Canoe LessonsCanoe Ski Club

CanoeSki offers a variety of Canoe Lessons designed to provide comprehensive training for paddlers of all skill levels. The primary aim of these lessons is to equip participants with the essential skills and safety knowledge needed to enjoy canoeing with confidence. Whether a beginner or someone looking to refine their techniques, there is a course suited for every level of expertise.

The lessons take place at Lakeview Lake and the South Saskatchewan River, providing an ideal setting for both basic and advanced canoeing skills. Lakeview Lake is perfect for initial training, allowing paddlers to practice in a controlled environment before moving to the more challenging South Saskatchewan River. The river sessions introduce participants to real-life conditions, enhancing their ability to navigate currents and wind, and to practice rescue procedures.

• Learn to Canoe Mini-Courses: For those with limited time, the Learn to Canoe Mini-Courses offer a concise yet thorough introduction to canoeing. These 4-hour beginner lessons focus on fundamental paddling strokes, safety tips, and legal requirements for safe canoeing. Participants will learn how to enter and exit a canoe safely, perform basic strokes, turn the canoe, and handle tipping scenarios. Although these courses are brief, they provide a solid foundation for those new to canoeing.
• Learn to Canoe Plus: The Learn to Canoe Plus course is a more comprehensive option, spanning 12 hours of instruction. Conducted over a series of weekday evenings or a weekend, this course delves deeper into paddling techniques, safety practices, and equipment considerations. The first part of the course takes place at Lakeview Lake, focusing on basic and intermediate strokes, slalom paddling, and rescue procedures. The second part involves a day trip on the South Saskatchewan River, where participants practice river travel skills, such as navigating currents, using maps for navigation, and waterproofing gear. By the end of the course, participants will feel confident enough to embark on their own canoe trips.

CanoeSki also offers specialized Paddling Workshops for those looking to hone their skills further. These 6-hour workshops are divided into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. The Beginner workshop is ideal for novice paddlers or those planning a summer canoe trip. The Intermediate workshop builds on basic skills and introduces advanced strokes, suitable for paddlers with some experience. The Advanced workshop focuses on tandem and solo techniques, preparing participants for certification or enhancing their overall paddling competence.