Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes is proud to offer a wide variety of lessons in kayaking, canoeing, and Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). We offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses including Kayak Rescues, The Kayak Roll, Greenland Paddling, Canoeing 101, The Basics, and more. CVKC has a highly skilled and experienced instructor team who are passionate about paddling. We also offer a range of Paddle Canada courses led by PC-certified instructors.
If you are a beginner paddler, we have a course to help get you on the water! Our seasoned instructors can get you into a kayak or canoe, or onto a Stand Up Paddle Board, and teach you what you need to know to have fun & be safe as you enjoy a whole new perspective on our local environment!
The Basics is specifically designed for the beginner paddler! You will learn a bit about boats, equipment, and safety before heading out on the water for an introduction to basic strokes. You will also learn how to get in & out of a kayak with style, and how to safely carry a kayak.
Please bring: Synthetic clothing (no cotton or jeans, please), water shoes, sunglasses & sunscreen, hat, water & snack
Location: Comox Valley Kayaks. Tide dependant.
Cost: $40 per person (includes boat & lesson). Register in person or by phone at Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes (250.334.2628)
Wednesdays, May - September; 6:00 – 8:00PM
Join us in the pool to learn how to get yourself (and your paddling companions!) back into your kayak after a capsize. Take this course on its own to increase your confidence & control on the water, or take it as the first step toward a Paddle Canada Introduction to Kayaking certification. Cost $58.
Location: Courtenay Memorial Outdoor Pool
- Wednesday, May 8th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Wednesday, May 22nd 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Thursday, June 6th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Tuesday, June 11th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Thursday, June 20th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Thursday, July 4th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Tuesday, July 9th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Thursday, July 18th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Tuesday, July 23rd 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Tuesday, August 6th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Thursday, August 15th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Tuesday, August 20th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
Our certified Paddle Canada instructors will take you out onto the water to learn the skills you need to paddle safely & with finesse! Enjoy a full day on the water with us, or mix & match the dates to suit your schedule. You will come away from the course a more confident paddler - including knowledge of boats, equipment, and paddling techniques. Graduates receive Paddle Canada certification, and a free 4-hour kayak rental from Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes so you can practice your skills!
Prerequisite: Introduction to Kayaking - Kayak Rescues (Part 1)
- Thursday, May 9th 5:30 pm (3 hours)
- Saturday, May 25th 10:00 am (3 hours)
- Tuesday, June 11th 5:30 pm (3 hours)
- Saturday, June 22nd 10:00 am (3 hours) At Comox Lake
- Saturday, July 6th 10:00 am (3 hours) Location: Comox Lake
- Thursday, July 11th 5:30 pm (3 hours)
- Monday, July 15th 5:30 pm (3 hours)
- Saturday, July 20th 10:00 am (3 hours) Location: Comox Lake
- Saturday, August 10th 10:00 am (3 hours) Location: Comox Lake
- Monday, August 12th 5:30 pm (3 hours) Location: Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes
- Saturday, August 24th 10:00 am (3 hours) Location: Comox Lake
Our certified Paddle Canada instructors will take you out onto the water to learn the skills you need to paddle safely & with finesse! Enjoy a full day on the water with us, or mix & match the dates to suit your schedule. You will come away from the course a more confident paddler - including knowledge of boats, equipment, and paddling techniques. Graduates receive Paddle Canada certification, and a free 4-hour kayak rental from Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes so you can practice your skills!
Prerequisite: Introduction to Kayaking - Kayak Rescues (Part 1)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Kayaking - Paddling Skills (Part 2)
- Tuesday, May 14th 5:30 pm (3 hours)
- Saturday, May 25th 2:00 pm (3 hours)
- Thursday, June 13th 5:30 pm (3 hours)
- Saturday, June 22nd 2:00 pm (3 hours) At Comox Lake
- Saturday, July 6th 2:00 pm (3 hours) Location: Comox Lake
- Saturday, July 20th 2:00 pm (3 hours) Location: Comox Lake
- Saturday, August 10th 2:00 pm (3 hours) At Comox Lake
- Monday, August 19th 5:30 pm (3 hours) Location: Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes
- Saturday, August 24th 2:00 pm (3 hours) At Comox Lake
Can you paddle with a stick? The answer is YES! Come & discover the art of Greenland paddling with our skilled and passionate team of instructors. Using Greenland paddles and standard kayaks, you will learn basic strokes and come to understand more about the heritage of the sport of kayaking. Instructors will also demonstrate advanced Greenland techniques, including some of the many different types of rolling! Price $58
Location: Goose Spit
- Saturday, June 8th 4:00 pm (3 hours)
- Sunday, July 28th 10:00 am (3 hours)
If you have never tried kayaking (or haven't been out paddling in a while) and are interested in exploring the beautiful Courtenay River Estuary from a whole new vantage point, then this is a great way to start your day! Join us for an early morning course where you will learn about boats & equipment, then get out on the water with a certified instructor to learn paddling skills. Cost $38.
