Kayak Lessons
We offer lessons and instruction to suit all skill levels throughout the year. If you don't find what you're looking for on this page, please give us a call, we'd be happy to customize a lesson or trip to meet your needs. All lessons are offered here at the Pacfica Paddle Sports located at Portside Marina, Brentwood Bay by fully qualified instructors. FOR SPRING 2013 LESSON INFORMATION, PLEASE GIVE US A CALL 250-665-7411 OR SEND US AN EMAIL.
Introduction to Kayaking (L1) — 2.5 Hrs
If you've always wanted to try kayaking but were unsure how to get started, this class is for you. Our experienced instructors will show you all the basics you need to know to maneuver your kayak on calm water. You will learn getting into and out of your kayak, balancing, safety, and paddling, with emphasis on how to paddle effectively, making the best use of your body's existing strength. Learning how to do the strokes properly to go forward, turn, stop, back-up, maneuver sideways, will increase your comfort level. These are the tools you need to paddle with confidence. Wet exits will also be covered.
This lesson is perfect for someone interested in trying kayaking for the first time.
Cost: $70
Prerequisite: none
The Essentials (L2) — 2.5 Hrs
In this 2.5 hour calm water lesson we will review balance and basic kayaking strokes, then move on to braces, wet exits, and kayak re-entry – essential skills if you're planning to start kayaking on a more regular basis. As you will be rolling upside down in your kayak, you should be comfortable with swimming in a lake or the ocean (with a PFD of course) and bring warm clothes to change into after the lesson.
Cost: $70
Prerequisite: none
Sunday Instructional Tours (L2.5) — 4 Hrs
This is a fun paddle for those who have some safety and paddling training behind them, and would like to gain experience on the ocean. It is an opportunity to become familiar with places to paddle around Victoria while learning about charts, tides, weather, currents, and getting coaching for strokes and paddling skills (and having FUN!).
We meet at the launch site at 9:45 am (departures planned for 10 am)
Bring a lunch and appropriate clothing for the weather
See our Facebook site for upcoming locations.
Cost: $75 (all equipment supplied) $35 (own boat and equipment)
Prerequisite: L1/L2 or equivalent experience.
Bracing & Edging (L3) — 2.5 Hrs
An introduction to the low and high brace. Mastering bracing and leaning to turn will change how your maneuver your kayak. It will also make you safer on the water - and help prevent unplanned rolls. Be prepared to get wet and practice your wet exits.
From January 1 to April 30 we conduct this lesson at the Panorama Pool on East Saanich Rd. 1/2 km south of McTavish Rd. (Maximum 4 participants per instructor)
Cost: $80
Prerequisite: basic strokes and comfort with wet exits
Rolling (L4) — 2.5 Hrs
As you venture out into more challenging conditions, especially if you would like to try beach wave surfing in your kayak, a reliable roll is a real asset. On paddling trips with possible beach landings and launches, where you'll encounter some surf, bracing is the primary skill. But being able to roll up after getting dumped is invaluable. In this course, you will learn the mechanics and some of the variations of the roll.
From January 1 to April 30 we conduct this lesson at the Panorama Pool on East Saanich Rd. 1/2 km south of McTavish Rd. (Maximum 3 participants per instructor)
Cost: $90
Prerequisite: basic strokes, bracing and comfort with being upside-down in your kayak
Ocean Currents: Level I (L5) — Full Day
An introduction to understanding and reading sea water currents. Some of the best fun to be had kayaking can be found in the waves associated with a tidal flow. We take you to some of the best spots around Victoria when the flow is prime for the experience we looking for. We will begin by pointing out what is going on out in the flow, then work on maneuvering strokes, eddy turns, bracing, wave surfing and fun.
All participants need to be prepared for immersion with adequate paddling gear.
Bring a lunch.
Cost: $90
Prerequisite: Reliable paddling, bracing and self-rescue skills, confidence in tidal waters and rough waters and endurance for a day of paddling
Ocean Currents: Level II (L6) — Full Day
Once you're comfortable with maneuvering in moderate currents, this next step will introduce you to more advanced moves for use in stronger (3 knot+) currents.You will have the chance to try things in a safe environment with competent instructors guiding you and setting the limits. The water will provide challenges to your current skills and opportunities for rescues in dynamic water. It is essential that all participants are proficient at self and assisted rescues and have good bracing skills.
All participants need to be prepared for immersion with adequate paddling gear.
Bring that lunch and something hot in a thermos!
Cost:: $90
Prerequisite: Reliable paddling, bracing and self-rescue skills, confidence in tidal waters, currents and rough waters and fitness level for a day of paddling
Surf Essentials: Part I & II (S1 & S2) — 2 Full Days
Part I of our Westcoast surf course is in the pool. We will introduce you to the skills you'll need to maneuver a whitewater kayak on flat water and in the surf, including basic strokes, bracing and wet exits, along with surf zone etiquette and safety.
Part II will run on the weekend directly following Part I, and will be a full day at Jordan River. We will start out in the river to get a feel for the moving water, then move out into the surf for the remainder of the day. Be prepared to get very wet and have a LOT of fun!
All participants need to be prepared for immersion with adequate paddling gear.
Cost: $150
Prerequisite: Reliable paddling, bracing and self-rescue skills, confidence in tidal waters, currents and rough waters and fitness level for a day of paddling
Kayak Navigation — 8 Hrs over 2 Days
3 hours of study on land on Friday evening, followed by 5 hours on the water on Saturday or Sunday will provide you with the basic skills necessary to safely find your way on the ocean. This course will explain how to relate and apply tide charts, current tables and marine charts to the real world using a few navigation tools and techniques. Gain the confidence to explore our beautiful waters and know where you are!
For the on-water part, be sure to bring water and a lunch! It is a great day of paddling!
Cost: $160
Kayak rental available for $40 for course duration – transportation and gear included.
Prerequisite: Reliable paddling and rescue/recovery skills, comfortable on sea water and fitness level for a day of paddling
KAYAK AND CANOE rentals, tours, lessons STAND UP PADDLE BOARDS rentals, lessons, yoga
If you have any other questions don't hesistate to call, email or come into the shop in person.