Lessons are open to UBC Sailing Club members only.  By taking a lesson you will learn how to kayak safely, gain a better understanding of kayaking as a sport and hopefully enjoy it further.

You will be getting wet so please dress appropriately. Lessons start on time so please be sure to give yourself extra time before class if you need to put on your wetsuit.  Wetsuits are mandatory from October 1 to June 1.

Kayaking 101 – Introductory Paddling Stroke and Rescue Lesson

This introduction to kayaking is meant for first timers and will cover:

• terminology & basic kayak safety
• entering and exiting your kayak from beach/docks
• basic paddling forward / backwards
• rudder usage, sweeping, and pivot turns
• low braces and self-rescues (yes you will be getting wet)

Paddlers will gain experience in both single and double kayaks depending on group size. The lessons consist of dry land instruction prior to the on water instruction.

Lesson Length: approx. 2 hrs

Cost: $50 per person

Kayaking 201 – Advanced Paddling Stroke and Rescue Lesson

This lesson is aimed at experienced paddlers looking for a refresher or a chance to hone their skills. The vast majority of lesson time will be spent on the water, with minimal dry land instruction. The lesson will cover:

• a review of kayaking 101
• how to use “knee hangs / edging” to improve your strokes
• draw strokes, low & high bracing, and hip flicks
• self and assisted rescues (you will be getting wet).

Lesson Length: approx. 3 hrs

Cost: $50 per person

Kayaking 301 – The Fine Art of Eskimo Rolling

Is your Eskimo rolling feeling a little rusty? Need to work on your offside? Or perhaps you think it looks really cool and want to know how to do that yourself. This lesson with focus primarily on the technique required for performing an Eskimo roll, but you’ll pick up some other tricks along the way. If you’re feeling brave it can be done in the ocean on a sunny day or in a pool in the late evening.

Lesson Length: approx. 3 hrs

Cost: TBA

For further information contact Matt at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Check lesson schedule HERE. Sign up for the club HERE. 

KAYAKING PROFICIENCY EXAM

This exam allows club members who are experienced paddlers to become certified to use our kayaks without first taking lessons.  The exam lasts for about an hour and requires demonstrating self-rescue (please dress appropriately).  No instruction is provided and the member will become certified at the instructor's discretion.  No cost.

To arrange a proficiency exam submit a kayaking resume to the Fleet Captain, Matt at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the following details:
    * when, where and with whom did you learn how to paddle an ocean kayak, and when was the last time you were in one?
    * how many hours of paddling experience do you have?
    * how many overnight paddling expeditions have you been on (dates & locations)?
    * how many times have you performed a wet-exit and a self-rescue?
    * any prior kayaking courses and/or kayaking certification?

Upon review of your Kayaking Resume, the Kayak Fleet Captain will contact you to arrange your exam.  If you fail the exam or do not meet the above requirements, you must complete a kayak lesson (either beginner or intermediate) prior to earning a kayak gear key. 

If you have any doubt about whether you should take an exam or a lesson, please take a lesson.