Sea Kayaking for Beginners: What to Expect on Your First Paddle

Posted on May 2, 2026May 10, 2026 by Ruth Daber

Somewhere in the first few minutes on the water, something becomes apparent. This feels special.

You are low on the ocean, connected with it. The water stops being something you look at, or travel on via a ferry or large boat. It is right there, inches below you, and you are moving with it. You glide past a rock face. You glance down and see a vibrantly purple sea star clinging to a rock wall a few feet from you. Behind you, without warning, a river otter surfaces, and vanishes the moment you catch a glimpse.

Sea kayaking opens a dimension that most people have never experienced. Not a boat on top of the water. Not a beach, or even swimming. Something in between, quiet, close to the water, and connected in a way that is hard to describe until you feel it.

If you are thinking about your first guided sea kayak tour or considering a Paddle Canada Basic Skills course, this guide is written for you. No experience required. No gear required. Just curiosity and a willingness to show up. Take a small leap of faith that you will enjoy this, and you will.

A Word of Honesty First

Sea kayaking looks easy. And in the right conditions, with the right guidance, it is wonderful. But as accessible as it may be, it can lead people to underestimate it.

Every year, people with no training buy poorly suited kayaks, head out onto water beyond their skill level and equipment, and find themselves in situations they are not able to handle. Inadequate gear, lack of skills, and unexpected conditions are a combination that can have serious consequences.

We are not saying this to frighten you. We are saying it because guided experiences and proper instruction exist for good reason, and starting with experienced people around you is the single smartest decision a new paddler can make. Everything after that gets to be about wonder.

Before You Arrive

Parking
Please park at the diagonal parking across the road from the community hall, about a five-minute walk to our dock (not on the concrete dock, pub, or café parking). We appreciate your cooperation, as this keeps access clear for everyone, including emergency vehicles.

Height and weight
When you book, we ask for your approximate height and weight. This is so we can make sure we have a kayak and PFD (personal floatation device, similar to a life jacket) that fits you properly and suits your needs. It is required information that helps us prepare the right setup for you.

The waiver
FareHarbor links a waiver to complete electronically before your tour or course. If completed ahead of time, we have this part out of the way. If you booked via a different pathway, or did not manage to complete it online, we will take care of it on arrival. It takes a few minutes.

What to leave behind
We have limited space on the dock for non-valuable items while you are on the water (i.e., your street shoes). Leave anything you do not need in your vehicle and bring what is on the “What to bring” list.

Mind your step
As you enter our dock area, please watch your footing and rough wood surfaces of dock floor and shed walls. Please wear shoes.

Let us know in advance
If you have specific concerns, fears, physical considerations, or questions before you arrive, please reach out. The more we know ahead of time, the better we can prepare your experience. There is nothing you could tell us that would surprise us.

What to Bring and Wear

Everything you need for paddling is provided: kayak, paddle, PFD (personal flotation device), etc., and sprayskirt if you choose to use one. What you bring is about your own comfort on the water.

What to wear:

Long-sleeve non-cotton or quick-dry shirt and pants (no tank tops for hygiene reasons, at minimum wear a t-shirt under our PFDs)
Kayaking-suitable shoes: feet and legs will get wet if your tour includes a beach stop (most two-hour tours do not, longer tours often do), if your shoes are too bulky, they may not work for paddling
Windbreaker or paddling jacket (highly recommended for windy, cooler, or rainy days)
Sun hat or cap with a retainer
Sunglasses with a retainer
Sunscreen

What to bring:

Water bottle (with clip if possible)
Snack if needed for longer tours
Phone or camera in a waterproof pouch
Extra dry clothes for after
Any personal medications, including seasickness medication if relevant

One important note: anything you bring onto the water may get wet. Plan accordingly and leave valuables behind.

Before You Get on the Water

Fitting your kayak and PFD
When you arrive, we fit you into your kayak and your personal flotation device. A PFD must be worn on the water at all times. It is required by Transport Canada to carry and by us to wear. We make sure yours fits correctly before you leave the dock. You will be in a single or tandem kayak, most likely we will have discussed this beforehand.

Safety gear
Before launching, we walk you through the safety equipment required by Transport Canada: your PFD (personal floatation device), whistle, paddle, throw rope (buoyant heaving line), and bilge pump.

Transport Canada required safety equipment: PFD, whistle, pump/bailer, buoyant rope (throw rope or tow rope), paddle.

The sprayskirt
Paddle Canada Skills course participants wear a sprayskirt which is provided. It fits around your cockpit and keeps water out of your boat. Tour guests are welcome to use one too. Just let us know. We will show you how to fit it and how to release it quickly if needed.

Communication signals
On the water, we communicate clearly and simply. We aim to stay fairly close together on the water so we can see and hear one another. We use additional signals at times, especially if wind and waves make verbal communication harder.

One whistle blast from your guide means pay attention. We may be gathering the group, pointing out something of interest, or flagging a boat or wake approaching.

Three whistle blasts mean a capsize has occurred. If anyone goes in the water, blow three times. Stay with your boat and stay with your paddle. This helps us control the situation. Keep away from any hazard and let us take the lead. That said, capsizes are unlikely.

A paddle held upright (vertical) means come to your guide.

A paddle held horizontally means stop and hold your position. If there is wind or current, paddle to stay where you are without drifting.

Most of the time we are close enough for regular conversation. If you find yourself farther away than feels comfortable, work your way back toward the group.

Tell us what this tour is about for you – whether to focus on scenic rock formations, wildlife, technique, or a calm and sheltered route. Within the conditions and the group’s ability, we aim to deliver the experience you are looking for.

Go / No Go
In addition to monitoring forecasted weather patterns ahead of time, before we launch, we review the weather, wind, and sea state. If conditions are unsuitable for the group, we do not go, or when possible we choose a different route that is appropriate. Safety is our priority.

Your First Moments on the Water

We launch from our dock. Before you push off, we demonstrate how to get into the kayak, the basic strokes: forward paddling and turning. You will find that basic paddling is intuitive. Most people are moving confidently within the first few minutes.

We offer tips on efficiency. Small adjustments to posture and stroke make a real difference. Sea kayaking is not about strength. It is about technique, and using your whole body rather than just your arms. Even your legs play a role.

Once you are on the water, your guide will point out an area to wait in while everyone else gets on the water.

On the Water with Your Guide

We stay together as a group, keeping roughly one to three kayak lengths between boats. This is enough space to paddle comfortably while staying close enough to communicate and look out for each other. 2-4 people in a group is typical.

