Paddling Lessons
East Coast Outfitters’ founder, Dave Adler, is one of the most highly certified paddling instructors in Canada. He has trained thousands of paddlers, and has certified over 60 instructors in the region.
With over 20 years of experience, Dave has designed an instructional program which meets the needs of every level of paddler—from beginner paddler to professional guide. All of our instructors have completed the ECO guide training program and are certified by Paddle Canada. Our courses cover the safety, theory, and skills you need to be a safe and proficient paddler.
We have several program streams to choose from. If you are new to paddling, have a look at our introductory courses, below. If you have paddled before but are looking to improve your skills, have a look at the Skills Development options. If you are hooked and want to become a guide, see below to find out how.
Lessons
Private lessons
Work one on one or with a small group with one of our trained instructors for a personalized paddling lesson. Learn at your own pace on your own schedule. Lessons can take place at our base or at a location that is convenient for you (a transportation fee will be added). We will cater to course to fit your needs- whether you are brand new to kayaking or want to work on more advanced skills. Private lessons are limited to 1 to 4 people.
Time flexible
Location East Coast Outfitters, Lower Prospect or alternate location
*Price does not include food, equipment rental, tax, offsite instruction fee (if applicable) or gratuity
Paddling clinics
Monday basic paddling clinics from 6-8 pm. Tuesday advanced paddling clinics from 6-8pm. Topics range from strokes, rescues, rolls and navigation. Instructors work with small groups and start with the basics of each topic, but adapt to suit needs of clients throughout the progression. Prior experience required for advanced paddling clinics.
Cost $30
Location East Coast Outfitters, Lower Prospect
Includes kayak, gear, instructor
Datescontact us for availability or check out our calendar
*Price does not include tax or gratuity
Half Day Introduction to Kayaking
These kayaking lessons are an introduction to kayaking with an emphasis on safe paddling practice. Skills include: wet exit, assisted re-entry, introduction to forward and turning strokes.
Cost $100
Includes kayak, gear, instructor, water, snack
Datescontact us to book a half day lesson.
*Price does not include tax or gratuity
One Day: Introduction to Kayaking (Paddle Canada Basic Skills)
These kayaking lessons introduce the novice to paddling in enclosed shelters and calm conditions. Skills covered include: an overview of forward, turning & bracing strokes, and an introduction to assisted and self rescues.
Location East Coast Outfitters, Lower Prospect
Includes kayak, gear, instructor, water, snack, lunch and certification fee
Dates every Sunday all season contact us for availability or check out our calendarParticipants assessed for Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Basic Skills certification.
*Price does not include tax or gratuity
Two Day: Sea Kayaking Fundamentals (Paddle Canada Level I)
These kayaking lessons provide the theory and skills for a daylong sea kayaking trip in sheltered waters and light winds. Includes: controlled wet exits, efficient forward and turning strokes, edging, introduction to bracing, unassisted and assisted rescues.
Location East Coast Outfitters, Lower Prospect
Includes kayak, gear, instructor, water, snacks, lunches and certification fee
Dates monthly, contact us for availability or check out our calendarParticipants assessed for Paddle Canada Level 1 certification.
*Price does not include tax or gratuity
4 Day: Sea Kayaking Tripping (Paddle Canada Level II)
These kayaking lessons provide the theory and skills for proficient kayaking at sea in moderate open sea conditions. Includes: touring, risk assessment, efficient bracing, sculling for support, combined strokes, sustained paddling, introduction to rolling, kayak tripping with overnight camping, moderate winds and sea conditions.
Location East Coast Outfitters, Lower Prospect
Includes kayak, gear, instructor, certification fee
Dates contact us for availability or check out our calendarParticipants assessed for Paddle Canada Level II certification.
*Price does not include food, camping equipment, tax or gratuity
Sea Kayak Adv. Tripping & Leadership (Paddle Canada Level III)
Prerequisite: Must have Paddle Canada Level II certification or equivalent experience.
These kayaking lessons provide the opportunity to develop leadership, risk-assessment, decision-making, judgement, group management and general seamanship in the content of a multi-day journey.
Location East Coast Outfitters, Lower Prospect
Includes kayak, gear, instructor and certification fee
Dates contact usfor availabilityParticipants assessed for Paddle Canada Level 3 certification.
*Price does not include food, camping equipment, tax or gratuity
Coaching
Private lessons with Dave Adler
Dave is a former member of the US Canoe and Kayak Team, and has over 20 years of experience as a professional paddling instructor.
