Skills: Kayak Courses

August-September 1998

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by Sue Handel

Those of you new to kayaking will be glad to know that there people out there who've made all the mistakes for you. OK, maybe not all of them. But at least by the time you complete a one or two day intro course, your instructor will have you paddling right side up and moving forwards! Most importantly you'll know how to re-enter your boat in the case of a capsize and you'll know how to help your friends if they do. By spending a few hours with a good instructor, you'll be ready to explore the world at water level.

Check through this issue of Wave-Length for businesses offering instruction, or check in your area for other kayaking outfitters or clubs that offer introductory kayaking courses. Talk with local kayakers (you'll find them milling around kayak clubs or launch sites or the local watering hole) to find out about the quality of instruction offered by schools in your area. The main thing to look for is an instructor who is certified and experienced. Nothing beats an instructor who has "been there and done that".

One school that I can highly recommend for those in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, is the Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre on Granville Island in Vancouver. Since 1980 they have been offering courses that intend to "facilitate a positive difference in people's lives." My experience in Ecomarine's Leadership Course was indeed nothing less than inspiring. All Ecomarine instructors have CPR and first aid certification, and the student to instructor ratio is a maximum of 6:1.

Kayak centres offering instruction will have a variety of courses to choose from, depending on your ability and paddling goal. The Ecomarine Centre, for example, has a number of different courses available.

If you're just starting out and wondering if kayaking is for you, check into "First Strokes". A great value for the price ($55 Cdn), this 3-1/2 hour course includes a pleasure paddle plus discussion of the touring kayak and basic equipment. Once you've decided to get serious, the 7 -1 /2 hour "Basic Ocean Kayaking course" takes you through equipment and paddling skills and on to chart reading, wet exits (for which wetsuits are supplied!) and assisted capsize recoveries. The course is the perfect starter kit for the beginner.

Ecomarine also has courses for intermediate level kayakers. The "Paddling Techniques" course will help you improve boat control, paddling efficiency and personal technique while the "Comprehensive Navigation" course is invaluable for learning about charts, compasses; tides and currents and marine weather.

For those who already have a few tricks under their hat, advanced courses include "Practical Capsize Recoveries", "Kayak Rolling" and "Kayaking in Surf Zones". There is always more to know!

And don't forget the kids. Programs both for parents of young kayakers, and the young kayakers themselves, will safely introduce the sport of sea kayaking for a lifetime of enjoyment.

For more complete information, contact the Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre at Ph: 604/689-7575 or 1-800-4 C KAYAK, Fax: 604/689-5926.