Kayak Programs
Offering programming for any level of paddler.
& The Entire Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Programming. 
Introduction to Sea Kayaking
This program offers extensive and flexible skills training for novice and seasoned paddlers looking to build their fundamental skills. The two day program focuses on the technique of the fundamental strokes and rescues, while also building on the necessary theory topics to plan a day trip. We offer these programs from our Mill Bay & Port Sidney paddling centers.
The "core" paddling strokes, wet exits and proven rescue techniques make up day one of this excellent course. On day two participants will have the opportunity to pack a kayak with gear necessary for a comfortable a day trip and take part in group trip planning, weather interpretation, navigation and risk assessment. A full resource pack, manual and joining instructions are available on registration.
Loaded with learning and fun, this course is MUST for any new paddler or Kayakers wishing to re-visit skills.
Novice paddlers who just want a "taster" of Sea Kayaking can sign up for the first day only (Paddle Canada Basic) and receive a 40% discount on the two day course by applying coupon code TASTER24
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Dates for Spring 2025
March - 1st & 2nd | 15th & 16th | 29th & 30th
April - 12th & 13th | 26th & 27th |
May - 10th & 11th | 24th & 25th
What's Included;
-Instruction delivered by a certified Paddle Canada Instructor
-Choice of NDK Sea Kayak, Safety Gear & Paddles
-Wetsuits are provided free of charge for ALL Level 1 Skills courses.
- Drysuits are provided free of charge from November 1st- May 1st
-Paddle Canada Certification
What's Not Included
-Lunch, snacks and drinks
- Personal warm clothing for under immersion gear
-sunprotection, waterbottles, hat, sunscreen
- Camera
- Drybags
$350 (plus GST & Service fee)
Cancellation: Blue Dog Kayaking requires full payment in advance for all Level 1 skills courses. No refund will be given if cancelled with less than 14 days notice. Full refund will be made if cancelled with more than 14 days notice. We will do our best to shift you to another date within the 14 days, however this is based on course availability.
Intermediate Sea Kayak Program
This program is designed for paddlers who are looking to expand their skills and knowledge in more dynamic conditions. The focus of this program is challenging your current skills, building new ones and developing a level of confidence and ability that will allow you to paddle on longer trips, explore further away from calm waters and wanting to push your limits further. These programs include Paddle Canada L2 or L3 certification.
Blue Dog Kayaking offers intermediate paddlers unprecedented choice and flexibility with our L2/L3 skills program. More courses, more choice! Now you are ready to move into more adventurous environments. Refresh and advance your paddling and rescue skills, learn about weather, tides, currents and seamanship before heading out around the coast.
Standard L2 Program
Our intermediate program, includes a multiday trip with a minimum of three nights camping. This program is also a certified Paddle Canada L2 skills.
Level 2 - FLEX
Flex skills provides. flexibility for those participants that would like to upskill without the requirement for camping. This program can be completed in 4+ full days from our Port Sidney Location, from Discovery Island Lodge on Quadra or Broken Islands Lodge in Barkley Sound.
* Paddle Canada L1 skills or equivalent skills required
Level 3 Program
This program is on the top of of the intermediate programs where paddlers are proficient in their skills, and challenging themselves in more dynamic conditions, and consistently rolling at this level. Not to mention this program also has a strong leadership, judgement and expedition behavior components.
*Paddle Canada L2 skills or equivalent skills required, as well as a consistent roll.
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In many places along the East Coast of Vancouver Island massive bodies of water are forced between narrow gaps of land and around islands, these narrow passes are famous for their currents. For many kayakers these places can be intimidating and looked on with fear, for others they are a playground where skills can be gained and refined.
Our L2 program will run around Quadra island, it will include 4 days during which we will use both ebb and flood currents to practice and apply a full range of strokes for effective paddling in moving water. Skills include; ferry glides, S- turns, J- turns, entering and exiting current, capsizing in current and performing rescues in current.
There will be theory presentations ongoing throughout the time at the lodge.
This location presents the intermediate paddler with an excellent opportunity to accelerate the learning process in a safe and controlled environment, with a specific focus on current while working through the Paddle Canada L2 skills.
Accommodation includes April 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th.