Dave Adler
He is a Paddle Canada Instructor Trainer in sea kayaking, white-water kayaking, and white-water canoeing, and has trained and certified most of the sea kayaking instructors in the region. Work one on one or with a small group with Dave on stroke technique, rescue skills, navigation, or paddling in exposed conditions. Learn at your own pace on your own schedule. Lessons can take place at our base or at a location that is convenient for you (a transportation fee will be added). Dave will cater the course to fit your needs. Private lessons are limited to 1 to 4 people.
Time flexible
Location East Coast Outfitters, Lower Prospect or alternate location
*Price does not include food, equipment rental, tax, offsite instruction fee (if applicable) or gratuity
Instructor & Guide Training
Instructor Courses
2 Day Instructor Course (Paddle Canada Introduction to Kayaking Instructor certification)
Prerequisite: Paddle Canada SK Skills Level I certification
Dates TBA
Includeskayak, instruction, course materials, lunchesDoes not include Paddle Canada certification fee. For the Paddle Canada program details, click here.
*Price does not include tax or gratuity
4 Day Instructor Course (Paddle Canada Level I Instructor certification)
Prerequisite: Paddle Canada SK Skills Level II certification.
Led by Paddle Canada Instructor Trainer Dave Adler and senior ECO Instructors, this 4 day course covers the skills you need to deliver a 2 day introductory sea kayaking course. The course spans 2 weekends; the second weekend includes an overnight.
Dates TBA
Includeskayak, instruction, course materials, lunchesDoes not include Paddle Canada certification fee. For the Paddle Canada program details, click here.
*Price does not include tax or gratuity
Guide Training
Join East Coast Outfitters in a training program that will leave you with skills you will remember forever. We require no previous experience- we will teach you everything you need to know. We only require that you are a self identified leader, and that you are willing to challenge yourself. This is a comprehensive course which spans fall, winter and spring. Topics include:
- paddling skills
- kayak and equipment design
- self and assisted rescues
- tidal theory
- understanding wind, waves, & weather
- sea kayak navigation
- night navigation
- journeying and seamanship
- coastal ecology
- wilderness first aid
- Leave No Trace ethics
- risk & crisis management
- outdoor leadership
Successful participants are eligible for national certification through Paddle Canada and employment at East Coast Outfitters. Sessions occur on weekends, and take place in the classroom, pool, and on the ocean. Contact us to learn more about this year’s program.
Stand Up Paddling
ECO SUP Program
For thousands of years, people have stood up in small boats to paddle. In the 1950′s, the ‘Beach Boys of Waikiki’ would paddle out on their long boards with outrigger paddles to take pictures of the tourists learning to surf. The called it “Ku Hoe He’e Nalu” (“To stand, to paddle, to surf, a wave”).
Photography by Viviane Nishikiori, Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak Photographer
40 years later, Laird Hamilton introduced his daughter to surfing by putting her on the front of his long board and using a paddle to catch waves. In 2000, Rick Thomas is credited as being the first modern surfer to bring Stand Up Paddleboarding to the mainland as a way to train and to catch waves when the surf was down. Since then, Stand Up Paddleboarding has spread throughout the world.
East Coast Outfitters is pleased to offer a full suite of courses as part of the Paddle Canada’s SUP program.
Intro to Stand Up Paddling (3 hrs)
Introduces the novice to paddling in enclosed sheltered waters and calm conditions. Skills covered include a kneeling, standing on a board, forward & turning strokes, and safety awareness.
Successful participants will receive the “Introduction to Stand Up Paddling Skills Award.”
*Price does not include food, equipment rental, tax or gratuity
Advanced Flatwater Stand Up Paddling (3 hrs)
Advanced Flatwater Stand Up Paddling builds on the skills and knowledge gained in the Intro. SUP course. The participant will be introduced to paddling in more challenging conditions and to more advanced paddleboarding skills.
Successful participants will receive the “Advanced Flatwater Stand Up Paddling Skills Award.”
*Price does not include food, equipment rental, tax or gratuity
Stand Up Paddleboarding Coastal Journeying Skills Course (1 day)
Stand Up Paddleboarding Coastal Journeying introduces participants to paddling and navigating in a coastal environment. The emphasis is on knowledge, navigation and safety skills. The course expands on concepts introduced in the Advanced Flatwater course and applies them to a more dynamic coastal environment.
Successful participants will receive the “Stand Up Paddling Coastal Journeying Skills Award.”
*Price does not include food, equipment rental, tax or gratuity
Flatwater Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor (2 days)
The Flatwater Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor course is designed to provide a national certification in the instruction and administration of the Flatwater Stand Up Paddleboard Program.
Successful participants will receive the “Advanced Flatwater Stand Up Paddling Instructor Award.”
Cost $300
*Price does not include food, equipment rental, tax or gratuity
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