Certification Maintenance
Maintain your Paddle Canada instructor certification with a flexible hybrid model that combines online learning, personal coaching, and practical assessment — delivered 1:1 with a Paddle Canada Instructor Trainer from start to finish. A structured, private alternative to the traditional one-day refresher.
1:1With an IT
3 StepsStructure
LMSPre-Work
Option 3PC Renewal
How It Works
Three steps, completed at your pace. The online components build toward a focused coaching conversation, and the practical step confirms your skills are current. Every coached component is one-on-one — you are never sharing your Instructor Trainer's attention with a group.
Online Modules and Activities
Self-paced learning through our LMS — updated theory content covering teaching methods, risk management, and program updates. Activities and knowledge checks prepare you for the coaching call so that time is spent on discussion, not review.
1:1 Coaching Call (1 Hour)
Live online session with a Paddle Canada Instructor Trainer. Review of your theory activities, teaching strategies, professional development goals, and any questions. The tone is conversational, but it forms part of your evaluation.
Practical Evaluation
A practical component is required for certification maintenance, and it is delivered 1:1. Video review is the standard practical evaluation. An in-person session is available as an upgrade.
Video Review (standard): Submit paddling and rescue footage for detailed 1:1 technical analysis and written feedback.
In-Person Upgrade (½ day, private): A one-on-one session with an Instructor Trainer — skills polish, rescue practice, and practical coaching built entirely around you.
Levels Offered
Each level targets the specific skills, theory, and teaching standards relevant to your certification. LMS content and coaching focus are tailored accordingly.
Basic Kayak Instructor Certification Maintenance
Review of Basic Kayak Skills delivery, rescues, and assessment in sheltered conditions.
Level 1 Certification Maintenance
Review of foundational teaching skills, rescues, and risk management. Practical step focuses on Level 1 Skills curriculum delivery and assessment standards.
Level 2 Certification Maintenance
Focus on leadership, intermediate strokes, assisted rescues, and navigation theory. Practical step addresses Class 2 teaching scenarios and expedition planning.
Level 3 Certification Maintenance
Advanced assessment strategies, leadership benchmarks, and instruction in complex environments. For active L3 Instructors maintaining the highest teaching standard.
Requirements:
Current Paddle Canada instructor certification. Register at the highest certification level you want to maintain. Your evaluation is set and assessed at that level. Annual Paddle Canada membership dues must be current. Evaluated 1:1 by a Paddle Canada Instructor Trainer appropriate to your certification.
Certification: Completes Paddle Canada's certification maintenance requirement under Option 3: a customized set of requirements set and evaluated by an Instructor Trainer. Completion is documented and reported to Paddle Canada.
Questions
Why a hybrid model instead of a single day on the water?
A traditional one-day refresher tries to cover theory, skills, and coaching in a few hours, often in a group. Our hybrid model separates these components so each gets proper attention — and delivers every coached component one-on-one. Theory is done at your pace through the LMS. The coaching call is a focused private conversation, not a rushed classroom session. And the practical step is dedicated entirely to your skills — not split across a group or diluted with presentations and paperwork.
How long does the full process take?
The LMS modules take a few hours spread over whatever timeframe works for you. The coaching call is one hour. The practical step is the time it takes to film and submit video, plus a half-day on water if you choose the in-person upgrade. Most people complete the full process over two to four weeks, but there's no fixed deadline once you've registered.
Is video review as rigorous as in-person?
Yes. Paddle Canada's Option 3 explicitly allows video submissions. You submit footage of your paddling and rescues, and receive detailed 1:1 technical analysis and written feedback from an Instructor Trainer. Choose the in-person upgrade if you want on-water coaching as well.
Is this just for sea kayak instructors?
Yes. All levels offered, including Basic Kayak Instructor, are in the Paddle Canada sea kayak instructor stream. If you hold a certification in another discipline, contact us to discuss.
What if my certification has already lapsed?
This product maintains an active certification. If your certification has lapsed (membership) or gone inactive (missed renewal), Paddle Canada has separate reinstatement steps. Contact us and we'll walk you through which applies.