We make sure everyone gets familiar with their boat and how to move forward, stop, and turn. We move at a comfortable pace. Your guide reads the conditions, the group, and the surroundings continuously. If you need to temporarily increase your pace, your guide will let you know.

Enjoy your time on the water. Pay attention to the wonder around you.

We invite you to communicate with us. If you get tired, want more tips on technique, feel anxious or uncertain at any point, get our attention. Your safety and comfort are our priority from the moment you arrive to the moment you return to the dock.

The guide carries a towline and VHF radio for emergency use.

Returning to the Dock

When we return to our dock, we will direct you one by one to get back onto the dock and let you know where to place your gear. It is a small space, and we want to make sure nobody trips over a paddle or gets in each other’s way.

You may have sea legs at this point and feel a little wobbly on the dock. Take your time and take a seat if needed. There is no rush.

If we were able to take photos of you on the water, we love to share them with you by AirDrop for iPhone users or via a download link.

Before you leave, make sure you have all of your belongings from PFD pockets, hatches, and the dock.

In Case of an Unplanned Capsize

Capsizing on a guided tour is extremely rare. We fit you in a stable, beginner-appropriate boat, we assess conditions before every launch, and we keep the group together throughout.

If you capsize, release the sprayskirt (if wearing one), slide out of the boat, and regulate your breathing, focus on staying calm. Ideally stay with your boat and stay with your paddle. It helps us assist you more quickly.

Blow three whistle blasts if the group or guide is unaware. Your guide will be with you quickly and direct you through the steps to get you back in your boat. We have several techniques for assisted re-entry and we use the one that suits the situation. We carry a VHF radio and we do not venture far from shore, which means help is always close if we need it.

The water around Saturna Island is between 8 and 11 degrees Celsius year-round. It is cold. This is one of the reasons we take the precaution we take, and why dressing appropriately matters. Getting wet is not a disaster when you are prepared for it.

Wildlife and Wonder

This is where the other dimension opens fully.

When we encounter wildlife around Saturna Island we ask you to slow down, stay calm, and become an observer. Seals, river otters, seabirds, the occasional bald eagle overhead. Most of the wildlife in these waters is shy. Fast movement and loud noises will send them away. Stillness brings them closer.

There is something special about drifting along and a seal pops its head out of the water to check you out, or watching an otter go about its business a few metres from your bow. These moments are not guaranteed, but they can happen.

A note about resting seals and sea lions
If we see seals or sea lions resting on rocks, we let them be. They use rocks to absorb warmth and regulate body temperature throughout the day. We aim to give them enough space to do this undisturbed. They startle easily and sometimes unavoidably; our aim is always to observe from a distance and let them rest.

If an animal does come close while we are on the water, stay calm. Follow your guide’s lead at all times. We do not feed wildlife and we do not encourage animals to approach.

A note about whales
One of the questions we hear most often is: when are the whales coming? Saturna Island is one of the best places in BC to watch whales from shore, particularly at East Point.

On our typical paddling routes, encountering a whale on the water is extremely rare. If we are that fortunate, there are specific rules we follow. The most important one is to keep our distance and give them space. Whales are typically travelling, resting, or hunting and they are not interested in us. We observe quietly and stay with our group. You can read more about the rules for kayaking near whales on our kayaking near killer whales page.

A note about sharks
We have not spotted any sharks in our paddling area.

Not a Beginner — But It Has Been a While?

With enough notice, we can arrange for you to paddle in a tandem kayak with a guide. This gives you the support and confidence to get back into paddling and enjoy the special moments on the water. Reach out and let us know your situation and we will make it work.

The Paddle Canada Basic Skills Course — A Different Kind of First Day

If you are interested in developing real paddling skills rather than a guided tour, the Paddle Canada Basic Skills course is a full day dedicated to that.

Over eight hours, you build a solid skill set including forward and turning strokes, bracing, and essential safety skills and knowledge. You will practice re-entry after a capsize and learn how to assist another paddler back into their boat. Course participants wear a sprayskirt, which is provided. We include use of a sea kayak and all safety gear with our Basic and Level 1 Courses at no extra cost.

This course does not focus on sightseeing or exploring. It is designed to build confidence and sound decision-making on the water. It is the foundation for everything that comes after. If you have paddled a few times before, Level 1 may be more appropriate for you. Reach out if you are unclear which course is right for you.

The Door That Opens

Most people do not expect how their first guided paddle will feel. The ocean has become a place they know how to enter. A recent guest said it felt like being in a movie.

If you are ready to experience it for yourself, we would love to take you out.

Our guided tours that are suitable for first-time paddlers include the Scenic Saturna by Sea Kayak three-hour tour, the Sunset Golden Hour two-hour evening paddle, and the Sea Star Watch Paddle two-hour tour focused on the remarkable intertidal life of Saturna’s rocky shores. All are suitable for beginners and all include everything you need.

Book a guided tour Learn more about the Paddle Canada Basic Skills course

Your Questions Answered Before You Go

Physical Ability and Fitness

Am I strong enough or fit enough to kayak? You do not need to be an athlete to enjoy sea kayaking. We keep the pace to suit everyone in the group and we teach you techniques that makes kayaking a whole-body movement rather than just an arm workout. If you can sit comfortably and move your torso, you can paddle.

What if I cannot keep up with the group? When you book, let us know if this is a concern. We keep a pace to suit everyone in the group, and, where needed, we can match you with a guide in a tandem kayak for more efficiency and confidence.

I have a bad back, a bad shoulder, or limited mobility. Can I still paddle? Please reach out before booking and tell us about your specific challenges. The details help us find a suitable solution. Kayaking techniques works with the larger muscle groups and the whole body, which means many people with physical limitations paddle comfortably once they find the right movement. We want to make it work for you if we can.

I am concerned about my size. Can I still kayak? We ask all customers to provide their approximate height and weight when booking so we can make sure we have a suitable kayak and PFD ready for you. Once we have your measurements, we can give you a clear answer.

What if I get tired halfway through? We check in regularly throughout every tour and encourage open communication about how everyone is doing. Let us know if you feel tired or pain while paddling. We will adjust the tour accordingly. The guide also carries a towline for emergency use.

Safety and Capsizing

Will I tip over? We fit you in a kayak that is appropriate for a beginner, stable, and not easily tipped. Capsizing on a guided tour is rare.

I am not a strong swimmer. Is that a problem? No. You will be wearing a correctly fitted PFD at all times on the water. You do not need to be a strong swimmer to paddle with us safely.

