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Lake Water Canoeing Courses

Home Β» Paddling School Β» Lake Water Canoeing Courses

paddling skills to increase enjoyment and safety!

Learning to paddle is like learning a language: It’s easy to learn the basics, but will you be understood in a strong wind?

COURSE LOCATIONS:

  1. Vernon BC
  2. Lower Mainland BC (Buntzen Lake, Cultus Lake)
  3. Slocan Lake BC

Whether you are a seasoned ‘self taught’ lake canoeist, or a total newbie, our Lake Canoeing Lessons are designed to help you build a foundation of skills and knowledge to help you increase the enjoyment of your own expeditions or get you ready to join us on our river courses.

Building and enhancing competence in canoeing skills will help you to relax and enjoy the incredible freedom that wilderness canoeing has to offer. Learn skills needed to paddle in the bow and stern, practice rescues and learn proper paddling strokes and how to communicate with a paddling partner!

OurΒ full dayΒ lakewater courses take place betweenΒ 8:30am and 4:30pmΒ near Vernon BC. We are also pleased to offer course options in the lower Mainland at Buntzen Lake.Β Book the Lakewater 1 and 2 courses in the same season and save 10%.Β 

As an alternative, you may also consider theΒ Wild Within Canoeing Retreat with Emily Cole to learn canoeing skills in the context of a wilderness canoe trip.

lake canoeing courses

Lakewater 1

Learn basic paddling strokes and basic rescues to give you confidence to get out and practice on your own.Β 

Tuition: $165 + GST
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Book Now
canoeing courses in bc

Lakewater 2

This course is for paddlers with canoeing experience looking to improve their paddling techniques.

Tuition: $165 + GST
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canoeing courses in bc

Lakewater 1 & 2

Combined course for both Lakewater levels 1 & 2.

Tuition: $300+ GST
Book Now
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wilderness retreat

Wild Within Retreat

This 4-day retreat combines the Lakewater 1 & Lakewater 2 courses into one amazing experience.

Tuition: $1850 + GST
Book Now
Learn More
Book Now

Lakewater 1 Canoeing Skills course

canoeing course in the okanagan
tranquil water canoeing northern British Columbia Canada

Who takes this course?

Designed forΒ the canoe newbie (canewbie!) you have little to no experience paddling a canoe. You will learn basic paddling strokes and basic rescues to give you confidence to get out and practice on your own. We’ll teach you how to outfit your canoe, how to dress, as well as teach about canoe hull design and what type of canoe would suit your adventures best. Suitable for adults and children 12 and above.

You do not require a partner or a boat to join our lake courses!

Course Dates

Check Course Dates
HERE

Course Duration

Full day course 8:30am – 4:30pm @ Swan Lake (Vernon, BC) or Buntzen Lake (lower Mainland)

Cost

$165 + GST /person

Prerequisite

Comfort in / on water

Rentals

Check here for equipment rentals.

Book Your Level 1 Here

Lakewater 2 Canoeing skills course

Canoe over canoe rescue on Pre-course for river canoeing
lakewater canoeing course

Who takes this course?

The Lakewater II course is for paddlers with canoeing experience looking to improve their paddling techniques and gain valuable rescue practice. Participants on the Lakewater II course want to:

  • Learn to work better together with their paddling partner,
  • Not have to switch sides while paddling,
  • Gain more confidence in both bow and stern positions
  • Perfect your flatwater techniques to prepare for aΒ Level I River canoeing course.
  • Prepare for a multiday group trip (such as the Bowron Lake canoe circuit)
  • Learn more advanced strokes and rescues.
  • You do not require a partner or a boat to join our lake courses!

Course Dates

Check Course Dates
HERE

Course Duration

Full day course 8:30am – 4:30pm @ Swan Lake (Vernon, BC) or Buntzen Lake (lower Mainland)

Cost

$165 + GST /person

Prerequisite

Lakewater 1

Rentals

Check here for equipment rentals.

Book Your Level 2 Here

Further Lakewater courses Information

Location

Elements Adventure Company courses are based out of Vernon, BC, located at the north end of the Okanagan Valley. We are easily accessible along HWY 97 from anywhere else you may be staying in the Okanagan. Driving distances from a few other popular places are:

  • From Kelowna: 50 km
  • From Penticton: 113 km
  • From Kamloops: 116 km
  • From Revelstoke: 147 km

Depending on local weather conditions, we will choose a location in the Vernon area.  Most courses are held on beautiful Okanagan Lake near Vernon BC. We are also please to offer courses in the lower Mainland of BC.

Tuition & Discounts

Tuition for one day flat water courses is $165+GST.  If you sign up for a level I and level II course in the same season, save 10%!  Sign up for yourself or your family today.  Group rates are available. Groups of 3-5 people save 10% on tuition and rentals  and groups of 6 people or more save 15% off tuition and rentals.

Discounts available for groups:

  •  3-5 participants save 10% on tuition and rentals for a 1 day course 
  • 6+ participants save 15% on tuition and rentals for a 1 day course
Book level 1 and level 2 course and receive 10% off tuition. Groups of 5+ booking a level 1 and 2 course receive 15% off. 

