• Launching and landing
• Efficient forward and reverse strokes
• Edge control
• Stopping
• Forward and reverse sweep strokes with edging
• Side draw stroke
• Sculling draw stroke
• Low brace
• Stern rudder

• Equipment and equipment care
• Communication tools, methods and signals
• Route planning and basic navigation techniques
• Half-day kayak journey
• Weather concepts, forecasts & impact
• Sea states
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Cold issues and sun safety
• Impact of kayakers on the environment
• History and heritage
• Vehicle boat tie down
• Kayaking community and resources

• Unassisted re-entry
• Assisted re-entries
• Contact towing

Participants should expect to be in a natural park setting with limited access to shelter for the duration of the course. For your safety and comfort, we ask that you bring the following items:

• Drinking water (min. 2L per day)
• A packed lunch & snacks
• Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses & sunglasses strap
• A towel & dry clothes to change into
• A portable, folding chair

Optional

For your convenience, all items below are available for rent or purchase as add-on options during checkout.

• Waterproof phone pouch
• Dry bag
• Cottonmouth nose plugs
• Vented/waterproof ear plugs

Need assistance with gear & equipment? We've got you covered.

Vessel, Paddle, Skirt, PFD & Safety Equipment

Option to rent vessel, paddle, PFD & safety kit is available at a reduced cost of $59.95 for participants of this course. If you do not have the equipment listed above, please select this add-on option during checkout.

• Kayak: Double-bulkhead (front & rear) Flatwater or Sea Kayak with a fitted spray-skirt and perime ter lines
• Kayak paddle
• Kayak spray-skirt
• PFD: Transport Canada approved paddling Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
• Safety Kit: Pealess whistle, manual bilge pump, buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres (50 feet) long

Paddle Float

For hygienic reasons, you must have your own paddle float. Level Six Inflatable Paddle Floats are available for purchase as an add-on option during checkout.

• Inflatable paddle float

Cold water immersion gear (for water temps < 15C)

• Wetsuit or dry suit
• Cold water shoes

Note: Appropriate cold water immersion gear is mandatory when water temperatures are below 15C. For Lake Ontario at Cherry Beach, water temperatures are typically below 15C before June 15 and after October 1. Wetsuits or dry suits may be available for rent from various local suppliers. Please contact us for more information.