In the list above the start time & date is given, and the end date only. If the end date is the same as the start date, it is a one-day course. Some courses may be spread over two sessions (2 hours each). To find out the times of the subsequent session, click the course of interest to get all the details specific to that course.

Introductory Sea Kayak Clinics

Based on the Paddle Canada Introduction to Sea Kayaking (IK) course, this is a shorter session for those that don't want to commit to a full IK course, or aren't sure if kayaking is for them and gives students an opportunity to try out kayaking for the first time in a controlled setting.  This course offers some of the most basic concepts used in recreational flatwater kayaking but is not designed to be a comprehensive course.  You will be introduced to the basics of kayaking rescue techniques (how to get back in your kayak after a mishap), will learn how to launch a kayak, and will be introduced to kayak strokes. All required equipment is supplied. 

The courses are each a total of 4 hours of course time. Some courses are all in one session and others are spread over 2 sessions of 2 hours each.

Some courses include a pool session. Pool sessions are located at Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre pool, 1110 Idylwyld Drive North.  Meet on the pool deck 5 to 10 minutes prior to the start of the session.

Registration: Register by clicking on the links above for a particular course and filling out the online form. You can then pay via credit card via PayPal or by cheque.

Course Fee: $80.00 for courses with a pool session, or $60 for courses with no pool session.  (10% discount for current members of the Saskatoon Canoe Club and those with the Local Advantage card.) There is also a $20 fee for kayak rental, but participants will receive a $20 gift card redeemable at Classic Outdoors, a great paddling store here in Saskatoon.  That means you get the FULL value of your rental money back! Thanks to Classic Outdoors for making this possible!

Course Content:

This is very much a skills-based clinic.  These fun 4 hour clinics will focus on the following techniques (content will vary a bit depending on the group and as time allows):

• Forward & Reverse Strokes
• Maneuvering Strokes
  • Forward sweep
  • Reverse sweep
  • Draw strokes
• Wet Exits
  • With and without spray skirts
• Assisted Rescues
  • T-rescue (here's a good article about the T-rescue.)
• Self-Rescues
  • Swimming with a swamped kayak

Pre-requisites:

None. This course would be suitable for kids 12 or older.

Class Size:

Maximum of 6 participants (class will be cancelled if there are not at least 3 people).

What to Bring:

A bathing suit.  You might also wish to bring nose plugs, goggles, and water shoes if you have them.  There will be a waiver to sign so bring reading glasses if necessary.  At the pool, bring a padlock for the change room lockers (but if you forget, just bring a your stuff through to the pool deck).  The first 30 minutes of the first session is in a classroom which may be cooler.  I recommend wearing a top or sweatshirt over your swim suit for the start of the lesson.  Do not shower before coming to the pool deck.

Equipment Provided:

Kayaks (see comments above regarding kayak rental), paddles, PFDs (lifejackets), spray skirts, paddle floats, bilge pumps.

Other Details:

These sessions will be registered as clinics through Paddle Canada and will be taught based on the Introduction to Sea Kayaking standard.

Questions? Feel free to contact us.

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