What happens if I capsize and cannot get back in on my own? We will get you back in your boat. We use several assisted re-entry techniques and choose whichever suits the situation. We also carry a VHF radio should we need outside assistance in an emergency situation. Before you launch, we walk you through the basics of re-entry.

Is the water cold? Yes. The water around Saturna Island is between 8 and 11 degrees Celsius year-round. This is why we have safety checks, why we dress appropriately, and why we do not take unnecessary risks with conditions or routes. Getting wet when you are prepared for it is manageable.

Practical Comfort

What if I need to use the bathroom? Right next to our kayaking dock is a BC Ferries waiting area with two bathrooms, accessible most of the time. We recommend visiting just before launch. Tours with a beach break may include a beach with an outhouse. For other nature breaks in the field, they are just that. We carry toilet tissue and a trowel for the group and practice Leave No Trace principles.

What if I get seasick or motion sick? If you tend to get seasick on boats, it is worth taking medication before your tour as a precaution. In our experience, kayaking affects people differently from larger vessels and many people who feel unwell on ferries or powerboats are perfectly comfortable in a kayak. That said, everyone is different. We carry a first aid kit, but please bring any personal medications with you.

Can I wear glasses? Yes. We recommend using a retainer so they stay secure on the water. Salt water splashes may require a clean after the paddle. For capsize practices during the Basic Skills course, we can hold your glasses while you get wet with intent, or a suitable retainer will do the job.

What if it rains? Heavy rain may be a reason to reschedule. Light rain is not a safety concern and can be a beautifully immersive experience on the water. We are a small business and if we can accommodate a reschedule to make your first time on the water more comfortable, we will always try our best.

Wildlife and Environment

Will we see whales? Saturna Island is known as one of BC’s premier whale-watching destinations, particularly from the shore at East Point. On our typical paddling routes, encountering a whale on the water is extremely rare. If we are that fortunate, we follow a set of rules: keep our distance, stay quiet, give them space, and raft as a group if safe to do so.

Are there sharks? We have not encountered any sharks you might be thinking of in our paddling area. Strictly speaking, dogfish are a type of shark. They are small and they prey on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. If you fish in the waters surrounding Saturna Island, you may catch dogfish before anything else.

What if a seal or sea lion gets too close? We have not experienced aggressive behaviour from marine mammals in our area. We do not encourage wildlife to interact or approach, and we do not feed animals. If something does come close, stay calm, look to your guide, and consider whether there may be a young animal nearby that it is protecting. Follow your guide’s lead.

Anxiety and Control

What if I panic on the water? Let us know before launching if you have concerns or traumatic experiences with watersports. If you need to speak with us as we go, get our attention. If we see that you are struggling, we will come to you. There is no situation on the water that we have not encountered before, and your safety and wellbeing are our priority.

What if I fall behind or get separated from the group? We aim to keep everyone together throughout. If you fall behind without anyone noticing, use your whistle if verbal communication is ineffective and until you have our attention.

What if the weather changes while we are out? We monitor weather and conditions continuously as we paddle and always have a plan B in mind. If conditions change in a way that affects safety, we will adjust our route or return to the dock. Your safety is always the priority.

Have a question that is not answered here? Visit our FAQ page or get in touch and we are happy to hear from you before you book.

How to Get to Saturna Island: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Posted on April 21, 2026April 28, 2026 by Ruth Daber

Saturna Island… Hard to get to, harder to leave — but so worth it.

Saturna is one of the most beautiful and least visited of the Southern Gulf Islands. How to get to Saturna Island takes a little planning, but that’s part of what makes it special. This guide covers every way to reach Saturna and everything you need to know before you arrive.

Where Is Saturna Island?

Saturna Island sits in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland. It’s the most southeasterly of the main Gulf Islands, closer to Washington State than to Vancouver. That geography works in its favour: Saturna sits in the rain shadow of Vancouver Island, giving it some of the warmest and driest conditions in all of coastal BC.

We operate from Lyall Harbour, right next to the BC Ferries terminal. You don’t need a car to reach us.

Getting to Saturna by BC Ferries

BC Ferries is how most people arrive on Saturna Island. There are two departure points: Tsawwassen on the BC mainland, and Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island near Victoria.

One important thing to know before you plan: only about four ferries serve Saturna on most days, with many hours between sailings. This is not a route where you can simply show up and catch the next boat. Check the current schedule at bcferries.com well in advance and plan your entire day around the ferry times. BC Ferries schedules change several times a year and can vary from one day to the next, so always confirm the current timetable before you travel.

Ferries on both routes have snacks and drinks available for purchase on board.

At the Saturna terminal: The BC Ferries terminal at Lyall Harbour has a small waiting area with a washroom next to the loading ramp, accessible most of the time during the day. Free wifi is available.

From Tsawwassen (BC Mainland / Metro Vancouver)

Tsawwassen is about 45 minutes south of downtown Vancouver by car or public transit. There is no direct ferry from Tsawwassen to Saturna. All sailings involve a transfer. The more direct route typically transfers at Mayne Island after stopping at Galiano Island. The indirect path is via the “big ferries” to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island.

BC Ferries offers a Thru Fare option for the indirect route via Swartz Bay. The onward leg from Swartz Bay to Saturna is included at no extra charge on top of your Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay fare when booked ahead.

Book your Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay sailing online in advance — a Saver or Prepaid fare gives you the best price. When you arrive at the Tsawwassen ticket booth, tell the agent your final destination is Saturna Island and that you want the Thru Fare. No extra charges will be applied on top of what you have already paid. For full current details on fare types, booking options and any reimbursement (should you reserve vs purchase online) that may apply on select sailings, check the BC Ferries Thru Fare page at bcferries.com/routes-fares/ferry-fares/thru-fare before you travel, as the details change when schedules are updated several times a year.

The Thru Fare does not guarantee a connection. Given that only about four sailings a day serve Saturna, plan your Tsawwassen departure carefully to give yourself a comfortable connection window at Swartz Bay. If you do miss a connection, your ticket will be honoured on any Saturna sailing the same day, or up to noon the following day if you miss the last evening connection. In our experience, we’ve never been turned down.

Booking ahead: At peak times, particularly Sunday afternoons leaving Saturna and holiday Mondays, vehicle reservations from Tsawwassen are strongly recommended and likely cheaper. Foot passengers are more flexible, but if you’re bringing a vehicle, book in advance, especially during busy periods.

Active Pass — don’t miss it: On the crossing between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay, the ferry passes through Active Pass, a narrow channel between Galiano and Mayne Islands. It’s genuinely beautiful — rocky cliffs, strong currents, wildlife, and scenery that stays with you. Find a good seat early or step outside for this section. It’s a little cruise within your crossing and well worth being on deck for.

