For general questions contact the CKNS Administrator at [email protected]

Paddle Canada Level One Sea Kayak Course

Saturday, October 3, 2020 - 12:00am to Sunday, October 4, 2020 - 11:45pm

Location: Norse Cove Campground, 100 Wild Islands, Tangier NS
Date: October 3-4, 2020
Time: 9:00 am
Course instructor: Eleanor
Email: [email protected]

Event Description:
Norse Cove is about 70 minutes from Halifax, and is a gateway to the beautiful 100 Wild Islands on the Eastern Shore.
Ship Rock is nearby - an amazing, gorgeous cliffy rock that we will definitely visit. There are many sheltered islands in the large bay. If you're looking at a map, the nearest large island is Borgles, and Norse Cove is out the coast from Ship Harbour.
Paddle Canada Level One is a two-day course that moves participants beyond flat water kayaking and into the adventure of sea kayaking. Parts of the course are conducted in slightly wavier waters than Basic Kayak, aiming to develop the paddler’s comfort in class-1 waters. There is a strong focus on re-entry (rescue) techniques as well as the skills required to safely plan and execute a day trip with friends (for example, navigation & route planning, weather interpretation, proper clothing/gear.) No previous training required - send me a message if you are wondering if this course is for you!
The course will run with a minimum of 3 participants, and a maximum of 6.

Course fees: $215 for the 2 day course, no tax.
To reserve your spot, please send Eleanor a facebook message and arrange a 50% deposit for the course fee.
You can also email her at [email protected]
Deposits would be refunded if the course is cancelled, but non-refundable if the course runs, unless there is unexpected medical conditions that require you to cancel.
Successful completion of course will provide participants with a Paddle Canada certification in Level One Sea Kayaking.
You will need, and can rent if needed, from Norse Cove Campground for a SPECIAL price of $100+tx for the 2-day course:
a sea-worthy sea kayak (ask me if you're not sure) a paddling PFD, with whistle, paddle, pump/bailer, and 15m of buoyant line.
(see below for more info on Norse Cove Campground)
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Bring a compass if you have one.
Please purchase/bring an inflatable paddle float if you can. Norse Cove has them with your rental kayak, or you can rent a paddle float for $5
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Pack your own lunch, snacks, water bottle, sun block, paddling clothing/hat, booties, etc. We will be immersing in ocean water. (fun!)

You will learn:
How to safely plan and execute a day trip in sheltered coves and bays in Nova Scotia, including judgement of weather, understanding marine forecasts and how that will affect choosing your paddling location.
Boat design, the difference between types of sea kayaks and paddles, and how to choose your own kayak.
Intro to navigation, marine charts, compass work, and how to understand the marine forecast.

Boat control:
efficient forward stroke, reverse, and sweep strokes for turning.
Draws, both sculling and T-draw (moving sideways), and hanging draw.
Stern rudder - and when and why you will combine all of these strokes.
Cold water safety, paddling clothing, paddling with a group/group dynamics and paddling etiquette, judgement of conditions and safety as a whole.
Wet-exits: Capsizing on purpose to feel prepared and know what to expect.
Assisted rescues - rescue your friend and be rescued - we can go over a few different methods.
Self-rescues - so fun! We will focus on the paddle float method, but if time allows I will teach you the cowboy.
Edging for boat control.
Bracing to avoid a capsize.
Contact towing.

This is a terrific course - by the time you're done, you will feel prepared to start having your own adventures!
Here is the national Paddle Canada site listings of courses:
https://www.paddlecanada.com/national-sea-kayak-program-skills-stream/
NORSE COVE CAMPGROUND: https://www.norsecovecamping.com/
Kim and Werner are lovely hosts - participants may rent kayaks from them at a special pre-arranged price for this course.
Tent sites can be rented, or choose from 2 sizes of cabins, or an RV site. We have permission to use their bathroom, take a shower after the course or rinse gear. See website for camping prices.
They also have the Norse Cove Cafe down the road.
This event takes place on unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Mi’kmaq People. We are all Treaty People and have responsibilities to each other, this land and these beautiful waters.
More info on the Peace and Friendship Treaties: http://mikmaqrights.com/negotiations/treaties
We also understand that the kayak itself was invented by the Inuit and was an integral part of their survival and heritage.

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