Please check out the VCKC calendar and the current newsletter to find out about upcoming courses and workshops.

Paddle Canada Courses

Introduction to Kayaking (Previously called Flatwater)
Introduction to Kayaking introduces the novice to paddling a kayak in calm, sheltered water. Rescue techniques at this level incorporate the use of a paddling partner and it is essential for all Intro to Kayaking certified paddlers to travel on the water with others who have been trained in the techniques of assisted rescues.
Prerequisites: None.
Assessment: click here

Sea Kayaking Level 1
Level 1 provides the skill and knowledge for day long sea kayaking trips in sheltered waters (non-wilderness areas). Successful completion of Level 1 indicates competence to paddle a sea kayak within a sheltered bay in the company of one or more paddlers with Level 1 or greater skill and knowledge.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Kayaking skills or equivalent.
Assessement: click here

For information on Paddle Canada course content, please go to Paddle Canada's website and review the Sea Kayak Program courses. 

Requirements for Training and Assessment

Kayaks: Sea kayaks will be used. Kayaks will have sufficient reserve buoyancy to remain afloat and be re-entered by the paddler after a capsize and exit. If you do not own a boat, you are responsible for getting your own kayak. VCKC has club kayaks that may be booked.

Equipment: Kayak, paddle, sprayskirt, personal floatation device (PFD), sound signal (whistle) and bailing device.  If you have booked a club kayak through VCKC, a paddle and all safety gear (PFD's, etc) will be provided.

Clothing: Clothing suitable for immersion (you must have a farmer john/jane wetsuit, with a paddling jacket or dry top or windbreaker).  Otherwise, you may get too cold and may not be able to complete the course.
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Workshops

We also offer clinics on such topics as rescues, stroke technique, braces, rolling, currents, tides, navigation, chart reading and marine weather.  If there is a workshop that you would like to see happen, get a group of four to six members together and contact the Courses + Workshops Volunteer.
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How to Register - for courses and workshops

Contact the Courses + Workshops Volunteer to check if there is space available.  To register and hold a spot, please drop off a cheque (payable to VCKC) at the clubhouse before the deadline date. 

Please put your cheque in the Kayak Program mail slot and address the envelope to: Kayak Program, and Course Name.  Please email the Courses + Workshops Volunteer after you have dropped off your cheque.
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Suggested Clothing Options - for courses and workshops

For a printable list, please see clothing options

- Shorts and T-Shirt over bathing suit (for swimming pool)
- Nose plug
- Swimming goggles
- Farmer John/Jane wet suit
- Paddling jacket or dry top or rain jacket (to wear over wet suit)
- Polypropylene underwear - wicks moisture away from skin (to wear under wet suit)
- Light weight and medium weight fleece tops (for layering if temperature changes)
- Neoprene booties
- Teva style sandals with wool socks
- Aqua socks with wool socks
- Fleece or wool toque
- Rain hat and rain pants
- Neoprene gloves or old ski gloves

NOTE:  You will be practising rescue techniques in the water for both courses.  This means you will get wet!  Therefore, a wetsuit is required.  If you don't have a wetsuit please  borrow or rent one.  Otherwise, you may get too cold and may not be able to complete the course.

Wetsuits are available to rent from Sports Rent:  250-385-7368 http://www.sportsrentbc.com/