If you’re driving: Fill up with gas before you board. Saturna has limited to no fuelling options on the island.

Fares: Fares vary by season, day of week, and vehicle type, and BC Ferries offers promotions from time to time. Check current pricing at bcferries.com. Travelling from Saturna toward the mainland is cheaper than travelling in the other direction.

From Swartz Bay (Vancouver Island / Victoria)

Swartz Bay is on the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island, about 30 minutes north of downtown Victoria. The nearby town of Sidney is a lovely stop before or after your crossing, with a walkable waterfront, good cafés a few restaurants, and a well-known bookshop.

Some sailings from Swartz Bay to Saturna are direct. Others stop at other Gulf Islands (often Mayne Island and sometimes Pender Island) along the way depending on the time of day. The route and number of stops varies by sailing and the timetable is not the same every day, so always check before you travel. If transferring at Mayne Island by vehicle, follow the traffic up the hill for transfers and look for the lane number of your destination on the large notice board.

No reservations are available or needed on the Swartz Bay to Saturna route or the return. Just show up. Depending on the day and time it can be busy, but sailings are very rarely sold out.

Returning to Swartz Bay from Saturna is free of charge. If you’re planning to visit the Gulf Islands more than once, the BC Ferries Experience Card is worth investigating. It’s a prepaid card that offers significant savings on each sailing and pays off quickly for repeat travellers.

Getting to Saturna by Float Plane

Seair Seaplanes (1-800-447-3247) flies from Richmond (YVR South Terminal) to Lyall Harbour, landing right next to the ferry terminal. Flights to Saturna aren’t bookable online. Call Seair directly to check schedules and availability. A scenic way to arrive, with sweeping views over the Gulf Islands on approach.

Water Taxi and Private Boat

Island Water Taxi (1-250-656-4826) offers service from Sidney, BC on Vancouver Island, a useful option for small groups or multi-island itineraries.

If you’re arriving by private boat, Lyall Harbour has moorage. Tides and currents in the Southern Gulf Islands are significant. Consult current tide tables before crossing. Our Saturna Kayaking Resources page has up-to-date links.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Getting around on Saturna: Saturna is hilly and spread out. How much transportation you need depends on where you’re staying. If your accommodation is not near Lyall Harbour, you’ll likely need a vehicle, bicycle, or the Saturna Lions Shuttle. Given the steep hills, an ebike is a particularly good option for getting around comfortably. And if you’re planning to explore beyond the water — which we highly recommend — getting around becomes more important. Two highlights that aren’t easily reached by kayak are East Point, one of the best land-based whale watching spots in the Southern Gulf Islands, and Mount Warburton Pike, with panoramic views that make the climb very much worthwhile. Factor transport into your planning and give yourself time to see them.

Saturna Lions Shuttle: The Saturna Lions Club runs a seasonal, pre-booked transportation service by donation. Contact them at least 48 hours in advance at saturnashuttle@gmail.com. This is a community service — please donate generously.

Food and drink near the terminal: Within walking distance of the Lyall Harbour terminal you’ll find the Lighthouse pub and Dee’s Dairy, a café. Both have limited and variable opening hours and offerings, so don’t count on them being open when you need them. Plan your meals accordingly. Saturna does have other dining options on the island, but these are the ones closest to the ferry. The hours and menu fluctuate greatly throughout the year, with several only operating in the summer season. And a friendly reminder: no drinks before paddling.

Groceries and supplies: Saturna has a small grocery store, but if you have specific items in mind, bring them from the mainland or pick them up in Sidney before you board. Don’t count on finding everything here. Seasonally with luck you may find a small selection of local produce and treats at little roadside stands and the Saturday market outside the General Store.

Gas: Fill up before you arrive. Depending on the day there are very limited to zero options for fuel on the island.

Garbage and waste: There are no public garbage facilities on Saturna Island. Whatever you bring, you carry out. This applies to everything, including dog waste. If you’re staying at a booked accommodation your host may help with disposal, but for example at the Parks Canada campsite at Narvaez Bay there are no waste facilities at all. Come prepared to leave no trace, fully.

Where to Stay on Saturna Island

Saturna Lodge, run by our friends in Boot Cove, is a wonderful place to stay. A character-filled inn set above a beautifully sheltered harbour, it offers comfortable rooms, outstanding breakfasts, and a warm welcome from hosts who know this island as well as anyone. Highly recommended.

A charming location for sunsets is Bella Haven at Lyall Harbor Beach. Oceanfront Beach House. Sleeps 2.

We’re happy to make additional recommendations personally when you book. Reach us at info@kayakingskills.com or text 604-725-8897.

For camping there are two options. The Arbutus Campsite is a two-minute walk from our launch location at Lyall Harbour, very convenient if you’re joining a tour or course. It has potable water, washrooms, and easy access to the pub and café nearby.

The Narvaez Bay Campground is a Parks Canada backcountry site on one of the most beautiful and undisturbed bays in the Southern Gulf Islands. It’s a 1.7 km hike in from the end of Narvaez Bay Road, with sites situated right by the beach. Facilities are minimal: an outhouse and a food cache, no water and no waste disposal. Come fully prepared to carry everything out. The campground has 7 sites and books out regularly in summer, though a small overflow area is available when the main sites are full. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made at reservation.pc.gc.ca.

Ready to Paddle?

Browse our tours and courses and book through FareHarbor, or text us at 604-725-8897. We offer customised tours for families too — just get in touch and we’ll put something together that works for your group.

For current tides, winds, and marine conditions on Saturna, visit our Saturna Kayaking Resources page.

Hard to get to, harder to leave — but so worth it. 🌊

Why Saturna Island is One of BC’s Best Sea Kayaking Destinations

Posted on April 2, 2026May 14, 2026 by Ruth Daber

If you are looking for a sea kayaking destination in British Columbia that combines world-class paddling conditions, extraordinary wildlife, and an unspoiled natural environment, Saturna Island deserves to be at the top of your list. Tucked into the southern end of the Gulf Islands, Saturna is the least developed and least visited of the Southern Gulf Islands accessible by BC Ferries. While Salt Spring Island draws the crowds and Galiano gets the day-trippers, Saturna remains quietly, gloriously itself. A wild and largely undisturbed island where the paddling is as good as anywhere on the BC coast.

