Est.2009
Paddle Canada is the national association for recreational paddling in Canada, setting the standards for instruction and certification in Canada for recreational canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddling.
Not able to join us for our Ottawa dates. Contact us here if you would like to book a private group anywhere in Canada * Trainer Travel Fees apply
Level 1 Basic SUP Skills
The Basic SUP Skills course introduces the novice to paddling a paddleboard in calm sheltered water.
This course introduces a few foundational paddle boarding strokes, along with basic safety concepts. This is an excellent course for the beginner who simply wants to learn how best to take themselves paddle boarding on a lake, and feel confident doing so.
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Some topics covered include: Standing up, kneeling, and sitting on the paddle board
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Forward, turning, and braking strokes
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Falling off and remounting your board
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Appropriate gear and outerwear
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Paddle board design, equipment, and resources
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Most importantly: how to have fun while staying safe!
You can read further details here
Level 2 Advanced SUP Skills
The Advanced course builds on the skills and knowledge gained in the Basic SUP Skills course and introduces participants to paddling in more challenging conditions, and to more advanced paddle boarding skills.
The Advanced course is perfect for the individual who wants to learn more technical flatwater strokes and safety skills.
Some topics covered include:
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towing and partner rescue
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foot positions
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pivot turns
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draw and cross draw strokes
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edging and bracing more details here
Level 1: No previous skill or prerequisites required. $99/$125
Level 2: Basic SUP Skills or experience required. $150/$175
Class size Minimum 1 person, maximum 6. Typical course length is 2-3 hours.
Please come prepared and wear appropriate clothing on the water and to keep you warm on shore.
Equipment Required*: Personal items to bring:
*Whistle Swimsuit/water clothing
*Paddleboard Towel, warm clothes
*Leash Hat, sunscreen
*Paddle Water, snacks, lunch
*PFD Course literature, notebook, pen
*If you registered BYOB it is your responsibility to have ALL the required equipment.
Missing items can be purchased Here and brought to your course if you notify us 48 hours before your course.
Passionate about paddling in Canada? Have strong technical skills and a desire to share with others? Become an instructor.
Take 25% off a skills course during National Paddling Week with code: PaddleCanada
Flatwater SUP Instructor Certification
Level 1
The entry point into the Paddle Canada SUP Instructor program. As such, the fundamentals of instruction receive considerable emphasis during this course.
You will have to demonstrate your teaching ability to the rest of the group with topics & techniques which may be assigned prior to the course or on short notice at the course.
*The obtainment of the certificate can depend on the candidates successful completion of the skills.
Successful candidates receive the Level 1 Basic SUP Instructor award.
Advanced Flatwater Instructor Certification
Level 2
This 2-day Paddle Canada course is designed for those that have successfully completed the Paddle Canada
Level 1 SUP Instructor course and now wish to pursue their Level 2 SUP Instructor certification, or those that feel they have the skills to challenge for the Advanced Instructor. The course will cover teaching principles, group management strategies and how to apply them to both the Basic and Advanced SUP Skills curriculum, as well provide practical experience in teaching on-water skills.
Participants can be granted a Level 1 or 2 through this certification
2 day $499/$450
Prerequisites:
L1 min age: 16 years
L2 min age: 18 years
Advanced Flatwater SUP skills certification, or equivalent skills and knowledge.
16 hours First Aid and CPR training-can be completed after the course.
Important: You are required to obtain a Paddle Canada membership prior to your certification date.
As an alternative to an instructor course, Instructor Candidates can earn certification through mentorship that entails working under direct supervision of a Mentor who is one of our qualified Instructor Trainers. We offer a limited number of mentorships each year.
Instructor Maintenance Clinic 6 hours.
This professional development clinic allows Paddle Canada instructors to fulfill their quadrennial requirements to maintain their instructor certification. The focus of these clinics is to improve and fine-tune instructors' paddling skills and teaching techniques in fun and challenging ways.
Course Length: 6+ hours
Group Cost: $175/$150 per person
Private cost: $250/$225