Certification Maintenance Clinics
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
PC PDMeets Requirement
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. This is a coaching conversation, not an exam.
Practical Step (Choice of Format)
At least one in-person or video-based practical component is required for certification maintenance. Both formats are delivered 1:1. Choose the one that works for your schedule and location:
On-Water Session (½–1 day, private): A one-on-one session with an Instructor Trainer — skills polish, rescue practice, and practical coaching built entirely around you.
Video Review: Submit paddling and rescue footage for detailed 1:1 technical analysis and written feedback. Intended for instructors outside our operating regions — if you're local and an on-water session isn't feasible for you, contact us before registering.
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 Certification Maintenance
General update with a theory focus. Recommended for instructors between teaching seasons who want to stay current on program changes and teaching methods.
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 at the relevant level. Annual Paddle Canada membership dues must be current. Clinics are led 1:1 by certified Instructor Trainers at the appropriate level.
Certification: Clinics meet Paddle Canada's Professional Development / Certification Maintenance requirement. 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 a half-day to one day on water, or the time it takes to film and submit video. Most people complete the full process over two to four weeks, but there's no fixed deadline once you've registered.
Can I do the video review option instead of on-water?
The video review is a legitimate 1:1 practical step — you submit footage of your paddling and rescues, and receive detailed technical analysis and written feedback from an Instructor Trainer. It exists for instructors located outside our operating regions who can't reasonably travel to us for a private on-water session. If you're local and an on-water session isn't feasible for your circumstances, contact us before registering and we'll find the right path.
Is this just for sea kayak instructors?
The Basic level applies to any Paddle Canada kayak instructor certification. Levels 1 through 3 are specific to the sea kayak instructor stream. If you hold a different certification and want maintenance options, contact us to discuss.
What if my certification has already lapsed?
Contact us. Depending on how long it's been and what level you held, a certification maintenance clinic may be sufficient to reinstate, or you may need additional assessment. We can advise on the best path forward based on your specific situation and Paddle Canada's current reinstatement policies.
