Lessons
Whether you’re interested in trying out a sport for the first time or are looking to improve your skills in one you’re already involved in, Comox Valley Kayaks offers various classes for every level of experience. Join any of our courses to develop your skillset in a professional and positive environment, and start playing today.
Intro to Kayaking
$98
Introduction to Kayaking is the place to start your new adventure. We teach the basics of boats and gear then head onto the water for kayak strokes. We try to stay on top of the water for this whole lesson, and teach you the skills that will serve you best when exploring close to shore where all the cool things are anyway.
Intro to Tandem Canoeing
$98
This course is perfect for beginners looking to get started with tandem canoeing! Learn basic paddling strokes, along with essential land and water rescue techniques. By the end, you’ll have the confidence and foundational skills to embark on short paddling adventures. You will be paddling in a tandem canoe, but you do not need a partner to register.
Intro to SUP
$98
Want to try a new adventure that gets you on the water with minimal gear? Our Intro to SUP lesson will teach you about the sport of Stand Up Paddleboarding. Typical skills covered include strokes, techniques to improve your balance, and how to get back on the board, however; topics can vary based on your experience level and preferences. This lesson is taught right from our location at Comox Valley Kayaks - we utilize the safety of the Courtenay Marina to build our confidence before heading out into the river.
Kayak Rescue
$98
Our rescue class takes place in the comfort of the Courtenay & District Memorial Outdoor pool. In this lesson we learn how to fall out of our boat and help each other get back in. The skills taught are wet exits and tandem rescues, and if there's time we play with types of solo rescues.
Edging & Bracing
$98
This is the final step in our series of introductory lessons. During edging and bracing, we explore all the strokes taught in Intro to Kayaking and add the element of doing them while edging our kayaks to increase manoeuvrability. We end with a lecture on weather
and sea state that is required when planning short excursions.
Rolling Session
$68
In this clinic, you’ll learn the basic mechanics of rolling a kayak, building the confidence to roll in calm, sheltered waters. By the end, you’ll either be able to roll your kayak with ease or have the knowledge and exercises needed to continue practicing and work towards mastering the skill.
Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Level-1 Skills
$340
Sea Kayak Level-1 Skills is a two-day course that moves participants beyond flatwater kayaking and into the sport of sea kayaking.
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The course is conducted in slightly rougher water than Basic Kayak, aiming to develop the paddler’s comfort. There is a strong focus on re-entry techniques as well as the skills required to safely plan and execute a day trip with friends (for example, navigation & route planning, weather interpretation, proper clothing/gear.)
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Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to confidently paddle in class-1 conditions in the company of one or more paddlers with similar skills or knowledge. The paddler should be self-reliant yet an asset to the group and an active participant, willing and able to assist others if they need assistance.
Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Level-2 Skills
$595
Building on the skills developed in Level-1, Level-2 provides paddlers with the intermediate skills they need to go sea kayaking in class-2 conditions along semi-exposed shoreline with a possible overnight bivvy.
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Leadership, incident management, open-water rescue, self-care and navigation are core parts of the curriculum.
Virtual Trip Planning Sessions
$17
Join canoe instructor Juliane Bell for a comprehensive virtual session on planning your canoe trip! Learn what to expect, essential equipment to pack, and key skills to prepare for the journey. The session wraps up with a Q&A, so bring your questions! Sessions on both the Sayward Canioe Route and Powell Forest Canoe Route will be offered.
Senior Tour Tuesday
$78
Discover the joy of paddling and explore the waterways of the Comox Valley with our Senior Tour Tuesday! Join a friendly group of seniors, aged 60+ as we embark on an adventure to learn the basics of paddling. Led by two certified instructors/kayak guides, you'll receive guidance and support every step of the way. Suitable for beginner paddlers.
Teen Paddle Canada Basic Camp
$295
This camp focuses on foundational skills and knowledge, preparing students for short paddling excursions in calm, sheltered waters. By the end, participants will have the confidence to paddle safely in calm conditions with peers of similar abilities. Teens will leave this camp with Paddle Canada Basic Sea Kayak Skills certification, the first step in the Paddle Canada Sea Kayak skills progression. Ages 13-16.
Women on the Water Series
$45/session or $160 for series
This four-session course is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to build confidence on the water! Learn essential kayaking strokes, practice rescues, and gain trip-planning basics like navigation, weather, and tidal charts—all in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Confidence Building Session
$45
Have you taken a lesson but still feel unsure about paddling on your own or leading a group? These sessions are designed to boost your confidence! With no structured lesson, you'll have the opportunity to practice your paddling skills while receiving personalized feedback and guidance from a certified instructor.