The Southern Gulf Islands sit in the Salish Sea, the inland sea stretching between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland. This is one of the most productive marine ecosystems on the planet, a place where cold, nutrient-rich waters support extraordinary concentrations of marine life, from microscopic plankton all the way up to orcas and humpback whales. For sea kayakers, the Gulf Islands offer a uniquely sheltered yet dynamic environment. The islands themselves provide protection from open ocean swells, making conditions manageable for paddlers of many skill levels. At the same time, the tidal currents that run between the islands create challenging and technically interesting water for those seeking to develop their skills. The scenery is stunning in every direction. Forested hillsides drop to rocky shorelines of weathered sandstone. Kelp beds sway in the current. Seals haul out on sun-warmed rocks. Eagles circle overhead. On a clear day the views stretch from the Coast Mountains to the Olympic Peninsula.

Every Gulf Island has its appeal, but Saturna offers something the others cannot match: genuine remoteness combined with exceptional paddling conditions. With a permanent population of only a few hundred people and almost half the island protected as parkland, Saturna has resisted the development that has changed the character of larger Gulf Islands. On a paddle around Saturna you are likely to have the coastline largely to yourself. One exception worth knowing: if you are leaving the island on a Sunday afternoon in summer, expect a long BC Ferries lineup. Plan accordingly!

The waters around Saturna are shaped by some of the strongest tidal currents in the Southern Gulf Islands. East Point, at the island’s eastern tip, sits at the confluence of Boundary Pass and the Strait of Georgia; one of the most dynamic tidal environments on the BC coast. The western tip of the island is equally compelling, with powerful currents running through Boat Passage. For paddlers looking to develop genuine sea kayaking skills, there is no better classroom in the region. And yet Saturna is not only for advanced paddlers. The island’s west shore, with its sheltered bays, tafoni sandstone formations, eelgrass meadows, and intertidal zones, offers gentle and endlessly interesting paddling for beginners and families. The range of experiences available within a short distance of the government dock is remarkable.

Wildlife is one of the great joys of paddling around Saturna Island. Harbour seals are a near-constant presence; curious yet easily startled, often watching from the rocks as you pass. Bald eagles nest throughout the island and are spotted on almost every paddle. Great blue herons stand motionless in the shallows. River otters slip through the kelp. Seabirds perch on tiny ledges in the sandstone cliffs. Saturna’s famous feral goats sometimes make an appearance along the rocky shoreline at Taylor Bay, occasionally venturing right to the water’s edge to nibble seaweed. One of those only-on-Saturna moments that guests talk about long after they have returned home. The waters around Saturna also lie within the critical habitat of the Southern Resident killer whales. Orca sightings are not guaranteed, but they happen; particularly in the waters east of the island near East Point, which is also renowned as one of the finest whale watching spots from shore on the entire BC coast. Humpback whales have also been spotted with increasing frequency in recent years. East Point is frequently visited by researchers studying whales and porpoises from the shore, and they are often open to sharing their findings with visitors.

One of the things that makes Saturna such a compelling destination is that it genuinely offers something for everyone. Complete beginners can join a guided tour along the west shore, exploring the tafoni coastline and intertidal zones in sheltered water with an experienced guide. No prior experience is needed; just curiosity and a sense of adventure. Those looking to develop their paddling skills can enrol in a Paddle Canada certified course. KayakingSkills offers Basic through Level 2 courses, all taught by certified instructors including a Paddle Canada Instructor Trainer. The tidal environment around Saturna provides real-world conditions that accelerate learning in ways that flat-water training simply cannot. Advanced paddlers will find plenty to challenge them. Samuel Island circumnavigation, the waters around East Point and Boiling Reef, Tumbo Island; these are destinations that demand experience, judgment, and solid technical skills, and reward those who bring them with paddling experiences that are hard to match anywhere in BC.

Saturna Island is served by BC Ferries from Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay. The ferry journey through Active Pass and the Southern Gulf Islands is spectacular in its own right; a preview of the scenery that awaits on the water. Float plane service is also available directly to the government dock. The KayakingSkills base is one minute from the Lyall Harbour ferry terminal. Step off the ferry and you are on the water within minutes.

Saturna Island is not the easiest Gulf Island to get to. That is precisely why it remains so special. The visitors who make the journey tend to be people who value wild places, unhurried experiences, and genuine connection with the natural world. If that sounds like you, we would love to show you our island from the water. KayakingSkills offers guided tours and Paddle Canada certified courses from May through September. Groups are small, instruction is personal, and the setting is unlike anywhere else in BC. Text us at 604-725-8897 to book or enquire. Texting is the most reliable way to reach us on Saturna Island.

Come and kayak with us on the majestic Salish Sea. Here is more about getting to Saturna Island.

Deer Group Paddling Tales

Posted on February 24, 2019March 23, 2019 by Ruth Daber

The Deer Group Islands are in the south east corner of Barkley Sound off Bamfield, British Columbia. They are less known and harder to get to than the neighbouring Broken Group of Islands.

We love the Deer Group Islands for their ruggedness, arches and narrow sea caves that you can access by sea kayak or similar craft only. You may find yourself in water vapour clouds of fog temporarily, followed by clear skies, an ideal playground for navigating with a compass.

During this trip we heard whales at night and saw them from afar from the beach. Having paddled all day today, we are surprised that we have not seen any whales since we got on the water, only some splashing across the channel, some one or two nautical miles out on the water prior launching. What a tease! This way-too-far-away spectacle lasted throughout a relaxed breakfast.

