Instructor Courses

CAD

Instructor Courses

Instructor Weeks is our annual block of instructor training, run each spring before the season starts. For 2027 it expands to two weeks and five courses across both certifying bodies.

Everything runs from one site on the Bruce Peninsula. Come for one course or stack several, camp with the group, and spend a fortnight with other paddlers who are serious about teaching. It is part training block, part small symposium for instructors.

May 16–302027

BrucePeninsula

5Courses

PC + ORCKACertifying Bodies

The 2027 Schedule

Courses are booked individually. Several run back to back, so you can build a stack that suits the certifications you are after.

May 16

Kayak Rolling Instructor

Paddle Canada. One day, the day before the block begins. Certifies you to run Paddle Canada rolling clinics. Requires Basic Kayak Instructor and teaching experience.

May 17 to 21

Paddle Canada Level 1 Instructor

Five days. Teach and certify Waterfront Kayak, Basic Kayak, and Level 1 Sea Kayak Skills. Requires Level 2 Skills.

May 18 to 21

Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Instructor

Four days. The entry point to the Paddle Canada instructor stream, and where we recommend most people start.

May 22 to 24

ORCKA Coastal Kayaking Instructor 1

Three days. Direct and certify Safe Kayaking, Flatwater Kayaking, Camp Kayaking Instructor, and Coastal Kayaking Level 1. Requires Coastal Kayaking Level 2.

May 26 to 30

ORCKA Kayak Tripping Instructor 1

Five days including a multi night trip. Direct and certify Kayak Tripping Level 1 alongside the flatwater programs. Requires Kayak Tripping Level 2 and a tripping log.

Prerequisites differ by course and by body. If you are not sure what you qualify for, email us with your certifications and paddling log and we will map out the fastest route.

Not everything below runs in May. Level 2 Instructor and our certification maintenance clinics are scheduled separately through the season, and you will find them here too.

What to Expect

Paddle Canada and ORCKA instructor courses in a single block
Courses that run longer than the minimum standard, with time for skill refinement and adult education frameworks
Camping on site with the group, included in every instructor course
Access to our Learning Management System and course manuals, yours to keep
A cohort of other instructor candidates to learn alongside

Choosing a Certifying Body

We deliver both, and we do not think one is better than the other. They are built for different things, and plenty of instructors end up holding both.

ORCKA

Ontario's provincial body, with separate streams for flatwater, coastal, and tripping. Widely recognised by Ontario camps, schools, and clubs, and the standard most Ontario youth and camp programs are written around.

Paddle Canada

The national body, with a single sea kayak progression from Basic through Level 4 and a water classification system that runs from sheltered water to exposed coast. Recognised across the country and useful if you plan to work outside Ontario.

Whichever you choose, you will leave with stronger paddling skills, a teaching framework you can actually use, and the leadership to run your own courses.