Experience canoeing on the ocean. Learn how to manage typical sea conditions such as currents, tides, and weather on coastal waters. After this course you’ll be able to paddle on your own maritime adventures.  

This two-part course begins with 12 hours of classroom work spread over 3 evenings that will give you the knowledge to prepare & plan for trips. In the second part of the course, you will be applying your knowledge in a two-day group trip on the ocean. [If you don't want to take part in the overnight trip, the instructor(s) will try to arrange a day trip at a time that suit participants: this will lead to a lower level of certification.] 

Topics include:

•     Understanding weather, currents, tides & waves

•     Navigation charts, course plotting and compass use

•     Loading and trimming a canoe to handle wind and waves

•     Safety gear and regulations

•     Environmental concerns and Leave No Trace ethics

•     Trip planning and leadership

Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Ocean Canoeing course and the Paddle Canada Intermediate Coastal Canoeing course; which involves a capsize and rescue session.

This course requires the purchasing of a chart and compass. Purchase the course textbook 'Freedom of the Seas Vol 1.Navigation, Sea State & Weather - A Paddler's Manual' is strongly recommended. Personal camping gear is required for the course trip.

Some canoeing gear can be provided, however you are strongly encouraged to bring your own canoe & equipment so that you’ll gain first-hand knowledge of how it performs for ocean tripping.

The ocean trip is usually paddled in tandem canoes. If you need a paddling partner, every effort will be made to find one for you.

PREREQUISITE – RCABC Lakewater Level 2 or equivalent. Paddle Canada Intermediate Lakewater. You need to be a proficient paddler as this course’s focus is on the tripping skills and not basic paddling taught in other courses.

Please register online now to secure your spot. You can delay paying until one week before the course start date; a payment reminder email will be sent at that time.  

Course-specific details and classroom dates will be sent in advance by the instructors: Jay Crowley (j.crowley@shaw.ca) and Tim Marks timjmarks@yahoo.ca