Courtenay Recreation Association

Education > Courtenay Recreation Association

Part 1 - Rescue skills. Taught in the pool. (Courtenay) - $50.00
This course can stand alone or act as the first step toward the Paddle Canada Flatwater certification.

For your own peace of mind and safety, it is vitally important that you learn to get out of your boat in a capsize situation and then how to get back into your kayak quickly and efficiently. We have developed a new technique for reentry that is easy to learn and not as reliant on upper body strength of most standard techniques being taught elsewhere. Emphasis is placed on the assisted rescue incorporating the use of a paddling partner, although there is usually time to teach the self reentry as well. Rescue skills taught include:

-controlled wet exit
-assisted reentry and T-rescue
-rafting
-self reentry
-an introduction to the Eskimo bow rescue

This session can be either an excellent refresher for those who have previously taken a pool course/have paddling experience or the first step towards a Paddle Canada Flatwater certificate.

NOTE: Contact Courtenay Rec Association to register - 250-338-5371

Location: Courtenay and District Memorial Pool (Outdoor)
Time: 7-9 pm
Dates: June 5,12,17,26
July 3,8,10,15,24,29
August 5,7,14,19,28

To book a private lesson, call 1-888-545-5595.
What to bring: Swimming gear. Optional: wetsuit if prone to getting cold, goggles / mask.

Part 2. Paddling skills. Getting on the water (Courtenay) - $50.00
This course can stand alone or act as the second step toward the Paddle Canada Flatwater certification.

Emphasis is placed on getting on the water and learning the basis strokes. We will focus on teaching you an efficient forward stroke as well as basic steering strokes.
By the end of this session you should have a good sense of what kayaking is all about.
Basic skills and knowledge taught include:

Paddling Skills
-lifting and carrying a kayak
-entering and exiting a kayak safely and securely
-forward and reverse paddling
-forward and reverse sweep strokes
-stopping


Knowledge
-kayak components
-safety equipment
-clothing
-injury prevention



Prerequisites: No experience necessary




Location: Comox Valley Kayaks
2020 Cliffe ave
Courtenay, BC.
Time: Mar 8 2-5 pm
Apr 6 3-6 pm
Apr 20 3-6 pm
May 4 3-6 pm
May 18 3-6 pm
June 4 5-8 pm
June 15 3-6 pm
June 22 6-9 pm
July 1 4-7 pm
July 12 3-6 pm
July 15 5-7 pm
July 28 3-6 pm
Aug 1 6-9 pm
Aug 9 1-4 pm
Dates: To book a private lesson, call 1-888-545-5595.
What to bring: Water shoes. Synthetic clothing, no cotton or denim. Water, sun glasses, sunscreen, hat, snack.

Part 3 – Paddling skills. More “Getting on the water” (Courtenay) - $50.00
This course can stand alone or act as the third step toward the Paddle Canada Flatwater certification.

Emphasis continues to be placed on developing an efficient forward stroke, more maneuvering strokes and an introduction to edging and bracing. By the end of this session you will be ready to undertake an outing in sheltered waters and calm conditions with a paddling partner who has been trained in the techniques of assisted rescues. You will also have the basis knowledge to make an informed choice if you intend to purchase kayaking equipment. Basic skills and knowledge taught include:

Paddling Skills
-forward and reverse paddling and sweep strokes
-draw strokes
-introductory low bracing
-introductory edging

Knowledge
-boat design
-boat outfitting
-paddles
-equipment care
-kayaking resources

If you have successfully completed parts 1,2 and 3, you will be awarded a Paddle Canada certificate and badge.


Prerequisites: Part 2



Location: Comox Valley Kayaks
2020 Cliffe Ave.
Courtenay, BC.

Time: Apr 19 3-6 pm
May 17 3-6 pm
May 31 2-5 pm
June 14 3-6 pm
June 18 6-9 pm
June 29 2-5 pm
July 8 9-12 am
July 13 3-6 pm
July 17 6-9 pm
July 31 6-9 pm
Aug 6 6-9 pm
Aug 10 2-5 pm
Aug 18 6-9 pm
Aug 31 4-7 pm
Sept
Dates: To book a private lesson, call 1-888-545-5595.
What to bring: Suitable clothing for the weather, water, snack, sunglasses, suntan lotion, hat and shoes that can get wet ie water sandals, neoprene booties, rubber boots or old running shoes & a smile.