Program begins at 6:30 pm on the 7th and finishes on the 11th.
$1195 (plus GST & Service fee)
Booking Terms -
What’s Included:
- Paddle Canada Experienced Instructor
- Paddle Certification
- Camping fees
- Breakfasts & Dinners
- Charts (upon request)
- All group gear (First aid Kit for the group)
- Repair Kit for rental boats
- Water Droms
- Wetsuits
What’s NOT included:
- Lunches & Snacks
- Refillable water bottle
- Sun Protection
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Navigational Aids (Square plotter, compass, note pad, pencil)
- Spare Clothing
- Mini Repair Kit for personal boats
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Camping equipment.
- Kayaking shoes (booties)
Available to be rented:
- Kayak & Safety Gear
- Drysuit
- Personal Camping Equipment
- Helmet
- Towbelt
*Please add rental items on at check out to ensure availability.
$850 (plus GST & Service Fee) -
What’s Included:
- Certified Paddle Canada Experienced Instructor
- Paddle Canada Certification
- Charts
- Wetsuit
What’s NOT included:
- Lunches & Snacks
- Waterbottle
- Sunprotection
- Notebook
- Drybags
What’s Available for rent:
- Kayak & Safety Gear
- Drysuit
- Helmet
- Towbelt
* please add to book at checkout page
$780 (plus GST & Service fee)
Booking Terms -
Experience unspoiled sandy beaches, an abundance of marine, bird & intertidal life, paddle around sea stacks & sea caves, camp on a secluded beach surrounded by dense coastal bush, and witness amazing sunsets. Nuchatlitz Provincial Park encompasses the very northwest tip of Nootka Island and a large number of small island groups.
We start the expedition by water taxi transportation from Zeballos to the Islands on the north tip of Nootka Island. From here, we paddle amongst the maze of islets and reefs, explore the intertidal life. Our expedition takes us into the beautiful Nuchatlitz Inlet of Mary’s Basin, a protected water way with sandy camping beaches and wonderful waterfalls. These remote islands offer both exposed coast and protected waters for paddling so provides an excellent location for a L2.
What’s Included:
- Experienced sea kayak instructors/ coaches with previous experience of running expeditions to this location.
- Group gear for the expedition (tarp, dragonfly stovers, cooking utensils, pots to cook with)
- Breakfast and Dinner, as well as a spice kit.
- First aid for the group
- Kayak repair kits (for rental boats)
- Water Filter
- Communication devices (VHF Radio and Garmin Inreach)
- Water taxi transportation to Rosa Island
- 3:1 minimum participant to Instructor ratio.
What’s NOT included:
- Transportation to Zeballos
- Camping ($10 cash) the night before the trip starts in Zeballos
- Parking fees in Zeballos ($35)
- Lunches, personal snacks and drinks.Available for Rent:
- Fiberglass, skegged Nigel Denis Kayak (NDK), and safety gear
- Drysuit
- Carbon Paddle (Euro or Greenland)
- Helmet
- Camping Equipment (tent, mat, sleeping bag)* please select rental add ons at checkout.
$1950 (plus tax & service fee)
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Explore the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island while developing your leadership skills. We will be travelling afield to find the best (and worst) conditions to test your limits where you can truly utilize your skills and knowledge for competent kayaking along an exposed shorelines with frequent landing opportunities. In addition to the skills covered at Level 2, this course covers many aspects of group leadership and advanced rescue techniques.
The Broken Group of Islands consists of over 100 islands, islets and rocky outcrops scattered in the centre of Barkley Sound, between Loudoun Channel and Imperial Eagle Channel, and totals 10,607 hectares, of which only 1,350 hectares is land. This maze of islands protected by the Pacific Rim National Park is a paddlers paradise offering one of the top kayaking destinations on the planet with unprecedented paddling opportunities for experienced and new paddlers. At times you’ll definitely feel the motion of the ocean swells, but the better part of our paddling journey through Barkley Sound is not exposed.We begin our exploration by launching at Secret Beach and paddling to Gibraltar Island which is our first campsite; after a few night there, we make our way through the chain of islands, stopping at one of the outer Islands that makes for our second campsite. From here we embark on day trips visiting some of the surrounding islands.
