There are a variety of options for paddlers interested in leadership training.  SKILS offers leadership training through Canada's oldest and most widely recognized organizations.

Paddle Canada Instructor Certification Courses
Paddle Canada leadership training focusses primarily on instructional skills and knowledge.  These programs offer excellent training for student and club leaders, and for all professional instructors working along inland and coastal waters. 

Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia Guide Certification Courses
Canada's oldest sea kayaking certification program is based in British Columbia.  This program has set the standard for guiding in Canadian National Parks and has been influential in the development of a number of other programs around the world including in New Zealand, Chile, and Denmark.  If you are looking to work as a sea kayak guide anywhere in the world, then check out these courses.

Questions about the Paddle Canada program?
Questions about the SKGABC program?


Paddle Canada Leadership Programs

Paddle Canada Introduction to Kayaking Instructor
Covers all the basics for helping others get onto the water, basic kayak handling, safety, and group management on sheltered day trips.

• May 8-10, 2010: Victoria CDN $375

Paddle Canada Level 1 Instructor
This course builds on the skills and knowledge of the Intro to Kayaking course adding navigation and weather interpretation and more advanced leadership skills for more exposed waters on a day trip. 

• March 10-14, 2010: Victoria CDN$645
• April 12-17, 2010 Half Moon Bay (includes Level 2 Skills Assessment):
• October 8-10 and 15-17, 2010: Whiterock

Paddle Canada Level 2 Instructor
Essential training for all instructors working in more demanding coastal environments with exposed coast lines, surf, currents, and dynamic weather.  Leadership and group management skills for overnight programs are also presented. 

• March 17-21, 2010: Victoria $750

Paddle Canada Level 3 and 4 Instructor
These awards are only available through mentorship.  Contact us for details. 


SKGABC Guide Courses

SKGABC Level 1 Guide (formerly Day Guide)
This course covers all the basics of managing a group of clients on an extended day trip on coastal waters.  Skill areas include strokes, rescues, launching and landing,  record and interpret the weather, navigate by piloting, reading charts, understanding tides and currents, on water group management, emergency communication, and safety skills.  Personal skills and knowledge are also reviewed during the course. 

• March 6-9, 2010: Ucluelet CDN$635
• May 13-16, 2010: Victoria CDN$635
• May 13-16, 2010: Vancouver CDN$799 - In conjunction with Deep Cove Kayak
• June 28-July 2, 2010 Kyuquot Sound CDN$1897 - In conjunction with West Coast Expeditions
• October 8-11, 2010: Ucluelet CDN$635

SKGABC Assistant Overnight Guide Upgrade
Folks who have taken the Level 1 Guide Course can upgrade to an Assistant Overnight Guide with this abbreviated program. 

• June 16-20, 2010: Ucluelet CDN$750

SKGABC Assistant Overnight Guide
Looking to move straight into multiday guiding?  Then this is the course for you.  Our comprehensize and intensive curriculum refines your personal skills and reinforces critical leadership and group management skills necessary for long distance wilderness travel.  Many recreational paddlers also enjoy the rigour of this course and take its advantage to refine coastal touring skills.

• May 3-11, 2010: Ucluelet and Clayoquot Sound, contact our office for more information
• May 8-16, 2010: Ucluelet and Clayoquot Sound CDN$1299
• May 22-30, 2010: Ucluelet and Clayoquot Sound CDN$1299

SKGABC Level 2 Guide,  Level 3 Guide, Guide Trainer, Examiner
These are awarded by examination and mentorship direclty through the SKGABC to candidates who have completed the requisite training and acquired sufficient professional experience. Contact the SKGABC for details. 

SKILS can coordinate private group exams through the SKGABC.  Contact us for details.  Spring 2010 exam dates have been set.

Level Two Exams:

• April 17-18, 2010 : Saturday / Sunday : Quadra Island
• May 19-20, 2010 : Wednesday / Thursday : Tofino

Level Three Exams:

• May 28-30, 2010 : Friday – Sunday : Tofino * Filling Fast!
• June 3-5, 2010 : Thursday – Saturday : Tofino

We can also design a custom program to meet your specific needs.  Contact us for details or submit a Service Quote Form.
More information
Paddling Certification in Canada
Our Program Skill Levels