Paddle Canada Level 3 Prep - 100 Wild Islands, Nova Scotia

Sept 18 - 22

$1,095.00

Paddle Canada Level 3 Prep - 100 Wild Islands, Nova Scotia

$1,095.00

Need a payment plan? Email aaron@kayakmaritimes.com and we will set up payments.

Kayak Maritimes' Level 3 Prep is an advanced sea kayaking program for paddlers ready to train in open ocean conditions. It is based in Nova Scotia's 100 Wild Islands. The four-day training blends skill development, leadership, and expedition-style paddling. This is skills preparation, and base camp is included.

Level 3 is about more than strokes. It is decision-making, seamanship, and resilience in dynamic coastal environments. You refine technique, practise real-world rescues, and take on leadership challenges that prepare you for a Paddle Canada Level 3 assessment.

4Days

100 Wild IslandsNova Scotia

Base CampIncluded

RentalsAvailable

What You'll Learn

Five skill domains across four days of training.

Risk Management and Leadership

This is the main focus of your on-water time.

→ Advanced trip planning
→ Decisions under pressure
→ Group leadership in exposed conditions

Seamanship and Navigation

→ Tides and currents
→ Bearings and ranges
→ Group navigation challenges

Boat Control in Conditions

→ Surf entries and exits
→ Rock gardening
→ Momentum strokes
→ Effective bracing

Rescues and Towing

→ All-in scenarios
→ Incident management
→ Multi-boat tows
→ Communication

Rolling and Confidence

→ Rolling practice
→ Support skills for rough water

Sample Instructional Progression

Subject to change with weather and conditions.

Day 1

Arrival and orientation. Risk management, tides and currents workshop. On-water rescue and stroke tune-up. Evening video review.

Day 2

Weather forecasting and interpretation. Paddling in current. Turning strokes under momentum. Navigation challenge. Rolling clinic. Evening navigation session.

Day 3

Expedition paddle into the Wild Islands. Towing practice and leadership scenarios.

Day 4

Rock gardening. Advanced rescues. All-in scenarios. Participant-led group management. Wrap-up and debrief.

Built for Lifelong Learning

Every Kayak Maritimes course includes access to your personal online learning dashboard, a hybrid system offering clear preparation before the course, structured learning on the water, and continued support afterward. Track your progress, complete short modules on preparation, gear, safety, weather, and tides, and return any time to review lessons after the course ends.

★ Online learning dashboard access is included with your course
★ Full-colour Kayak Maritimes Course Manual available as an add-on: take it to the shoreline, mark it up with notes, and keep it as a lasting reference

What's Included

✔ Four days of training with long paddling days, leadership challenges and evening theory
✔ Four nights of camping, included in the course fee
✔ Online learning dashboard access

Available to Add

— Course manual: durable, full-colour workbook that mirrors the lessons from your course, with step-by-step skill breakdowns, clear diagrams, and practical tips
— Drysuit rental: drysuits are available to rent
— Kayaks: fibreglass performance kayaks available

Good to Know

— Meals are your own. Food is not included, and we may visit local spots when time allows.
— Bring snacks and lunches suited to full days on the water.
— Transportation to Norse Cove is not included.
— Parking permits and travel costs are your responsibility.
— The course runs in all conditions except prolonged thunderstorms or extreme weather.
— You train with paddlers committed to advancing their skills in a supportive setting.

Equipment Needed

✔ Sea kayak: with two bulkheads
Fibreglass performance kayaks available
✔ Safety gear: pump, whistle, 15 metre floating line
✔ Drysuit
Available to rent
✔ Camping kit: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, and personal gear

Not sure you're ready? Get in touch.

We acknowledge that this course takes place in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq People. These lands and waters are governed by Peace and Friendship Treaties. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn, paddle, and share knowledge here, and we remain committed to contributing to Indigenous-led organizations that sustain and protect these waters.