| April/May 2003
This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
WaveLength is printed on gloss, recycled, ancient rainforest-free paper
| Paddling
School Directory |
 |
These listings were provided by companies primarily oriented
to
teaching paddling and outdoor skills. Most of the other
companies
advertising throughout our magazine also offer educational
opportunities, so don't hesitate to ask them about their
programs.
(CRCA
is the Canadian Recreational Canoe Association; BCU is
the British Canoe Union;
ACA is the American Canoe Association; SKGABC is the Sea
Kayak Guides Alliance of BC;
ACSKG is the Association of Canadian Sea Kayak Guides.) |
Alpha Adventures & Education
Located on the Sunshine Coast, BC, Alpha Adventures & Education offers introductory and intermediate kayaking instruction year round. Specialized programs include: youth instruction and day camps, women's paddling sessions, and week long youth leadership programs in August. Locations in Roberts Creek and Pender Harbour. Tel. 604-885-8838 Email: alpha@robertscreek.com Web: www.outdooradventure.biz |
Andree Hurley
Andree Hurley is an ACA Certified Instructor Trainer in coastal kayaking, a certified whitewater instructor and an emergency medical technician with over twenty years experience teaching and guiding. She specializes in planning customized clinics for groups and in giving personal attention. 360-379-4182, 206-669-1622. Email: kayak@onwatersports.com. Web: www.onwatersports.com. |
Aqua Adventures Kayak Center
Aqua Adventures Kayak Center, in San Diego, CA, is the premier instructional facility in the southwest USA, offering quality instruction and coaching by BCU and ACA certified instructors at every level, and in many disciplines of kayaking, all from a beautiful waterfront location. Aqua Adventures also leads trips to local and distant destinations. 800-269-7792. Web: www.aqua-adventures.com. |
Bowen Island Kayaking School
Bowen Island Kayaking School on Bowen Island, BC, offers introductory and intermediate instruction from April through October. Special courses are also designed for women, seniors and youth (ages 14-17), as well as a 5 day Kids Kamp (ages 8-13) each week of July and August. 604-947-9266. Email: kayakbowen@telus.net. Web: www.bowenislandkayaking.com. |
Canyons & Coastlines Kayak School
Kayaking is a fun, affordable and safe adventure you can share with friends and family. Canyons & Coastlines Kayak School, in Arizona, offers instruction for a wide range of interests, whether exploring scenic waterways or kayaking wild rivers. ACA certified instructors help all ages and abilities develop paddling and safety skills to become safe, confident and responsible paddlers. Join the fun. 602-258-4142. Email: discoverarizona@mail.com. Web: www.canyonsandcoastlines.com. |
Captain Holiday's Kayak & Adventure School
The Kayak Krazy Faculty and Board of Nothing Managers at Captain Holiday's Kayak & Adventure School invite you to check out the wonderful world of flat and whitewater kayaking in beautiful Whistler, BC. They offer Instructional Courses, Kids Kayak Camps, Family Kayaking, Tandem Whitewater, Corporate Retreats, and Guiding. Their fully certified guides and instructors focus on safety and service, providing an experience you'll never forget. 604-905-2925, 888-905-2925. Email: info@kayakwhistler.com. Web: www.kayakwhistler.com. |
Coast Mountain Expeditions
Coast Mountain Expeditions on Read and Quadra Islands, BC, offers two programs focused on instruction for the beginner. In May and June, enjoy a "Sea Kayak Getaway", a lodge-based instructional program. Weekly through the summer, sign up for the "Discovery Islands Kayak Tour", an introduction to kayak touring and low impact camping. All programs cover the basics: strokes, rescues, navigation, etc. 250-285-2823. Email: coastmtn@island.net. Web: www.coastmountainexpeditions.com. |
COLT Canadian Outdoor Leadership Training Sememster
COLT Canadian Outdoor Leadership Training Sememster, based at Strathcona Park, BC, teaches more than just paddling. COLT is 100 days of training on both land and water, ideal for careers in adventure tourism or outdoor education, involving ocean and river kayaking, canoe tripping and whitewater, rock climbing, mountaineering, leadership and more. Optional 40-day teaching practicum. 250-286-3122. Web: www.colt.bc.ca. |
Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak Centre
Located only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, BC, the sheltered water of Deep Cove make for a perfect spot to learn how to kayak or improve your skills. Courses range from Introduction to Ocean Kayaking for beginners to Kayak Rolling courses for experts. The Kids' programs have expanded for 2003 with After School kayaking starting in May and Summer Camps through July-August. Check-out our web-site www.deepcovekayak.com or call us (604) 929-2268 |
Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre
Ecomarine, in Vancouver, BC, is one of the largest and most experienced kayaking schools in the country. They have taught over 27,000 people the necessary skills for safe and comfortable ocean kayaking. Check out ecomarine. com for a complete listing of programs from beginner to professional CRCA certification. Ecomarine has every way to get you on the water in an ocean kayak. Go paddling today! 604-689-7575 or 888-4-C KAYAK. Web: www.ecomarine.com. |
Geophilia Adventures
Geophilia Adventures offers professional sea kayak guide training on Canada's west coast. Based in Victoria, Geophilia has access to some of the best paddling in BC. Courses focus on developing knowledge, skills and experience for sea kayak guides. As experts in the field, Geophilia has established its reputation as a leader in training guides. The Assistant Guide & Day Guide courses are recognized by the SKGABC and follow the required steps to be certified as a SKGABC guide. 800-909-4233. Email: adventure @oceanriver.com. |
Hooksum Outdoor School
Hooksum offers quality outdoor and environmental education through traditional indigenous knowledge, modern skills, and intimate connection to the natural world. Located in the traditional Hesquiaht territories of Hesquiat Harbour, northwestern Clayoquot Sound, BC, Hooksum offers certified West Coast Outdoor Leadership Training and customised group programs for schools, organizations and private groups. Ph/Fax 250-670-1120. Web: www.hooksumschool.com. |
Island Escapades Adventures
Island Escapades offers Day and Assistant Guide Training courses endorsed by SKGABC, a great way to prepare for an on-water career. You obtain a solid background in rescues, strokes, detection & correction, navigation, group management, tidal currents, weather systems, etc. Courses operate on Salt Spring Island & Vancouver Island's west coast in May & June. They also offer offer wilderness camps for youth & Outdoor Ed programs for schools, ESL & special interest groups. 888-537-2532. Email: escapades@saltspring.com. Web: www.islandescapades.com. |
The Island Outdoor Centre
The Island Outdoor Centre in Ladysmith B.C. is a kayak specialty store offering introductory, basic and CRCA programs with qualified instructors as well as more exotic courses in Greenland paddling, Combining and Coordinating Strokes and Kayak Packing and Cookery. All these courses are hosted from an on-water location. Telephone: 250-245-7887 E-mail: info@islandoutdoorcentre.com Web: www.islandoutdoorcentre.com |
Island Outfitters
Conveniently located in Anacortes, WA, at the gateway to the San Juan Islands, is the Northwest's Premiere Paddling Center, your source for kayak rentals, tours, instruction and sales. No ferries or car topping needed. State of the art kayaks and accessories from the best names: Eddyline, Swift, Kokatat, Lotus Designs, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear and much more! 1-866-445-7506. Web: www.SeaKayakShop.com. |
The Kayak Institute
The Kayak Institute's carefully designed instructional workshops and tours offer a comprehensive learning experience as well as a fun-filled holiday. Operating from a base camp in Barkley Sound, BC, they offer 6 day adult and family programs. For experienced paddlers, they offer 8 day advanced workshops at various locations on Vancouver Islands' exposed west coast. Contact Al and Marion Schaffer: aschaffe@telusplanet.net. |
Madawaska Kanu Centre