What’s Included:
- Experienced sea kayak instructors/ coaches with previous experience of running expeditions to this location.
- Group gear for the expedition (tarp, dragonfly stovers, cooking utensils, pots to cook with)
- Breakfast and Dinner, as well as a spice kit.
- First aid for the group
- Kayak repair kits for rental kayaks
- Water Filter
- Communication devices (VHF Radio)
- 4:1 minimum participant to Instructor ratio.What’s NOT included:
- Transportation to Secret Beach
- Camping the night before the trip starts (Book Here -any site near kayak launch)
- Parking fees while on Expedition (Book Here)
- Tseshaht Beach Keeper Guardian Fee ($15 applied at checkout)
- Lunches, personal snacks and drinks.
- Water Taxi Evacuation (if needed)Available for Rent:
- Fiberglass, skegged Nigel Denis Kayak (NDK), and safety gear
- Drysuit
- Carbon Paddle (Euro or Greenland)
- Helmet
- Camping Equipment (tent, mat, sleeping bag)
* please select rental add ons at checkout.
$1150 (plus tax & service fee) -
This is a Paddle Canada L3 program, bare bones.
Bare Bones: participants provide their own meals, stoves and cooking equipment. We provide one group tarp, water filter and water droms.
The Deer Group is located in Barkley Sound, along with the Broken Group. Being less well known, this area offers a mixture of private, crown and First Nation land. Wild and unregulated camping on some of the most beautiful islands in the area. Orca and Humpback whales are often seen crossing Trevor Channel before reaching our first campsite. From here our expedition explores the rugged complex shorelines of Tzartus and Fleming Islands. Edward King Island offers the paddler exploration of some of the most magnificent sea caves and arches on the Island and hopefully, weather permitting, we can visit the Sea Lion colony on Folger Island at the far southerly end of the chain which can bear the brunt of Barkley Sound’s storms.Skill Level (non-negotiable):
The Deer Group is a little more exposed than the Broken Group, however, there is plenty of sheltered paddling so less experienced paddlers will enjoy the experience. A Paddle Canada L2 skills or equivalent is quite adequate to join on a L3 program. Ability to roll and knowledge of both assisted and unassisted rescues is a non negotiable requirement.
What’s Not Included:
- Transportation to Poett Nook Marina or Bamfield.
- Camping the night before the trip starts (4th).
- Parking fees while on Program
- Food or drinks
- Water Taxi Evacuation (if needed)Available for Rent:
- Fiberglass, skegged Nigel Denis Kayak (NDK), and safety gear
- Drysuit
- Carbon Paddle (Euro or Greenland)
- Helmet
- Camping Equipment (tent, mat, sleeping bag)* If these aren’t selected at checkout we cannot guarantee availability and need a minimum of 4 weeks notice of any rentals.
$950 (plus GST & service fee) -
This is a Paddle Canada L3 program, bare bones.
Bare Bones: participants provide their own meals, stoves and cooking equipment. We provide one group tarp, water filter and water droms.
The Deer Group is located in Barkley Sound, along with the Broken Group. Being less well known, this area offers a mixture of private, crown and First Nation land. Wild and unregulated camping on some of the most beautiful islands in the area. Orca and Humpback whales are often seen crossing Trevor Channel before reaching our first campsite. From here our expedition explores the rugged complex shorelines of Tzartus and Fleming Islands. Edward King Island offers the paddler exploration of some of the most magnificent sea caves and arches on the Island and hopefully, weather permitting, we can visit the Sea Lion colony on Folger Island at the far southerly end of the chain which can bear the brunt of Barkley Sound’s storms.Skill Level (non-negotiable):
The Deer Group is a little more exposed than the Broken Group, however, there is plenty of sheltered paddling so less experienced paddlers will enjoy the experience. A Paddle Canada L2 skills or equivalent is quite adequate to join on a L3 program. Ability to roll and knowledge of both assisted and unassisted rescues is a non negotiable requirement.
What’s Not Included:
- Transportation to Poett Nook Marina or Bamfield.
- Camping the night before the trip starts (4th).
