Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe
Be captain and commander of your own vessel. Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe located in Portland and Bend, Oregon has taught paddling for over 20 years. Learn to competently paddle a boat in the conditions you desire through a progressive system of skills development. ACA and BCU certifications available. Special programs for kids. One-day and multi-day guided trips are instructionally oriented. Portland 503-285-0464 and Bend 541-317-9407, Web: www.aldercreek.com.

Aquabatics
Get outdoors and go paddlingit's a beautiful world! Paddling can be a calming or an exhilarating experience; it can be an escape, it can be freedom, or simply a pleasant means to experience good times with your family or friends. You'll enjoy yourself and get fit, without a regime. With Aquabatics you'll get quality instruction, whether you're learning your first strokes, or going on a multi-day excursion. Paddling is our Passion. Email: aquabatics2@shaw.ca , 1-877-440-WAVE (9283), Web: www.aquabatics.com.

Blue Vista Resort & Sea Kayaking
Take a getaway to the islands and learn to kayak. Blue Vista offers a number of introductory kayaking programs for adults, children and groups in and around beautiful Mayne Island and the Gulf Island National Park Reserve. Instructors are guides and educators. Rentals and tours also available. Email: bluevista@bluevistaresort.com , 250-539-2463, 1-877-535-2424, Web: www.bluevistaresort.com.

Coast Mountain Expeditions
Coast Mountain Expeditions presents learning as a major component of kayaking experiences. Every kayak tour includes pre-trip kayak instruction, paddling skills and rescues practice. During your trip learn about low impact camping, weather and basic seamanship, compass & navigation, tides & currents. Sea Kayak Getaway at Coast Mountain Lodge is a 3 day instructional program. We also offer 36 day custom school group packages. Since 1987. Email: coastmtn@island.net , 250-287-0635, Web: www.CoastMountainExpeditions.com.

Current Adventures Kayaking
Whitewater. Lake Touring. Sea Kayaking. From the shimmering lakes and tumbling rivers of the Sierras to the wildlife rich sloughs, bays and coastline of Central Californiait's all home to the paddling professionals from Current Adventures. They offer world-class instructional and guided explorations for all skill levels. Group/ REI members discounts. 530-333-9115 or 1-888-452-9254, Web: www.CurrentAdventures.com.

Denman Island Canoes & Kayaks
Denman Island Canoes & Kayaks, offers you all the essential ingredients for a memorable paddling adventure in BC. They specialize in family paddling trips and customized overnight camping expeditions. Come for short lessons or a full day and stay in their kayaker's B&B. Adventure, friendly atmosphere, education and the marine environment will provide memories that last a lifetime. Email: melodie@denmanpaddling.ca , 250-335 0079, Web: www.denmanpaddling.ca.

Geophilia AdventuresSKILS
Geophilia AdventuresSKILS offers professional sea kayak guide training on Canada's west coast. Based in Victoria, GeophiliaSKILS has access to some of the best paddling in BC. Courses focus on developing knowledge, skills and experience for sea kayak guides. GeophiliaSKILS has established its reputation as an expert leader in training guides. The Assistant Guide and Day Guide courses are recognized by the SKGABC and follow the required steps to be certified as a SKGABC guide. Email: adventure@oceanriver.com , 800-909-4233.

Island Outdoor Centre
The Island Outdoor Centre in Ladysmith, BC is a kayak specialty store offering introductory, basic and CRCA programs with qualified instructors as well as more exotic courses, Combining and Coordinating Strokes and, Kayak Packing and Cookery. All courses hosted from an on-water location. Email: info@islandoutdoorcentre.com , 250-245-7887, Web: www.islandoutdoorcentre.com.

Kayak Instruction Excellence
American Canoe Association courses. From introductory courses in sea kayaking and whitewater to instructor training and certification. Teaching since 1984. Courses in Bellingham, Seattle, Redmond, Poulsbo, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, San Juan Islands, Deception Pass. Andree Hurley: kayak@onwatersports.com , 360-379-4182, 206-669-1622, Web: www.onwatersports.com.

Madawaska Kanu Centre
MKC, in Ontario, is Canada's First Whitewater School for Kayaks and Open Canoes. MKC's combination of outstanding instruction, delicious meals and stunning locationcombined with guaranteed warm whitewateris the formula that has beginner to expert paddlers return each summer. Classes are small, the river clean, warm and 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 offers training in sea, surf, and river kayaking and river rafting. Spring courses include: a one week surf field school, skill and leadership development using surf boards, sea, river, and surf kayaks (university credit); river raft guides training; swift water rescue technician; and river kayak skills and instructor training. Don Cohen: cohen@mala.ca , 250-753-3245 loc. 2480.

North Island College
Pursue your dream. Seasoned instructors deliver an intensive 5 month marine-focused program toward entry-level guiding in 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. Email: questions@nic.bc.ca , 250-334-5233, Web: www.nic.bc.ca/tourism.

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.

Ottawa Kayak School
Save $ in Canada. Ottawa Kayak School is famous for warm water, gentle play spots, and the best access to the Ottawa River in Canada. Ottawa Kayak's all-inclusive 2 day, 3 day, and 5 day clinics boast hand-picked instructors, hearty cuisine, and ultramodern equipment. Teen kayak weeks and the Keener Teen Resident Academy offer 24 hour supervision and unsurpassed youth development programming. Both can be combined with Family or Adult Adventure Camps. Classes have a 1:5 ratio. Bring 4 friends and your kayak vacation is free! 800-267-9166, Web:   www.ottawakayak.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 a sheltered bay on Okeover 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 judgment 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.

Sea Kayak Association of BC
SKABC is a volunteer-run sea kayaking club. Each year, members organize events at which they share knowledge, fellowship and good times, on and off the water. Club trips and training focus on safety, skill development and respect for the environment. From January to July each year, SKABC runs an intensive training period in preparation for the summer paddling season. Instructors are club volunteersseasoned members teach newer kayakers. Courses include Beginners, Intermediate, Rescue Weekend, Navigation and Weather. Courses are for club members only. Email: info@skabc.org , Web: www.skabc.org.

Sealegs Kayaking Adventures
Sealegs Kayaking Adventures offers a CRCA 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 Beachapp't necessary. For workshops, private lessons and custom tours for school groups: 1-877-529-2522, 250-245-4096, Web: www.SealegsKayaking.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.

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 Island's exposed west coast. Al and Marion Schaffer: Email: aschaffe@telusplanet.net.

University-College of the Cariboo
Unique in North America, UCC's Adventure Travel Guide Diploma program teaches advanced wilderness skills like kayaking and mountaineering, human relations techniques, emergency response, and marketing, in a program designed specifically for those wanting to lead tourists on wilderness excursions. admissions@cariboo.bc.ca , 250-828-5000, Web: www.cariboo.bc.ca.

Waters Edge
Water's Edge, based in Vancouver, BC, delivers performance paddling clinics that include instruction in all aspects of paddle sports. The Water's Edge Team offers over ninety years of combined experience in sport consulting, sport coaching, event management and corporate team building. Water's Edge provides a high standard of coaching, education, and direction in the development and promotion of paddle sports. Email: waters.edge@telus.net , 604-657-7505.

Wilderness Medicine Center
The Center, in Winthrop, Washington, provides courses in wilderness medicine and risk management. Their courses, curriculum, and instructors are some of the finest in the world. You will learn the skills you need to make effective decisions in a wilderness environment. Visit their on-line store for first aid packs, supplies, and field manuals. Email: office@wildmedcenter.com , 509-996-2502, Web: www.wildmedcenter.com.