Paddle Canada Level 1 Instructor

Teaching paddlers is about more than strokes and rescues. It's about leadership, judgment, and creating safe, inspiring experiences on the water. This course is for paddlers who are ready to take that step.

Location: Norse Cove Kayak Centre. Accommodation is included.

Who It's For

You have a solid foundation in kayaking and want to share that knowledge. Candidates typically have 30+ days of paddling experience, a Paddle Canada Level 2 Skills certification, and some exposure to teaching or coaching, even if it is informal.

We strongly recommend prior experience as a Basic Kayak Instructor or assistant teaching. It makes a significant difference to your success.

What to Expect

This is a five-day intensive course that combines on-water skills, teaching practice, and leadership development. Our courses run longer than the minimum standard. That allows time for skill refinement and for adult education frameworks.

• —   On the water: we refine your technical strokes and expand your rescue skills
• —   Teaching: the heavy focus is on how to teach, manage groups, and keep students safe
• —   Practice: you plan lessons, give feedback, and run real teaching sessions under the guidance of an Instructor Trainer

Our Standards

Paddle Canada's minimum requirements are intentionally accessible. At Kayak Maritimes, we add more structure to set you up for success. Expect pre-course homework (trip logs and a short teaching reflection) and a readiness call if needed.

This isn't to gatekeep. It's to ensure your time and money are well spent, and that you leave confident, capable, and ready to teach.

Certification and Career Pathways

Successful candidates earn Paddle Canada Level 1 Instructor certification, which allows you to teach and certify Level 1 students. Some participants take this course purely for personal growth. Others hope to teach professionally.

Please note: this course is not a direct path to employment with Kayak Maritimes/Ontario. We are a small organization. When opportunities arise, they are posted publicly on our website.

Many of our graduates go on to work independently or start their own businesses. We are proud to see them contributing to the paddling community, even when they become our competition.

Why Take It With Kayak Maritimes

We teach on this coast. Our Instructor Trainers run courses on the Eastern Shore and understand what it takes to lead here. You'll get honest feedback, strong mentorship, and practical tools you can use immediately, whether you're coaching, guiding, or building a career in paddling.

Prerequisites

• ✔   Minimum age: 18
• ✔   Membership: current Paddle Canada membership (and provincial membership where required)
• ✔   Paddle Canada Level 2 Skills: conditional enrolment is possible with Instructor Trainer approval. Certification is delayed until Level 2 Skills are complete
• ✔   Experience: about 30 days of paddling experience, including overnight trips in Level 1 conditions
• ✔   First aid: wilderness first aid (16 hr) and CPR are strongly recommended