Beginners Course – Registration

When: May 18, 2024 until May 20, 2024

Locations: Sasamat Lake & təmtəmíxʷtən /  Barnet Marine Park (see below)

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 exit, assisted re-entry, and self re-entry,
• Strokes:  Forward, reverse, stopping, sweep, draw, low brace, edge control
• Launching and landing,
• A brief overview of following topics:
  • Equipment and equipment care
  • Charts and compass
  • Weather
  • Sea State
  • Risk Assessment and mitigation
  • Communication
  • Clothing
  • Hypothermia and Hyperthermia, sun safety
  • Lifting and carrying kayak
  • Kayak tie down on a vehicle
  • Resources

Pre-requisites :  There are no pre-requisites for this course. Prior to the course you will receive a letter from the instructor with more details about the 3 day course.

Special Instructions: If you do not have a sea kayak and cannot borrow one, please contact the Course Coordinator to discuss options for renting.

Course Format:   

Time: 9 am – 4 pm each day.
NOTE: Please arrive 45-60 minutes early to secure parking and ensure your boat and gear are at the beach and you are ready to start at 9 am.

Saturday May 18 at Sasamat Lake (White Pine Beach) in təmtəmíxʷtən / Belcarra Regional Park  (see map below):
This session will include theory and practicing wet exits and re-entry.  A wetsuit or drysuit is required for the on water activities.
See this link for parking rates and other details after 10 am. At time of posting, the daily rate is $17.50 max (or $3/hr). Reservations are not available.

Sunday & Monday May 19 & 20 on water sessions at Barnett Marine Park (at 8181 Barnet Rd, Burnaby):
Theory will be included each day. Much of the course will be on the water and a wetsuit or drysuit is required.
Parking rates TBD. We believe it is still free but is on a first come first serve basis.

Instructor:  Philip Kubik
Assistant Instructor: Katya Yushmanova

Course Coordinator:  Kathleen Cunningham

Fee: $85

Limit: 6 participants (minimum 4  required by 8 am May 15, 2024 to avoid cancellation)
Locations:  see above and map below for Sasamat Lake on Saturday May 18.

Refund policy: If a participant cancels, refunds are available if another member is able to fill the vacant spot. 

Registration: Open

Contact Kathleen Cunningham if you have any questions regarding this course.

To register, complete the booking form (below the heading Sign up:), click on the [Pay with Stripe Checkout] button and proceed to payment.  You will receive a confirmation email.

Sign up: