb 11th - Oak Bay
(Private coaching upon request)
Join us for a 3-hour clinic to refine key paddling strokes like the forward stroke, sweep, and draw. Improve your technique and boost confidence on the water. Ideal for paddlers of all levels.
*Prerequisites: Immersion gear (dry suit preferred, wet suit if necessary), booties/water shoes.
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Edging And Bracing
See Course Dates(Begginers - Flat waters)
Improve your kayaking in this 3-hour clinic designed for flat waters. You'll learn simple techniques for edging and bracing, which help you keep your kayak steady and avoid tipping over. This clinic is perfect for anyone who wants to feel more confident and in control on the water, no matter your experience level.
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Edging And Bracing
See Course Dates(Intermidate - Dynamic waters)
Take your kayaking to the next level in this 3-hour clinic focused on edging and bracing in dynamic waters. Learn advanced techniques to maintain control and stability in challenging conditions, helping you prevent capsizes and improve your performance. Ideal for intermediate kayakers looking to build confidence and master control in moving water.
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Kayak Rolling
See Course DatesBiweekly Sundays from Feb 2nd - Oak Bay
This 2.5 hour clinic will teach you the essential rolling technique, a key self-rescue skill, while helping you build confidence in your braces and reduce any worry about unexpected capsizes.
*Prerequisites: Ability to perform a wet-exit and a re-entry; immersion gear ( Dry suit, booties/water shoes, neoprene/storm cap) -
Capsizes & Re-Entries
See Course Dates(Beginners - Flat Waters)
In this 3-hour course, you'll learn important safety skills like how to handle a capsize, self-rescue techniques, and how to safely get back into your kayak. Our experienced instructors will guide you step-by-step, making sure you feel confident and ready to manage any capsize situations in calm waters.
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Capsizes & Re-Entries
See Course Dates(Intermediates - Dynamic Waters)
This 3-hour course focuses on safe capsize procedures in moving water, including advanced self-rescue techniques, safety protocols, and re-entry methods. Our experienced instructors will guide you through each step, helping you build confidence and preparedness to handle capsizing situations in more challenging conditions.
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Currents Clinic at Tillicum
See Course DatesTBD - Tillicum
This 3-hour clinic is for paddlers with experience in low brace and edging techniques. It focuses on refining skills in moving water, including advanced balance, strokes, and boat control.
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Personalized Sea Kayak Skills
Contact Our Team About This CourseThis 3-hour personalized coaching session is tailored to your needs, taking you from your current skill level and building on what you already know. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, the session will focus on improving your technique, boosting confidence, and enhancing your performance on the water.
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Personal Coaching - Progression Planning Package (4 Sessions)
Contact Our Team About This CourseThis package offers four personalized coaching sessions designed to enhance your technique, confidence, and performance on the water. If you're willing, you can also add a kayak rental membership to practice and refine your skills between lessons. It's perfect for both beginners and seasoned paddlers aiming for steady progression.
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Proud Paddle Canada Members
Paddle Canada sets national standards for instruction and certification for recreational paddling: canoe, kayak and stand up paddleboard. Every year, over 2500 Paddle Canada certified instructors deliver sanctioned courses to more than 15,000 paddlers across Canada. Paddle Canada certifications are nationally accredited and internationally recognized.
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Paddle Canada - Basic Kayak Skills
1 Day Course - Victoria
No Prerequisites. Ages +16.
This inspiring 8 hour course will introduce you to the skills and knowledge you need to safely start kayaking. It is suitable for new paddlers on their path through a nationally accredited curriculum; or for paddlers who already have some experience, but are looking for some formal instruction. Capsize recoveries, paddling skills, and classroom theory.
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Paddle Canada - Sea Kayaking Level 1 Skills
2 Day Course - Victoria
Prerequisites: Certification in Basic Kayak Skills or equivalent skills.
Ages +16
This comprehensive, enjoyable, two-day course teaches you everything you need to know to confidently embark on day-long sea kayaking trips in sheltered waters. During this course, you’ll further develop your kayaking strokes and rescue skills, and you’ll add important new skills to your repertoire, including turning on edge, towing, and self-rescue technique. A moderate level of fitness is beneficial.
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Paddle Canada - Sea Kayaking Level 2 Skills
4 Day Course - Victoria
Prerequisites : Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level-1 Skills Certification or equivalent.
Ages +16.
In this four-day course, you will learn how to handle more challenging sea conditions with comfort and confidence. You will learn intermediate-level paddling techniques, rescue skills, and towing techniques for use in areas with ocean currents and moderate sea conditions. To quickly recover from a capsize, you will learn how to roll a kayak! A comprehensive navigation component will be included so you can get out there and explore. This course teaches you the necessary components for Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level-2 Skills Certification. A moderate level of fitness is beneficial.
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Paddle Canada - Sea Kayaking Level 3 Skills
5 Day Course - Victoria
Prerequisites : Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level-2 Skills Certification or equivalent.
Ages +16.
On this five day adventure course you will learn extensive knowledge and skills to confidently sea kayak in class-3 conditions along exposed coastline with infrequent landing opportunities. You will be able to apply principles of effective leadership, risk assessment, decision-making, judgment, group management, and kayak handling while traveling on a multi-day expedition and rough water, currents and surf as part of a group of peers.
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Explore While You Learn With Our Destination Skills Trips
Part travel & part learning. Our instructional kayak tours depart from lodges and resorts in the Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound.