Sea Kayak Current and Surfing Clinic
Our end-of-season capstone. Three days on the St. Lawrence — building from gentle current to standing wave surf in a sea kayak. It's challenging, it's social, and it's the best way to close out a paddling year.
No prior current experience is required. What you do need is solid sea kayak experience at the Level 2 level and reliable re-entry skills. We start small, build step by step, and keep the coaching and safety net in place so you can focus on learning and having fun.
The Three Days
Each day builds on the last. The progression is deliberate — start with the fundamentals, end with wave time.
- Ferrying — angle, speed, and reading the water
- Eddy turns and peel-outs
- Rescues and group management in moving water
- Control moves and boat handling in current
- Reading current lines and features
- Working with stronger flow and timing
- Standing wave entries and first surf rides
- Group debrief to solidify the learning
- Wave entries and positioning
- Trim and balance on the wave
- Exits and linking rides
- Closing circle and season send-off
Who It's For
- Paddlers with Level 2 skills or equivalent coastal experience
- Comfortable with reliable re-entry skills — self and assisted
- Anyone curious about moving water for the first time at this level, or building momentum toward Level 3
What's Included
- Three full days of coaching at a low instructor ratio
- Online learning dashboard access for pre- and post-course progression
- A supportive, social environment — industry-leading safety with space to push your limits
Not Included
- Food
- Transportation
- Kayak rental (see FAQ below)
Gear Required
This clinic requires a sea kayak that surfs well — short waterline, rocker, responsive. Long touring kayaks aren't suitable here.
- Sea kayak — NDK Romany, P&H Delphin, Valley Gemini, or similar. Not sure if your boat works? Ask us.
- PFD and helmet — both mandatory. Helmets available to rent.
- Paddle, pump, tow line, and standard safety kit
- Immersion clothing — dress for being in the water, not on it
Why Montréal
Montréal is one of the only places where you can safely surf a standing wave in a sea kayak. Combine that with the city's culture and the energy of late-season paddling, and you get the perfect mix — a serious classroom and a memorable gathering to close out the year.
Prerequisite: Paddle Canada Level 2 (or equivalent coastal experience) with reliable self and assisted re-entry skills. No prior current experience required — we teach it. Not sure if you're ready? Get in touch.
Where this leads → Surf and current skills are core to Level 3 development. This clinic builds the experience, judgment, and confidence you'll need for advanced certification pathways — and your coaches already know your abilities from the weekend.
Questions
Do I need current experience?
What kind of kayak do I need?
Is kayak rental available?
Do I need a helmet?
How physical is this clinic?
Can this count toward Level 3?
We acknowledge that our courses in Montréal take place on the traditional territory of the Kanien'kehá꞉ka (Mohawk), a founding nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. This land has long served as a meeting place for many First Nations, including the Algonquin and Huron-Wendat.
This territory is historically covered by the Great Peace of Montréal (1701), an agreement between the French and over thirty First Nations.
This acknowledgement, accompanied by action, includes contributions to Indigenous-led organizations that make a lasting impact.