Tired toward the end of today’s long and exposed paddle in stirred up waters and stiff winds, we pull in at a sandy beach for a last breather and deserved rest. Earlier this afternoon we paddled around the exposed southern part of Edward King Island. This section offers beautiful fresh air, good size swells, waves and stunning scenery, which become even more dramatic as winds pick up. At this beach we are also able to collect firewood for the night. I pack my kayak as full as possible with small and medium size pieces for our fire. Bending forward with my head down while stuffing the stern hatch with wood of different shape and size, I hear Fred shout: “There, there, behind the rock.” I look up, see the rock that Fred points at and ask, “What is it?” “A humpback, a humpback. Right behind the rock.” “Wow.” We look out in anticipation, waiting, looking, turning to the areas nearby and staring at the unbroken water surface. We were out on the water all day without any whale sightings that we so treasure. When we encounter whales, we make sure we stay well out of their way and respect guidelines to protect the animals and us. Humpback whales especially may not be aware of your whereabouts. We walk along the water at the beach. A large tail sweeps up for a second, then disappears behind a wooded headland area. Trees are blocking our view. We run across to the other side of the narrow section of the island to try and get a glimpse of a whale emerging on the other side. We move, carefully watching our step across driftwood, rocks and seaweed patches that are accumulating to decompose and make fertilising compost in some months. We wait, we watch. We see a hump, then a little more whale, then it disappears into the horizon. Lucky us. Laughing and giggling, feeling euphoric we climb back across rocks and logs to the kayaks to continue the task at hand: pack firewood and reach camp at daylight. We get busy, clipping hatch covers into place, spray skirts on and get ready to launch for the last 30 minutes of paddling today and to arrive before sunset. Good timing, calm seas, a beautiful sky with saturated shades of orange in variations of cloud patterns set a dramatic background for this sunset scene. Once more, the humpback passes our rock, tail up and out, diving and surfacing the hump and dorsal fin, then gliding right back into the water, repeating its movement as we notice a second whale join in. The distance is 100 feet maybe. Our private humpback show from the beach is special. We observe the two whales swimming out and away toward Wizard Islet, a rock formation with a navigational light along our route. We lift the loaded kayaks onto the water, hop into the cockpits and fasten the spray decks into place for a last short paddle to our base campsite. Happy with the encounter we had, we paddle on a somewhat calm sea with light winds. Fred says: “Nice, though some breaching and jumping would have been even nicer.” It does not take long till some noises carry our way; they sound like a motorboat that travels with a steep angle at high speed and keeps slapping onto a flat-water sea, splashing loud and bold. The repeated pounding has us turn and search the horizon. And then we see them: black large shapes shooting out of the water, then crashing back onto the sea. From some distance we try to make out humpback parts that emerge and slap the water: two black panels with white shapes crash and slash forcefully again and again onto the sea. We watch in awe for fifteen minutes. Joy and excitement once again make our hearts tingle. The sun moves close to the horizon now, we leave the scene to get on our way home to our camp, every so often turning back for another glimpse of breaching and splashing whales. What a spectacular humpback show!

The whale sounds dissipating, our camp is now visible, we look forward to reaching our beach where we will build a fire, make dinner and secure our gear for the night. We pull up the boats, unload firewood, Fred builds the fire, I cook a warming stew with ginger spices. Happy and exhausted, we celebrate the day’s paddle with its adventures, whales, sea lions, the big swells around Edward King Island, the deserted romantic beach that we had lunch at and the caves and arches we had explored. It has been a successful and eventful day. A warming fire and a hot chocolate are the perfect way to complete it.

Gazing into the glowing coals, we exchange fond memories of the previous year when a humpback whale was visiting our narrow channel between this very beach and the small island across. The noise of excited seagulls screeching and flying wildly about, scooping up prey, the surface of the sea stirred up with small silver shimmering fish jumping out of the water and the humpback scooping up fish in slow motion with its mouth wide open. Two nights in a row at our dinner time we had this special visitor show up and dine next to us.

Read Deer Group Paddling Tales Part 2.

If you like to join us this year for a five-day sea kayaking expedition in the Deer Group, let us know so we can make arrangements before our summer schedule fills up.

Ruth and her husband Fred teach sea kayaking courses for various skill levels on Saturna Island and the Deer Group Islands. Level 2 courses take on expedition style for five days with overnight camping, conducted at the Deer Group Islands or circumnavigating Saturna Island. Call if you like to learn sea kayaking, enhance your skills, join a paddling adventure or find out more about their programs.

Saturna’s Tides Decoded

Posted on September 29, 2018September 29, 2018 by Ruth Daber

The following information, observations and conclusions are from the perspective of a Saturna Island based Sea Kayaker and Paddle Canada certified Sea Kayaking Instructor and compiled to the best of her knowledge and experience over the past five years.

Tides move up and down, currents move side to side. Tides are actually long-period waves that roll around the planet as the ocean is “pulled” back and forth as the moon and sun interact with earth. The moon orbits earth and earth spins around the sun. The moon and sun both have a gravitational pull, strongly effecting large bodies of water. There is a repeating cycle as the moon orbits earth. The moon causes the majority of the gravitational pull. When sun, moon and earth align during full moon and new moon, the gravitational pull is amplified. Around two days later we experience the largest tides, called spring tides (think of “springing up and down”). This means that more water moves between low and high tides. During the first and third quarter moons, the gravitational pull is reduced, and we have smaller tidal ranges, called neap tides. Currents, also called tidal streams, are the horizontal effect of the tidal movement. While tides are biggest at spring tides, currents are also stronger as more water volume is pulled around earth. Due to the varied coastline and the many small islands in our area, slack water (when there is little to no current at the change of direction of tidal flow) does not necessarily occur simultaneously with high and low tide times, despite their correlation. The West coast of North America mostly experiences two high and two low tides of different heights each lunar day. This tidal pattern is called a mixed semi diurnal tide.

Which tidal station do I look up when paddling off Saturna Island? Primary tide stations that are relevant for Saturna Island are at Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island and Point Atkinson between Horseshoe Bay and West Vancouver. Saturna Island has two secondary tide stations: Tumbo Channel and Narvaez Bay and there is also Hope Bay on Pender Island nearby. I once wrote down tide predictions for Hope Bay, Tumbo Channel and Narvaez Bay, Fulford Harbour and Point Atkinson. I converted all the information into a graph and noticed that the difference and potential error margin for our purpose is too small to really fuss about (see graph). Especially when looking at Tumbo Channel, Hope Bay and Fulford Harbour: the graph looked almost identical for those three. Who knows, maybe I just picked a particularly good day to compare them 🙂

Keep predicted tide heights and possible variance due to wind and barometric pressure in mind when leaving your boat at the beach while going for walks or overnighting. Always secure your kayak with a rope too. High pressure systems can contribute to very low tides while low pressure systems can increase the height of a predicted high tide.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans publishes tabulated printed data annually. You can buy Volume 5 for tidal stations of Juan de Fuca Strait & Strait of Georgia or get Tide information at Fisheries and Oceans. Tabulated data is easy to write down while a graph puts numbers visually into perspective and considers that tide heights increase fastest in the middle two hours between low and high tide (roughly six hours apart); both are useful tools.

Ensure that tide times are in PDT (Pacific Daylight Time) or PST (Pacific Standard Time, which you need to adjust during daylight savings in summer). In Canada, tides are measured in metres. Many websites work in feet and generate graphs which I find easy to relate to my needs. What interests us as when launching and landing a sea kayak in Lyall Harbour, is when the tide is going to be over four to five feet (by Fulford Harbour tide station). We prefer to avoid the otherwise inevitable mud battle. Intertidal zones are illustrated in green colour on nautical charts. Looking at a nautical chart for the area, you will notice how much intertidal zone there is at different beaches (look at Cabbage Island for example). Consider this when choosing launching and landing sites, especially when packing gear for overnight camping trips and dealing with low tides.

Kayaking along rocks with a large visible intertidal zone is particularly beautiful and interesting. Sea stars, sea urchins and other sea creatures, normally hidden, become visible at low tide. Take care when crossing fragile intertidal zones, seaweeds and eelgrass that provide fundamental ecosystems for the Salish Sea.

We have summarised sources of information for tide, weather and currents relevant to Saturna Island.

Use this information for the Go/No-Go decision making process that we use in planning and executing a trip, considering various environmental factors.

Ok, so we have figured out the relevant tide stations. And we understand that greater tide ranges happen at spring tides and smaller tidal ranges during neap tides. If you are looking for less currents, go kayaking during neap tides. If you are looking for more currents to play in, look for spring tides. All this is especially relevant when navigating through small passages like Boat Passage or around Boiling Reef off East Point. Our next article will decode currents around Saturna Island.

KayakingSkills.com offer Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking skills and instructor courses at various levels. We teach essential and relevant sea- man/woman -ship. We promise to educate and entertain you. You will get hands on experience with tides and currents in our courses when planning a sea kayaking trip. We help you identify hazards to avoid and risks to mitigate for your sea kayaking adventures. Our intermediate courses include current clinics in areas such as Boiling Reef, Tumbo Island and Boat Passage.

Happy Paddling!

Why wear your PFD

Posted on May 25, 2018May 25, 2018 by Ruth Daber

During the past five years of living on Saturna Island, enjoying water sports and running a sea kayaking business, my husband Fred Shadian and I have witnessed many paddlers not wearing a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) or lifejacket when on the water.

To some it feels unnecessary or uncool to wear a PFD, but the best paddlers in the world wear their PFD, and they are supercool. Here are some considerations for the next time you make the choice to wear or not to wear your PFD while out on the water.

Transport Canada states: You are required by law to have a lifejacket or PFD (Personal Flotation Device) on board for each person on a watercraft. This includes human-powered craft.

PFDs are designed to be warn for the duration of a water-based activity. A well-designed PFD allows for comfort and sufficient mobility during activities such as sea kayaking. Lifejackets have extra floatation on the front and are designed to turn an unconscious swimmer face up to enable breathing. Choose a bright color PFD if you want to be seen.

Transport Canada: A lifejacket (or PFD) is your best defence against cold-water shock. Research shows that unexpected immersion in cold water is a serious risk to life if a boater is not wearing a flotation device. This is true despite the boater’s experience, closeness to shore, and even swimming ability.

A sudden fall into cold water can seriously affect breathing, nerves, and muscle strength. A lifejacket gives you thermal protection as well as keeping you buoyant.

Most recreational boaters who die on the water each year in Canada are not wearing floatation devices, or are not wearing them properly.

A PFD should fit correctly and all buckles fastened, straps tightened snugly. Periodically it needs to be tested by walking into shallow water while wearing it and verifying sufficient buoyancy. Also check for any wear or tear to ensure it works when you need it to.

Learn more about choosing lifejackets, PFDs, keeping children afloat, care for your flotation device and more.

Water temperatures around Saturna Island vary with seasonal weather patterns and within local areas due to shore shape, water depths, winds and mixing of currents. Surface water is normally warmer than lower lying layers. Even in the hottest summer months, expect the water to be cold. Environment Canada collects water temperature data of buoys which vary mostly around 8 to 13 degrees Celsius.

This graph illustrates the minimum and maximum water temperatures around Vancouver Island through the year (averages of the past 10 years).

This is cold water. If you have ever gone for a swim at a medium to high tide at Lyall Harbour beach (Saturna Island) during a late afternoon after a hot sunny day that heated up the exposed mudflat during the recent low tide, you can appreciate much warmer temperatures. Do not be mislead though to expect this kind of warmth 10 metres or 20 metres out from shore, in open water, deeper water or currents. It is realistic to experience a degree of cold shock response in the event of unexpected capsize / falling off your boat in our surrounding waters.

Hypothermia 1-10-1 principle:

1 minute – to get your breathing under control. Cold shock response: an initial deep and sudden gasp followed by hyperventilation that can be 6-10 times greater than normal breathing. The cold shock response will pass in about 1 minute. You must keep your airway clear and above water to avoid the risk of drowning. Concentrate on calming yourself and control your breathing. Wearing a lifejacket / PFD during this phase is critically important to stay afloat and be able to breathe.

10 minutes – of meaning full movement – gradually cold water incapacitation sets in when you will lose the effective use of your fingers, hands, arms and legs. These minutes are critical to establish a position that keeps your airways above the water. And if you need to use a device to get outside help (for example by VHF radio, mobile phone or a SPOT device), do so while you have the use of your hands and fingers. If you are in the water without a PFD or lifejacket, drowning is likely when cold water incapacitation sets in.

1 hr – before you become unconscious due to hypothermia. Even in ice water it could take 1 hour before becoming unconscious due to hypothermia. At this point you will want to make contact for outside help if not yet done and get yourself into a position for optimum heat conservation. As an individual you would bring your extremities close to your chest, as a group, provided all wear PFDs, you would huddle together, legs down. Moving less, saves energy that can be used for heat creation from inside.

When taking KayakingSkills.com courses, you will learn to capsize in a controlled manner, learn to control your breathing while in the water and re-enter your kayak in a timely manner. It is a good idea to regularly review and practice re-entries to be as prepared as possible for the case of accidental capsize. KayakingSkills.com’s courses are open to all level paddlers who want to be better prepared for the unexpected.

Your survival chances when exposed to cold water over a period of time, will depend on water temperature, your clothing, your body mass index and whether you are male of female; a situation where being a woman and having a few extra pounds maybe a slight advantage. Without PFD your chances are slim.

Here is a link to the 1-10-1 principle as taught by “Baby it’s Cold Outside”, a free online course.

Fred and I both have deepened our understanding of dealing with cold water immersion through this outstanding course information. It gives insight into how to handle a hypothermic victim for best survival odds.

Why wear your PFD? Your PFD can save your life. But it won’t work if you don’t wear it. Buckle up!

KayakingSkills.com teaches Paddle Canada certified Sea Kayaking Courses. We cover essential water safety skills and knowledge during our one day, two day and multi-day courses.

Kayaking with Orcas

Posted on September 21, 2017April 13, 2026 by Ruth Daber

It is Sunday night on Cabbage Island.

Midnight! Tomorrow, Monday, will start within seconds. I should be sleeping…

I can’t. My mind is stirred up. Today was a great day.
No. It was beyond great. Today was an unbelievable day!

I close my eyes and I can see them again, the gentle giants, as they glide through the sea, as they blow water spray up high.

Did they see me?

Did they notice me?

What were they thinking?

Here is a true story. I am too excited to sleep. A whale passed me on the right, another on the left and three others must have gone underneath my kayak. And this is how it happened:

The wind blows strong. I decide to stay close to shore as I leave Narvaez Bay campground. Cliffside’s shoreline protects me from gusting winds. It really is quite pleasant paddling here. It is sunny and my dry-suit keeps me warm. I made the right choice crossing the bay and following the shoreline: no wind and sometimes currents in my favour.
Then I hear the blows. Two of them. Many times had I turned around looking for the source of blow-like sounds and whales, only to find the sound was a creation of a wave hitting an air pocket inside some rocks.

I hear more blows. anticipating nothing, a rock, or maybe a seal, I turn and see two black forms diving and surfacing. I wonder if they are harbour porpoises. I heard porpoises regularly come to Narvaez Bay.

They come closer. They do not move like porpoises. Porpoises create more of a circular shape as they surface and do not show much of themselves. These fins are taller and they also are blowing air and water up high… not like porpoises. Are there orcas in Narvaez Bay? I never heard about that before, so I remain skeptical.

But these fins moving toward me are blowing air and water, making these blowing sounds, too.

They must be whales. As they come closer, I see black and white areas within the shapes. They come toward me. My heart is racing. I pull out my camera, making sure to keep it dry. I still do not own one of these nice waterproof cameras that I really should have right now.

I decide to film rather than take pictures, as this is going to be the sure way to capture something.

Camera ready, I realise I am on my own, on the water, in my kayak, nobody sees me and I count 5 orcas moving toward me.

What if…

I loose my balance?

I drop my phone? My emergency contact would not get her 4 pm message as arranged and worry about me.

I come back to the moment, camera ready and filming.

Now, no whales in sight. Nothing for 5 then 10 seconds, my hands slightly shaking.

Then, on my right: a slow moving gentle giant of the sea. Graceful, majestic, magnificent, blowing air and water. The moment he is under water, I see another on my left. Wow. Beauty, just beauty. What happened to the other three? Their dorsal fins appear out of the water, some 20 metres away, in front of me. They must have gone underneath my kayak.

What would they be thinking? What are they doing?

I am in love. I pause as I see the gently giants move into the distance till they dive out of sight.
It is time to carry on with my journey. I don’t want to follow too close. Leaving a gap, I paddle on.

My heart is overjoyed, my hands still shaking; I am happy I had this experience. What more can one wish for? It was a unique encounter, just me and 5 whales. They have disappeared. I do not see them anymore. I keep paddling. I am happy.

There they are again; they turn around.

Really? I see them getting closer.
This time I put my camera away and just enjoy their magnificent movements and their impressive size.

The gentle giants pass me once more.

I am in love, in orca love. I watch as one dives down, followed by another in the same location; another follows. It seems like a dance. Maybe they are feeding. I do not know. They stay in the same spot for 10 minutes, maybe 20, maybe longer.

Time is confusing, I watch the orcas and their continuous dance.
It is time to depart to go to my 4 pm check-in appointment with Kate. I already know I do not get a signal with my phone and I have to get around Boiling Reef when currents are slow; I cannot risk being late. I say farewell to the whales and paddle on, happy in my heart.

Video footage of my orca encounter below. I have edited into a 2 minute movie titled: Kayaking with Orcas.

This encounter took place in Narvaez Bay, outside the Vessel Restricted Zone. The whales approached while my kayak was stationary and I did not follow them. Close encounters like this are rare and always initiated by the whales. If you are paddling in this area between June and November, please read our guide to killer whale regulations for kayakers before you go.

Kayaking Skills on Saturna Island

Posted on May 11, 2017January 13, 2019 by Fred Shadian

Saturna Island: A Sea Kayaking Paradise

We are excited to be offering Paddle Canada Certified Sea Kayaking Courses on Saturna Island and surrounding areas.
Check out our 2019 Sea Kayaking Courses.
We are a family owned and operated sea kayaking company that loves to kayak the Southern Gulf Islands.
Our goal is the help you and your family become more safe and skilled on the water.
Come and join us for an adventure of a lifetime.

We are currently offering Sea Kayaking Skills Courses.

Paddle Canada Basic Sea Kayaking Course:
Aim: Basic Kayak introduces the novice to paddling a kayak in calm sheltered water.
Rescue techniques at this level incorporate the use of a paddling partner and it is essential for all
Basic Kayak certified paddlers to travel on the water with others who have been trained in the techniques of assisted rescues.
Course Length: 1 Day

Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayaking Course:
Aim: Level-1 provides the skill and knowledge necessary for day-long sea kayaking trips in sheltered waters (non-wilderness areas).
Successful completion of Level-1 indicates competence to paddle a sea kayak within a sheltered bay in the company of one or more paddlers with Level-1 or greater skill and knowledge.
Prerequisites: Paddle Canada Basic Kayak skills certification or equivalent skill and knowledge.
Course Length: 2 Days

Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayaking Course:
Aim: To provide the skills and knowledge for proficient kayaking in moderate conditions,
on overnight trips along a moderately exposed shore with frequent easy landing opportunities.
Prerequisites: Paddle Canada Level-1 Skills certification or equivalent skill and knowledge.
Course Length: 5 Days

Paddle Canada Basic Sea Kayaking Instructor Certification Course:
Aim: To provide a national certification in the instruction and administration of the Paddle Canada Basic Sea Kayak skills course.
Prerequisites: At least 16 years of age.
Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level-1 Skills Certification.
Current Standard First Aid / CPR (14 hours) or Wilderness First Aid (16 hours)
Course Length: 2.5 Days

Paddle Canada Kayak Rolling Skills
Aim: To understand the basic mechanics involved in rolling a kayak, and to develop the ability to roll a kayak confidently in calm conditions.
Prerequisites: Must be able to perform a controlled and calm wet exit.

Instructor: Fred Shadian
Paddle Canada Basic Instructor
Paddle Canada Level 1 Instructor
Paddle Canada Level 2 Instructor
Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC: Level One Guide
Wilderness and Remote First Aid CPR/AED Level C
VHF Restricted Operator’s Certificate (Maritime)
Pleasure Craft Operator
Teaching Martial Arts since 1989