Flatwater Kayaking Lessons
Introduction to Kayaking
Don’t let another summer slip by without trying your hand at the incredibly fun and easy-to-learn sport of flatwater kayaking.
Join us in our beautiful outdoor classroom as we introduce and practice the skills every new paddler needs to explore these beautiful waterways. We’ll begin with a relaxing introduction to kayaking where you will learn about boat dynamics, and appropriate gear.
Course Length
4 hours
Course Cost
All Rentals include Kayak, Paddle, Helmet, PFD, Sprayskirt, wetsuit, and Paddling top if desired.
Where
Our entire course takes place outside, involving solo kayaking. As part of the course you will be getting wet!
When
Friday, Saturday, Sunday throughout the spring, summer & fall. Visit our calendar for course location and dates.
Prerequisites
None
Intermediate Skills Kayaking
This program provides the first-time paddler with basic safety information relative to kayaking. By the end of this 2 day session it is expected that the paddlers with have enough skill to successfully get in and out of a kayak and to be able to go recreational kayaking with others in the calm conditions close to shore for an hour or two. It is an ideal program for first time paddlers who want enough information and skill to paddle around the cottage or other local water way. The emphasis is on a safe and enjoyable introduction to kayaking.
Course Length
2 days
Course Cost
All Rentals include Kayak, Paddle, Helmet, PFD, Sprayskirt, wetsuit, and Paddling top if desired.
Where
Our entire course takes place outside, involving solo kayaking. As part of the course you will be getting wet!
When
Friday, Saturday, Sunday throughout the spring, summer & fall. Visit our calendar for course location and dates.
Prerequisites
None
Whitewater Kayak Lessons
Whitewater Kayaking - Beginner
Three days of whitewater fun and excitement! Join us for our Intro To Whitewater Kayaking. The course is for complete beginners . Our program follows a logical progression and provides participants a general overview of basic skills and is perfect for a participants with no experience. In addition, the course provides excellent opportunities for people without moving water experience or for those who have had little or no formal training. The course focuses on perfecting river maneuvers, such as eddy peel-outs and ferrying on Class I water. In addition, we work to increase your comfort and skills on Class I& II whitewater. The course prepares you for your own adventures and our Intermediate course. Successful participants of the Intro To Whitewater Kayaking course can progress towards our Intermediate and Advanced Kayaking programs.
Course Length
3 days
Course Cost
All Rentals include Kayak, Paddle, Helmet, PFD, Sprayskirt, wetsuit, and Paddling top if desired.
Where
Our entire course takes place outside, involving solo kayaking. As part of the course you will be getting wet!
When
Friday, Saturday, Sunday throughout the spring, summer & fall. Visit our calendar for course location and dates.
Prerequisites
Intermediate Skills Flatwater Kayaking
Intro to Whitewater Kayaking for Women
The focus of the session will be on female paddlers. Our program provides the first-time paddler with basic safety information relative to kayaking. By the end of this 3 day session it is expected that the paddlers with have enough skill to successfully get in and out of a kayak and to be able to go recreational kayaking with others in class I - II whitewater. It is an ideal program for first time paddlers who want enough information and skill to paddle around the cottage or other local rivers. The emphasis is on a safe and enjoyable introduction to kayaking. This session will be run by women for women.
Course Length
3 days
Course Cost
All Rentals include Kayak, Paddle, Helmet, PFD, Sprayskirt, wetsuit, and Paddling top if desired.
Where
Our entire course takes place outside, involving solo kayaking. As part of the course you will be getting wet!
When
Friday, Saturday, Sunday throughout the spring, summer & fall. Visit our calendar for course location and dates.
Prerequisites
Intermediate Skills Flatwater Kayaking
Whitewater Kayaking - Intermediate and Advanced
Our 3 day advanced program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for intermediate individuals.
Join us for 3 days of advanced paddling and brush up on technique and learn something new! Clinics, workshops and video feedback will increase your knowledge and skill.
Prerequisite Skills:
Class II-III paddling skills are required along with a solid river roll.
Course Length
3 days
Course Cost
All Rentals include Kayak, Paddle, Helmet, PFD, Sprayskirt, wetsuit, and Paddling top if desired.
When
Friday, Saturday, Sunday throughout the spring, summer & fall. Visit our calendar for course location and dates.
Prerequisites
Intermediate Skills Flatwater Kayaking
Kayaking Certification
We provide certification in:
ORCKA (Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association) is the provincially and nationally recognized provider of recreational canoeing and kayaking programs and instruction, helping the people of Ontario to become safe, competent and knowledgeable recreational paddlers!
ORCKA Safe Kayak
ORCKA Flatwater Kayaking A
ORCKA Flatwater Kayaking B
ORCKA Moving Water Kayak Level I
ORCKA Moving Water Kayak Level II
We are 100% MOBILE
We can offer all of our certification courses anywhere! Our mobile unit can travel with our kayaks, canoes, gear and equipment. Give us a call to discuss details. Let us share our passion and introduce you to the exciting world of paddling. You deserve it!
Check out our fleet of kayaks
Great Lakes Cultural Camps maintains over 18 whitewater kayaks. By having a large inventory of kayaks, there is something to paddle for all skill levels and body types. GLCC provides our clients with their preferred boat each and every day, without the hassle of bringing a boat from home.
