Where do I start?
Q: I have never been paddling before, how do I get started?
A: There are 2 main options for how to get started into either kayaking or canoeing.
Option 1:
Introduction to Kayaking Evening and Basic Canoeing Evening: We like to call these one nighters the "sampler". The evening courses are designed to provide instruction of all the skills you will need to paddle in calm waters. Focusing on safety, proper entry into your boat and all the paddle strokes you will need to help control your canoe or kayak. Upon completion of the evening course, some participants have gained the skills to be able to rent and explore the Toronto Islands on their own. But for most, more time practicing is required. For those individuals requiring more time but are not able to take a weekend course we recommend the Evening Social Paddles. These are guided paddles to the Toronto Islands which end with a friendly BBQ back on the main land. A great way to gain more km's in your boat, but also to meet other like minded paddlers.
Option 2:
Introduction to Kayaking Weekend and Basic Canoeing Evening: These weekend course are designed to take you right from the basic starts, to paddling amongst the 13 Toronto Islands. Day one is focused on providing you with the skills and preparation for day 2 which is spend at the Toronto Islands. What we find that learning the mechanics behind paddling and boat control is one this, but having enough time in the boat to make those stroke your own takes a bit of time. These weekend course help provide you with that much needed "saddle" time to work on and develop lasting paddling skills.
I have some paddling experience
Q: I have paddled a canoe and want to get into kayaking now, or used to paddle but haven't done it for a while, or have been paddling up at the cottage and would like to learn how to do it better. What course will work for me?
A: Once again, there are 2 options:
Option 1: For those looking for a little refresher, or once again looking for a "tester" to see what you think of kayaking or canoeing, the evening courses are definatly the place to go (
Kayak Evening,
Canoe Evening). Our instructors are well equipped to teach to an audience of varying skills level and can challenge each stroke to a higher proficiency as required. An example of this is pivoting or turning. When just learning to turn it takes on average 10 -12 paddle stroke. With greater paddle technique we can get that down to 8. By adding a maneuver called "edging" to out paddle stroke we can drop the paddle strokes down to 4 for a 360 degree pivot.
Option 2: If you are looking to expand your paddling skills and overall paddling knowledge the weekend courses are for you
(Kayak Weekend,
Canoe Weekend). They are designed to cover the same basic strokes as the evening course but provides you that much needed "time in the saddle" required to hone them, to gaining better overall control and proficiency of you boat. Not only that, but the weekend course has a travel component as day one is designed to prepare you for a travel day to and amongst the Toronto Islands which is what most of our participants want to be able to do on their own after this course.
I consider myself a good kayaker and would like to challenge myself
Q: I have been paddling or several years now and feel like a challenge. What are my options?
A: For this question there are 3 options.
Option 1: New to 2009 we have launched a
recreational kayak race series in partnership with Mountain Equipment Co-op and the Angry Seagull Adventure Race. This series is set to run on the last Tuesday of June, July, August and September and has distances and categories which may appeal to all paddling abilities and boat designs. Distances range from 4km short to 12 km long course. There are points awarded for all finishers and they are accumulated over the duration of the summer series. But over all, try something new!
Option 2 and 3: Please take a look at the
Paddle Canada Certification courses. These are broken down into 2 categories, Skills development, and Instructor training. The Paddle Canada course structure is standardized and recognized across Canada and abroad. They get down to the fine tuning of all aspects of paddling in different water environments. But overall, they are a lot of fun!