Equipment

All paddling equipment that you need for your canoeing lesson is available for rent.Β Β Click hereΒ for rental information and rates. Please come prepared with sun protection such as a sun hat, sun screen, sun glasses, water, snacks, and a change of clothes for after that unexpected swim! A full packing list will be provided upon registration.

Private Lessons

Do you have a group preparing for a canoe trip that could benefit from private customized lessons? Or maybe you have a family group or work group looking to do something a little different together.Β Ask usΒ about booking a private course for your family or friends. We can accommodate any paddling level and cover specific topics to help you learn the basics or prepare for an upcoming expedition.

Private group rates for a 1 day course start at $640+GST for up to 4 people. Additional participants are $136+GST.Β 

Private group rates for a 2 day course start at $1150+GST for up to 4 people and $272+GST for additional participants.Β  Β 

Rental equipment is available for an additional cost.Β 

Book Level 1 and Level 2 and save 10%

Book the Lakewater I and II courses in the same season andΒ save 10%. Click here to book both.

youth canoe camps in Vernon BC
lakewater canoeing course
Learn to teach canoeing
canoeing

Customer Reviews

What Others Say

After a terrific course last year I did the basic solo river course this year. Same terrific experience, same well run operation. This company has very strong instructors supported by a stable of experienced co instructors. You will not go wrong with them.
Bob, BC

Book the Lakewater 1 and 2 courses in the same season and save 10%. Click here to book both.

As an alternative, you may also consider this Wild Within specialty courseΒ with Emily Cole.

Book Your Level 1 Here
Book Your Level 2 Here

Contact Us

Elements Adventure Company
826 Whitevale Rd
Lumby, BC V0E 2G7

info@elementsadventures.com

Contact Us

Certifications and Affiliations

  • Paddle Canada
  • Leave No Trace
  • Recreational Canoeing Association of BC
  • Western Canoe and Kayak

Paddling School

  • Weekend River Canoe Clinics
  • Lake Canoe Clinics
  • Rescue Courses for Paddlers
  • Instructors, Guides, Big Canoe Leaders

Most Popular Trips and Clinics

  • Upper Stikine River Canoe Expedition
  • River Rescue Course for Canoeists
  • Four Rivers in Four Days
  • Autumn Wild Mushroom Tours

Bookings

Events Calendar

All Courses & Trips

Gift Vouchers
Equipment Rentals
Cancellation Policy

canoeing trips in vernonΒ Wir sprechen Deutsch!

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Canoes, rivers, mountains tall. Outdoor adventures big and small.
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πŸ›Ά**JUST ADDED! Upper Stikine Expedition August πŸ›Ά**JUST ADDED! Upper Stikine Expedition August 8-23, 2023 **πŸ›Ά
Among the top 10 wilderness river trips in North America - this trip is a must-do for nature lovers wanting to explore the rugged beauty of the Spatsizi Wilderness Plateau and  the wilderness of Northern British Columbia. This 300 km paddling trip is suitable for intermediate canoeists. Registration opens immediately and closes March 12, 2023. 
See our website for details https://www.elementsadventures.com/canoe-trips/upper-stikine-river/

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TODAY ONLY - January 12 -ELEMENTS ADVENTURES ONE D TODAY ONLY - January 12 -ELEMENTS ADVENTURES ONE DAY SALE
Save up to 20% on credit you can use for any course or trip!
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We're having a sale! ONE DAY ONLY - mark your cale We're having a sale! ONE DAY ONLY - mark your calendars and save up to 20% next Thursday January 12!

See our website for details:

www.elementsadventures.com/one-day-sale-january-12-2023/

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Happy new year! 2023 is here, and so is our calend Happy new year! 2023 is here, and so is our calendar! 

www.elementsadventures.com/events

Browse our website for specific courses and trips, or check out our calendar to view our offerings month by month. 
If you have a trip in mind, don't wait too long to book - they fill up quickly!

 #elementsadventurecompany #canoecamping #elementsadventures #canoeingadventures #canoetrip #rivercanoeing #whitewatercanoeing
We're excited to announce a brand new trip in the We're excited to announce a brand new trip in the far Northern Rockies this summer! 

πŸ“£  Turnagain River - August 12-28, 2023 πŸ›Ά

Participants will not only paddle the playful Turnagain, but also the Kechika and Liard Rivers - over 300 km from the heart of Jade Country in the Rockies, to the open valleys by the Alaska highway.

Learn more on our website, or get in touch with us  if you think this is the adventure you want to be on next summer!

https://www.elementsadventures.com/canoe-trips/turnagain-river-expedition/

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πŸ›ΆπŸ„πŸŽ…πŸŽ Did you know we offer u-print gif πŸ›ΆπŸ„πŸŽ…πŸŽ Did you know we offer u-print gift certificates? 

Get in touch with Kat to purchase a gift certificate for an amount of your choosing. Find us at www.elementsadventures.com/contact/

Gift certificates are good towards any Elements Adventure Company course, tour, or trip in 2023. 

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