- Parking fees while on Program
- Food or drinks
- Water Taxi Evacuation (if needed)Available for Rent:
- Fiberglass, skegged Nigel Denis Kayak (NDK), and safety gear
- Drysuit
- Carbon Paddle (Euro or Greenland)
- Helmet
- Camping Equipment (tent, mat, sleeping bag)* If these aren’t selected at checkout we cannot guarantee availability and need a minimum of 4 weeks notice of any rentals.
$950 (plus GST & service fee) -
Please email amber@bluedogkayaking.com to inquire about the private programing for this program. A minimum of 4 participants are required for this to run.
Booking Terms -
This Paddle Canada Level-3 sea kayak based course is designed for advanced-intermediate to advanced paddlers wanting to advance their personal paddling and leadership skills and experience in an extended 5-day wilderness expedition environment. Facilitated by an advanced and experienced instructor(s) it will be a strong supporting peer-to-peer learning environment.
The trip route will be expedition-style following the Lake Superior coastline either to the south of Wawa through Lake Superior Park or west of Wawa through the Lake Superior Highlands Conservation Reserve. We also expect to practice tidal conditions at the base of Silver Falls or at the mouth of the Michipicoten River near Naturally Superior Adventures base.
Paddling conditions will vary between calm and very challenging. In August surface water temperatures often warm to the mid to high 60s with warm water in bays and inlets. Air temperatures average mid to high 60s although overnights are often much cooler.
Facilitated by the Course Director/Lead Instructor, participants will work together to plan the trip route/schedule and meals (either individually or as a group). Group camping gear (i.e. tarps, group sanitation, expedition first aid kits, water purification, etc.) is provided by Naturally Superior Adventures.
Instructor: Amber Champion
Cost $995 + tax
Advanced Sea Kayak Program
This program is designed to challenge your paddling abilities, to take you into some of the most dynamic conditions you may encounter and test your trip planning abilities. This program consists of two locations, one including currents and another open coast with surf and challenging landings.
This program includes a Paddle Canada L4 certification taught by Amber Champion
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The advanced program is the top end of the development program. This dual location course will find the best (and worst) conditions to test your ability and provide the skills and knowledge required for sea kayak multi-day trips along an open coast with infrequent landing opportunities in rough conditions.
By the time you join this course you're already an accomplished paddler, you can handle your kayak in a variety of conditions, however, your skill improvement at this level is small and you won't see the same advances that you experienced on other programs. This is designed to refine existing skills and “question” preconceived notions about sea kayaking. On this program everyone is challenged to contribute to the group’s learning. The focus is on expedition behavior as a paddling group of peers; group management, judgement and mutual safety in an exciting and challenging environment.
Effective and reliable rescues are crucial to success at this level and you will need to demonstrate the ability to adapt to different situations. Trip planning and a practical test of navigation skills will form part of the assessment; a written test will include knowledge of weather and general seamanship.
What’s Included:
- Paddle Canada L4 certification
- Experienced & certified instructors who are familiar with the areas.
- Group Tarp
- Water Droms
- Breakfast and Dinners while at the lodge
- 4:1 minimum participant to Instructor ratio
What’s NOT included:
- Group meals while on expedition
- Lunches for entire program
- Transportation to the Lodge & between locations
- Parking/camping fees while on trip
- Personal snacks and drinks.
- Personal communication devices (VHF, Inreach, etc)
- Personal first Aid Kit
- Mini Repair kit (for your own boat and scenarios)
- ChartAvailable for Rent:
- Fiberglass, skegged Nigel Denis Kayak (NDK), and safety gear
- Drysuit
- Carbon Paddle (Euro or Greenland)
- Helmet
- Camping Equipment (tent, mat, sleeping bag)* please select rental add ons at checkout.
April 11-13th Discovery Island Lodge
April 14th-17th Vargas Island.
$1350 (plus GST & Service fee)
Private Programming
Our company thrives on providing the best sea kayak instruction, and coaching. Safety, creating challenging environments, fun and adventure are at the forefront of our programs. Meeting paddlers where they’re at and faciliatting learning to get them to where they would like to be, filling in the learning gaps along the way. Our private programming includes anything from skills refreshers to extended expeditions (certification or not). This programming requires a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum of 8.