Madawaska, based in Ontario, is Canada's First Whitewater School for Kayaks and Open Canoes. MKC's combination of outstanding instruction, delicious meals and stunning location-combined with guaranteed warm whitewater-is the formula that has Beginner to Expert paddlers return each summer. Classes are small, the river clean, warm & uncrowded. You can join them this summer for a weekend or 5-day course. 613-756-3620. Winter: 613-594-5268. Web: www.mkc.ca. |
Malaspina University-College
Malaspina University-College, Nanaimo, BC, offers an intensive 10 day ocean kayak course covering the knowledge and skills for leading groups of kayakers in coastal waters. The course takes place May 2-11, on the west coast of Vancouver Island and includes basic training, followed by an expedition into unprotected coastal waters. Fee: $1,459.00 Cdn. Malaspina also offers a Wilderness First-Aid/Emergency Response for Kayakers, Leaders, May 20-25, 2003. Registration deadline: April 29. Contact the Centre for Continuing Studies: 250-740-6160. |
North Island College
Pursue your dream. Seasoned instructors deliver an intensive 5-month marine-focused program toward entry-level guiding in sea kayaking and other coastal tourism. Professional kayak guides need to know much more than just kayaking. Runs every January to May from Campbell River, BC, and regularly leads to immediate industry employment. 250-923-9744. Email: questions@nic.bc.ca. Web: www.nic.bc.ca/tourism. |
North Island Kayak
2 Locations: Telegraph Cove and Port Hardy, BC, with a full range of instructional programs from the Basics to Guide Training, as well as Coastal Survival Skills and 7 Day Touring Fundamentals. Courses take place in the incredible waters of Northern Vancouver Island: whales, wildlife & incredible scenery-there's something for everyone!
877-949-7707. 250-949-7707. Email: info@KayakBC.ca. Web: www.KayakBC.ca. |
Ocean River Sports
Learn to paddle with the best! Ocean River Sports of Victoria, BC, has been "Getting You Out There" since 1981. Courses cover all levels, from beginner to intermediate, as well as guide and instructor training. Ocean River's highly-trained instructors will ensure that you develop your skills with confidence! 800-909-4233. Web: www.oceanriver.com. |
Powell River Sea Kayak
Powell River Sea Kayak offers three options for kayaking instruction: (1) 4-hour basic introduction that includes self rescue, (2) 7-hour basic introduction to kayaking skills and touring concepts, (3) 5-hour rescue, bracing and advanced paddle stroke workshop. Courses take place on their sheltered bay on Okoever Inlet, 30 km north of Powell River, BC. 1-866-617-4444. Web: www.bcseakayak.com. |
Rainforest Kayak Adventures
Get ready to take a quantum leap! Rainforest Kayak Adventures specializes in teaching the skills of seamanship. Develop your judgement by making real decisions in real conditions. The company is small and dedicated to excellence, with personalized instruction, superb organic menu, and beautiful location. Group size limited to 8 with 2 leaders. They also offer SKGABC Assistant Guide courses. Based in Tofino, BC, RKA is run by Dan Lewis and Bonny Glambeck. 877-422-WILD (9453). Web: www.rainforestkayak.com. |
River Run Paddling School
With 23 years of whitewater experience, River Run is the destination resort for paddlers on the Ottawa River, in Ontario. From beginners to the experienced wanting to improve their skills, River Run offers 2 to 5 day courses, camping, takeout, meals and accommodations, all on site. 800-267-8504. Web: www.riverrunpaddlingschool.ca |
Seadog Sailing and Kayaking
Seadog Sailing and Kayaking located at Schooner Cove Marina (Vancouver Island, east coast) offers mothership adventures aboard its luxury 45-foot sailboat. Destinations include Jedediah Island, Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound. We sail across the Strait of Georgia, anchor in protected bays, provide first class accommodations and include sailing and kayaking instruction. Kayak drop off services available. Contact Cliff at 250-468-5778 www.seadog.bc.ca |
Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC
The Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC is a non-profit society which upholds high standards for professional sea kayak guides and operators in BC. Through ongoing professional development and certification, the Alliance strives to ensure safe practices on an industry-wide basis. For more information go to www.skgabc.com. |
Sealegs Kayaking Adventures
Sealegs Kayaking Adventures offers a Basic Sea Kayak Course including a 2-hr session in the community pool and a 4-hr beach session at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith, Vancouver Island, BC. Sealegs' guide team will also design custom Skills Clinics at the Beach-app't necessary. For workshops, private lessons and custom tours for School Groups, call 1-877-529-2522, 250-245-4096. Web: www.SealegsKayaking.com. |
Sea to Sky Kayaking School
Sea to Sky Kayaking School, in Squamish, BC, now entering its 12th year, is the largest, most successful whitewater kayaking school on the West Coast. Their facilities include top of the line equipment, a private, heated pool, beautiful flat water lake and many rivers to choose from. Learn the "Balanced system of turning" and the "Sea to Sky Roll". Don and Paula Jamieson Sea to Sky Kayaking School-Squamish Kayak & Adventure Center: 604-898-5498. Email: info@squamishkayak.com. Web: www.squamishkayak.com. |
Ski & Surf Shop
The only whitewater kayak instruction source in BC's Comox Valley, Ski & Surf Shop offers introductory lessons for people of all ages using recreational or touring kayaks, specializing in providing instruction on a solo or small group basis only. Lessons can be tailored to specific needs or requests of the customer (e.g. rolling or enhancing forward strokes for more efficiency and power, etc.). 250-338-8844. Email: skiandsurfshop@shaw.ca. |
Sooke Adventure Tourism
Sooke Adventure Tourism School offers a full-time 2 semester program for students interested in a career in the adventure tourism industry. It provides students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed, working in both land and ocean-based operations. For more information attend a free information workshops April 5th or May 3rd at Rush Aventures, Sooke, BC: 250-642-2331. Web: www.sookeadventureschool.com. |
Tofino Sea Kayaking Company
Tofino Sea Kayaking offers two popular six-day courses (Coastal Touring & Wimmin' Seeking Wild) in which students learn the skills of independent sea kayak touring. Exceptional instructors teach paddling skills, route-planning, camp selection, and judgement of sea conditions, while paddling through the dynamic coastal wilderness. June 16-21, June 30-July 5. Fall-TBA. $960 + $75 boat transport. 250-725-4222, 800-863-4664. Email: paddlers@island.net. Web: www.tofino-kayaking.com. |
Vancouver Island Canoe & Kayak
Vancouver Island Canoe & Kayak Centre offers a variety of courses in Victoria, BC, including Pool Intro to Kayaking, Sea Kayaking Basics, The Next Step, Navigation, Ocean Recoveries, and a Wellness Kayaking Program, with physio and on-water sessions, as well as multi-day guided trips with an instructional component. 250-361-9365. Email: paddlers@canoeandkayakcentre.com. |
Viking Adventure Tours
For over 75 years the historic Viking 1 has been plying the waters of British Columbia. This sturdy boat and seasoned crew make your paddling vacation both comfortable and safe. With single bunks we accommodate up to 8 guests and our spacious dining area is a swell spot for those evening meals and sitting around the table with your other shipmates. Come aboard and experience the joy of kayak mothershipping with Viking Adventure Tours while we take you to your favorite destination spots along our coastline. 250-755-9175 ken@vikingadventuretours.com |
Wilderness Kayak Institute
WKI's Sea Kayak Touring Fundamentals course teaches core touring skills of navigation, weather theory, tides and currents and route planning on a trip in the coastal wilderness of British Columbia. Guide Leadership Course covers kayaking touring from the perspective of the group leader. This ACSKG course is for anyone planning a career in guiding or leading kayaking programs in a group or institutional setting. 877-724-1808. Web: www.wildernesskayak.net. |
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