Private Lessons

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 current clinics are run over 2 or 3 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, rolling in current and rescue scenarios in dynamic water.

There will also be a theory presentation on tides and currents during which, participants will learn how to read and interrupt current tables in relation to safe paddling.

This clinic presents the intermediate paddler with an excellent opportunity to accelerate the learning process in a safe and controlled environment.

*Price includes 2 nights accommodation.

Kayak, safety gear and dry suit rental available upon request

Getting lost or confused about your location can be worrying even for experienced kayakers. This course is for any kayaker, expert or novice looking to improve or gain navigation skills whilst kayaking

Our course is different because it includes both a theory session (classroom based) and a practical paddling session where your news skills can be tested on the water. You’ll practice and complete navigating exercises from the deck of a kayak not the beach or wheel house!

We cover all aspects of Sea Kayak navigation; piloting, reading nautical charts and maps, identifying hazards, checkpoints (fixes), hand railing, backstops and finally ‘Ded’ reckoning (navigation in poor or no visibility).

*Price includes Blue Dog Navigation Kit, kayak, safety gear and wet suit. Dry suit rental is available upon request

This clinic is for intermediate & advanced kayakers who want to learn more about handling their kayaks dynamic water, play in rock gardens and explore sea caves and arches.

Paddling skills focus on the choice and blending of strokes for efficient and safe maneuvering, rescue skills are likely to include rock garden and sea cave extractions.

At this level the group will participant in risk assessment, decision making and the judgement required for travelling a 3NM exposed shoreline with multiple features and challenges with few good landing opportunities. Clinics will be held at either Port Renfew or East Sooke and are weather and conditions dependent

Kayak & Dry suit rental is available upon request

The West Coast of Vancouver Island is famous for its surf beaches and surf can be challenging for paddlers wanting to land on a beach.

When swell reaches shallow water it will create breaking waves, a surf zone. The longer the wavelength, the faster it travels and the more it will rear up on entering shallow water, the bigger the surf.

Landing and launching a kayaking in surf is probably the most high consequence maneuver you’ll ever make in a kayak due to the high risk of injury of damage.

This clinic teaches safety in the surf zone first; assessment of conditions and wave patterns, correct bracing technique for side surfing, paddle signals for directing paddlers to shore and safe launching practice. Later in the clinic, if conditions are right, participants can try some ‘real’ kayak surfing which is exhilarating and fun, but always with their safety and that of others the priority.

Develop this essential  skill with a Paddle Canada certified Rolling Instructor in the warm  water of a swimming Pool.

This session also covers the correct 'bracing' techniques required for safe reaction and recovery when paddling in rougher conditions.

Although success is never guaranteed we average an 80% success rate.  Participants will leave the clinic encouraged to practice drills and with a video to aid improvement.  

*Price includes kayak & wet suit if required 

You're going to have fun .......

Great opportunity to refresh your skills and enjoy a wonderful afternoon on the water

*Price includes kayak, safety gear and wet suit. Dry suit rental is available upon request

Learn to paddle like your paddling into a head wind

These sessions are designed around individual paddlers needs; novice paddlers will be encouraged to learn the correct technique for moving the kayak forward, backwards and sideways, so we spend time on the forward, reverse and  draw strokes before looking at sweep strokes to turn the kayak coupled with edge control.

For paddlers looking for a more advanced session we work on kayak maneuverability under momentum utilizing a range of turning and draw strokes which might be used in current, surf and along a rocky shoreline to promote safe paddling.

Participants will leave the clinic encouraged to practice drills and with a video to aid improvement.

*Price includes kayak, safety gear and wet suit. Dry suit rental is available upon request

Paddlers Workshop  - March 31st or April 10th

Advanced Paddlers Workshop  - April 1st or 11th

These sessions are designed around individual paddlers needs; The Paddlers Workshop will encourage new members and the less experienced to learn the correct technique for moving the kayak forward, backwards and sideways, so we spend time on the forward, reverse and  draw strokes before looking at sweep strokes to turn the kayak coupled with edge control. A wet exit and rescues also form part of this clinic.

For paddlers looking for a more advanced session The Advanced Paddlers Workshop provides coaching on kayak maneuverability under momentum utilizing a range of turning and draw strokes which might be used in current, surf and along a rocky shoreline to promote safe paddling. Self and assisted rescues are covers and practiced plus towing an injured paddler to safety. 

Participants will leave the clinic encouraged to practice drills and with video used to aid improvement.

Payment is required in advance, to book a place please hit the 'Book Now' button above your chosen workshop - bookings are NOT accepted any other way and will not be honored. 

*Price $20 per person. Kayak, safety gear and Dry suit rental is available on request.

Any questions, please send us a message