Kayaks
Jackson Karma Large
Jackson Karma Medium
Jackson Villain
Jackson Villain S
Jackson Super Hero
Jackson Hero
Jackson Zen 75
Jackson Zen 65
Jackson Zen 55
Jackson Fun 2
Jackson Fun
Jackson Fun 4
What To Bring (Day Trip)
• sneakers or river shoes, with wool socks or wetsuit booties
• sunglasses
• sunscreen and lip balm
• sun hat, rain hat or fleece hat
• synthetic top and bottom (i.e. thermal underwear)
• raincoat and rain pants
• swimsuit
• water bottle
• towel and change of clothes for after class
• snacks
What To Bring (Multi Day Trip or Overnight)
Registration Process
To register for the course please contact our office. Seats are limited to 6 participants. Once you are registered we will forward a welcome package full of useful information.
About Great Lakes Cultural Camps
About GLCC
Our team is friendly, skilled and take’s pride in sharing their cultural heritage. Our team of adventure based educators provide awareness of traditional land based First Nation Lifestyles, and its transition to contemporary outdoor pursuits. Great Lakes Cultural Camps “GLCC” is a small family run business that focuses on all the details. GLCC expeditions and adventure learning programs are designed to provide participants with high quality, in-depth instruction in a range of indoor and outdoor adventure activities. Our programs are intensive adventure experiences geared to the abilities and interests of participants. We specialize in Ontario Recreational Canoeing & Kayaking Association (ORCKA), Paddle Canada (PC), Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA), Boreal River Rescue, National GPS, Leave No Trace (LNT) certification programs, backcountry and authentic First Nation Cultural Experiences. We also coordinate and offer a variety of other year round indoor and outdoor experiential learning activities. GLCC offers a complete wide variety of top of the line canoes, kayaks, and sup boards. We have all the equipment you need to begin your paddling experience on the North Shore. It’s all about high quality gear and superb instruction.
What You Can Expect
What You Can Expect From GLCC
Our adventures are fun, exciting, and challenging because they involve the active participation of each individual. If you wish to participate, you should be aware that very little will be done for you. Our friendly staff will take the time to share their knowledge and skills on how to live on the land. Consequently, your satisfaction will be enhanced knowing that it is your effort that leads you through the wilderness and your determination that helps your team. You will also derive satisfaction knowing that it is through your cooperating spirit that everyone in the group is able to accomplish their day-to-day goals. You can expect a safe environment, wonderful snacks, awesome pre-cooked meals, and a unique experience to remember!
It is mandatory participants and parents/guardians sign a waiver and fully completed. In addition, participants must be properly equipped for our adventure. Upon the confirmation fee deposited a gear checklist & waiver / Terms & Conditions will be forwarded. Failure to have the proper equipment will result in you not being able to participate. We adhere to a zero tolerance policy on all our camps.
Our Enthusiastic Participants
The key to a great trip is a group of participants who are highly motivated to participate. Great Lakes Cultural Camps is not the type of program where participants are sent against their own will. We only accept participants who express a strong desire to join our expeditions and contribute positively, which assures everyone of having the best possible group experience. You will return home with not only a variety of fascinating skills, but also with new friends and a true First Nation Cultural experience.
Safety Practices
All of our staff hold current first aid & CPR certificates, have experience working with children and youth, and have taken part in our extensive staff training. In addition, we ensure that staff carry a knapsack containing a fully stocked first aid kit, participant information, bear deterrent, a whistle, sunscreen and extra clothes. All staff facilitating adventure programs, have related qualifications, training and experience. Proper safety equipment for all of our programs is used and regularly inspected (i.e. first aid kit, PFDs, water rescue equipment, personal locator beacon, GPS etc.).
Medical Training of Our Instructors
Great Lakes Cultural Camps requires all instructors to be trained at a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). Industry standard medical training for backcountry instructors is a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification. Wilderness First Responder certification means the instructor has passed an 80 hour intensive course, focused first on prevention and treatment of back country emergencies.
Instructor Student Ratio
For a backcountry adventure trips, the maximum instructor to student ration should be 1:6. Lower ratios mean a safer experience, better supervision, more opportunities to learn, and better interaction with role models. In our water activities our staff to participant ratio is based upon the industry standard established by ORCKA (Ontario Recreational Canoeing & Kayaking Association) certification guidelines. Our student ratio is 1:5 in solo boating, 1:6 in kayaking, 1:8 canoe tripping. Our staff always work in teams of two or three. There are no individually facilitated programs. We have 2 instructors on all our programs and additional support staff larger groups.
Experience Level
The complex responsibility of leading wilderness trips and the maturity needed to work with people is best handled by older, more mature instructors who have been working in the outdoor adventure industry. It takes several years to gain the wealth of experience needed to become an expert wilderness instructor. Great Lakes Cultural Camps maintain program continuity, safety, quality and consistency by having seasoned staff.
Equipment - Great Lakes Cultural Camp Adventure Equipment
Great Lakes Cultural Camps uses high performance gear. All guests are outfitted with Coast Guard approved PFD’S (personal flotation device) Wetsuits, splash jackets and helmets are all included in the price . Our gear is top of the line and in great condition. We wash and air the gear after every trip
Customize Your Program
We will custom fit any of our unique programs to meet your own personal needs including First Nation Cultural Education, Workshops, Corporate Team Building, Cultural Dance Performance, Group Size, Location, Time, Private Instruction and unique personal requests. It’s your choice! Make your experience one to remember!
Prepare for an unforgettable cultural experience through the woods and mountains taking in unbelievable scenery! Our mobile unit can travel and deliver our programs almost anywhere.