Location: Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes
- Friday, June 14th 9:00 pm (2 hours)
- Friday, July 5th 3:00 pm (2 hours)
- Friday, July 26th 9:00 am (2 hours)
Bring your paddling partner and join us on the water to learn the basics of tandem canoeing. Our experienced instructors will teach you the essential strokes and boat-handling skills to make your canoeing adventures rewarding, safe, and fun! Price per pair with own canoe: $58 Per pair with canoe rental: $68
- Sunday, June 16th 11:00 am (2 hours)
- Sunday, July 14th 10:00 am (2 hours) Location: Comox Spit
- Sunday, August 11th 10:00 am (2 hours) Location: Comox Spit
We are excited to offer introductory lessons for one of the world's fastest growing sports - Stand Up Paddle Boarding (also known as SUP). SUP borrows some techniques from canoe paddling, and is a dynamic sport that engages your core muscles and balance. Beginner boards are wide & stable, and offer a whole new perspective on our beautiful local aquatic environment. Our instructors are certified Paddle Canada SUP Instructors. We look forward to getting out on the water with you this summer to teach you about skills, equipment and safety! Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes; $40
- Saturday, May 18th 11:00 am (2 hours)
- Sunday, June 9th 11:00 am (2 hours) At Comox Lake
- Sunday, June 30th 12:00 pm (2 hours)
- Monday, July 8th 6:00 pm (2 hours)
- Friday, July 19th 6:00 pm (2 hours)
- Saturday, July 27th 10:00 am (2 hours)
- Friday, August 9th 6:00 pm (2 hours)
- Sunday, August 25th 11:00 am (2 hours) Location: Comox Lake
Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes' diverse and enthusiastic team of instructors have the experience & training to help you take your paddling skills to the next level.
After completing Intro to Sea Kayaking and logging some hours in the cockpit and on the water, Level 1 can help you take your Sea Kayaking skills to the next level. In this multi-day course we will build intermediate paddling skills, learn more about weather, navigation, tides, & risk assessment, and plan & undertake a day trip (usually departing from Quadra Island). This is an exciting and challenging 2 days on the water!
Paddle Canada Course
Prerequisite: Intro to Kayaking, or equivalent skills & experience
Meet at Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes at 9 AM on July 27th.
Cost (with own boat): $230
Cost (with boat rental): $260
- Saturday, June 15th 9:00 am (8 hours)
- Sunday, June 16th 9:00 am (8 hours)
- Saturday, July 27th 9:00 am (8 hours) Day 1 of 2
- Sunday, July 28th 9:00 am (8 hours)
The aim of this course is to provide the skills and knowledge for proficient kayaking in moderate conditions and on overnight trips along a moderately exposed shore with frequent, easy landing opportunities. Conducted over 4 days and based out of Discovery Lodge on Quadra Island, this demanding course covers intermediate boat handling skills, rolling, rescues in moving water, paddling in currents (up to 3 kts) and the weather, seastate and tides/currents skills needed for planning and undertaking a multi-day trip.
Please review the full course description on Paddle Canada's website before you register for this course.
Cost: $450.00 (not including one night accommodation at Discovery Lodge or ferry costs)
Dates available by calling 250.334.2628
This 2-session course is designed to teach the participant the mechanics of rolling a kayak. At the end of the sessions we hope to have you rolling – and although we can't guarantee your roll, you will leave the course with the knowledge & tools to continue working on this dynamic skill. To create a high-quality learning environment and ensure personal attention to participants, class size will be limited (maximum two students per instructor). Wet suits, boats & nose plugs provided for all sessions. To take this course, participants must have a good controlled wet exit, be comfortable staying in the kayak while it is upside down, and competent paddling skills.
Location: Courtenay Memorial Outdoor Pool
$120 / 2 sessions.
- Tuesday, June 25th 7:45 am (1 hour 45 mins) Session 1
- Thursday, June 27th 7:45 am (1 hour 45 mins) Session 2
- Tuesday, July 30th 7:45 am (1 hour 45 mins) Session 1
- Thursday, August 1st 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins) Session 2
Paddle Canada is a country-wide organization that sets the standard for paddling courses across Canada. Offering curricula and training, Paddle Canada is focused on safe & effective paddling skills. CVKC is proud to offer these courses, delivered by Paddle Canada certified instructors.
