Beginner’s Course

When: July 17, 2021 until July 18, 2021 from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM



We're fully booked for this event. NEW: scroll down to see if a waitlist spot is available. Note that we may be able to add space depending on interest.

Location:  Wednesday online session, plus Saturday and Sunday at Cates Park by the Totem Pole across from the kayak rental office.

The Beginner Course is a foundational course that will give you the basic skills and knowledge to go on trips in sheltered waters or to join competently led trips in places such as Indian Arm and the Gulf Islands. You’ll learn:

  • How to perform wet exits, assisted and self re-entry skills, ,
  • Strokes:  Forward, reverse, stopping, sweep, draw, low brace, stern rudder, edge control
  • Launching and landing,
  • Towing
  • An overview of following topics:
    • General knowledge
    • Equipment and equipment care
    • Route planning and basic navigation techniques
    • Weather
    • Sea State
    • Risk Assessment and mitigation
    • Communication
    • Hypothermia and Hyperthermia, sun safety
    • Kayakers’ impact on the Environment
    • Kayak tie down
    • History and Heritage
    • Resources

Pre-requisites :  There are no pre-requisites for this course

Special Instructions: A sea kayak is required for the Saturday and Sunday sessions on the water.  A wetsuit or dry suit is also required for the on-water segment of the course.   Kayaks may be rented at Cates Park, especially for anyone who is unable to transport a kayak on their vehicle.  Wetsuits have not previously been available from Cates Park but it might be possible to rent them at  Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Center .   If you have a vehicle with a roof rack you may wish to contact Mountain Equipment Co-op .  They offer a competitive weekend rental rate.

Course Format:  There will be an online evening session on Wednesday, July 14th.  Saturday and Sunday some theory and much on-water activities.  You will receive a participant letter with more information prior to the start of the course.

July 14, 2021 | 7:00pm to 9:00pm  (virtual class – an invitation will be sent a week prior to the session)
July 17, 2021  |  8:30am to 4:30pm
July 18, 2021  |  8:30am to 4:30pm

Instructors: Philip Kubik & Chantal Ethier
Course Coordinator:  Chantal Ethier

Fee: $60                                  Limit: 6 participants
Location:  Cates Park

Refund policy:
> Cancellation within 30 calendar days or more = half the course fee refund,
> Cancellation within 29 calendar days or less = no refund.

Registration: Contact Chantal if you have any questions regarding this course.   Click on the PayPal link below to pay the course fee and complete your course registration.

If you are interested in this course and it is fully booked by the time you try to register, contact Chantal to express your interest and get your name on the waitlist in case there are cancellations.

Address
  Cates Park
  North Vancouver, BC
Signed up:
  • Helen Beer
  • Kelly Robertson
  • Doug Williams
  • Donna Williams
  • Timo van der Schuit
  • Alexandra Kucharski

Spaces Available: 0

Sign up:

By signing up I understand that per club policy I am responsible for having the skills, health, ability and equipment to participate safely in the activity. I also understand that I am responsible for notifying the organizer about any physical or mental impairment or medical condition that could interfere with my ability to participate fully in the activity and/or create a safety concern for the group.

 

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2 Responses to Beginner’s Course

  1. Gunilla Oberg says:

    Hi,
    I would like to join this course, if possible. I bought myself a kayak a month ago – and have been going on day-trips two to three times a week since I bought it. I have been paddling now and then in borrowed or rented kayaks since I was a child but I have never taken any lessons. I would love to join this course. I am particularly interested in route planning and navigation techniques. I know how to read a map (orienteering) but have only looked over the shoulder on sea charts… I would also like to know more about equipment care. I feel rather fumbly and not sure what’s important and not.
    My phone number is 604 306 9900.
    Thanks
    Gunilla

  2. Stuart McIntyre says:

    Hi, my name is Stuart, Stu, McIntyre. I arrived in Vancouver about four weeks ago and would love to join you guys in any training and any paddles you think suitable. I havent kayaked for a year more, really due to Covid..
    I haven’t had any formal training, but I did enter the Devizes to Westminster canoe race and completed 76 miles.
    However, since then I’ve done very little fitness etc.
    I think it would make sense for me to join the beginners session and learn to roll as I’ve done this formally.
    If you get any cancellations I can join you at short notice, but I don’t have a kayak yet, so would need to rent / borrow one for the session. My cell number is 6043765303.
    Thanks very much. Stu

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