Join us in the pool to learn how to get yourself (and your paddling companions!) back into your kayak after a capsize. Take this course on its own to increase your confidence & control on the water, or take it as the first step toward a Paddle Canada Introduction to Kayaking certification. Cost $58.
Location: Courtenay Memorial Outdoor Pool
- Wednesday, May 8th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Wednesday, May 22nd 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Thursday, June 6th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Tuesday, June 11th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Thursday, June 20th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Thursday, July 4th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Tuesday, July 9th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Thursday, July 18th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Tuesday, July 23rd 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Tuesday, August 6th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Thursday, August 15th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
- Tuesday, August 20th 7:45 pm (1 hour 45 mins)
Our certified Paddle Canada instructors will take you out onto the water to learn the skills you need to paddle safely & with finesse! Enjoy a full day on the water with us, or mix & match the dates to suit your schedule. You will come away from the course a more confident paddler - including knowledge of boats, equipment, and paddling techniques. Graduates receive Paddle Canada certification, and a free 4-hour kayak rental from Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes so you can practice your skills!
Prerequisite: Introduction to Kayaking - Kayak Rescues (Part 1)
- Thursday, May 9th 5:30 pm (3 hours)
- Saturday, May 25th 10:00 am (3 hours)
- Tuesday, June 11th 5:30 pm (3 hours)
- Saturday, June 22nd 10:00 am (3 hours) At Comox Lake
- Saturday, July 6th 10:00 am (3 hours) Location: Comox Lake
- Thursday, July 11th 5:30 pm (3 hours)
- Monday, July 15th 5:30 pm (3 hours)
- Saturday, July 20th 10:00 am (3 hours) Location: Comox Lake
- Saturday, August 10th 10:00 am (3 hours) Location: Comox Lake
- Monday, August 12th 5:30 pm (3 hours) Location: Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes
- Saturday, August 24th 10:00 am (3 hours) Location: Comox Lake
Our certified Paddle Canada instructors will take you out onto the water to learn the skills you need to paddle safely & with finesse! Enjoy a full day on the water with us, or mix & match the dates to suit your schedule. You will come away from the course a more confident paddler - including knowledge of boats, equipment, and paddling techniques. Graduates receive Paddle Canada certification, and a free 4-hour kayak rental from Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes so you can practice your skills!
Prerequisite: Introduction to Kayaking - Kayak Rescues (Part 1)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Kayaking - Paddling Skills (Part 2)
- Tuesday, May 14th 5:30 pm (3 hours)
- Saturday, May 25th 2:00 pm (3 hours)
- Thursday, June 13th 5:30 pm (3 hours)
- Saturday, June 22nd 2:00 pm (3 hours) At Comox Lake
- Saturday, July 6th 2:00 pm (3 hours) Location: Comox Lake
- Saturday, July 20th 2:00 pm (3 hours) Location: Comox Lake
- Saturday, August 10th 2:00 pm (3 hours) At Comox Lake
- Monday, August 19th 5:30 pm (3 hours) Location: Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes
- Saturday, August 24th 2:00 pm (3 hours) At Comox Lake
After completing Intro to Sea Kayaking and logging some hours in the cockpit and on the water, Level 1 can help you take your Sea Kayaking skills to the next level. In this multi-day course we will build intermediate paddling skills, learn more about weather, navigation, tides, & risk assessment, and plan & undertake a day trip (usually departing from Quadra Island). This is an exciting and challenging 2 days on the water!
Paddle Canada Course
Prerequisite: Intro to Kayaking, or equivalent skills & experience
Meet at Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes at 9 AM on July 27th.
Cost (with own boat): $230
Cost (with boat rental): $260
- Saturday, June 15th 9:00 am (8 hours)
- Sunday, June 16th 9:00 am (8 hours)
- Saturday, July 27th 9:00 am (8 hours) Day 1 of 2
- Sunday, July 28th 9:00 am (8 hours)
The aim of this course is to provide the skills and knowledge for proficient kayaking in moderate conditions and on overnight trips along a moderately exposed shore with frequent, easy landing opportunities. Conducted over 4 days and based out of Discovery Lodge on Quadra Island, this demanding course covers intermediate boat handling skills, rolling, rescues in moving water, paddling in currents (up to 3 kts) and the weather, seastate and tides/currents skills needed for planning and undertaking a multi-day trip.
Please review the full course description on Paddle Canada's website before you register for this course.
Cost: $450.00 (not including one night accommodation at Discovery Lodge or ferry costs)
Dates available by calling 250.334.2628
Contact Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes for information on designing a custom lesson for you or your group.
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