Proficiency in Currents
Apr
19
to Apr 22

Proficiency in Currents

The tidal passes along the East Coast of Vancouver Island are alive with energy — where the ocean squeezes through narrow channels, wraps around islands, and creates whirlpools, boils, and standing waves. These dynamic waters offer a perfect training ground for paddlers who want to step beyond the basics and develop confidence in stronger currents.

Our Intermediate–Advanced Currents Clinic is designed for paddlers who already have solid boat-handling skills and some experience in moving water, and are ready to refine their techniques in more challenging conditions. We’ll work in both ebb and flood currents, using the natural features of the water to improve precision, control, and efficiency.

Skills covered include:

  • Smooth, confident ferry glides and S-turns in stronger flows

  • Controlled surfing on standing waves

  • Using eddies and boils for positioning and rest

  • Effective rescues in faster water

  • Rolling in moving conditions

  • Planning and timing safe, efficient transits through current

A classroom session on tides and currents will deepen your understanding of how to read and interpret current tables for more advanced paddling environments.

This clinic offers a supportive atmosphere to challenge yourself, build new skills, and discover the fun and flow of paddling in powerful water — all while learning how to keep it safe and under control.

Perfect for: Intermediate to advanced paddlers, having a roll will help maximize learning at this level.


Price includes;
- Instruction by Amber
- Basic Breakfast & Dinner
- Three nights accommodation at Discovery Island Lodge

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DyNamic Water Camp (Intermediate/Advanced)
May
8
to May 14

DyNamic Water Camp (Intermediate/Advanced)

Part One: Surf Skills
Included: Surf instruction
Not included: Accommodation and meals (participants arrange their own in Tofino)

We’ll head to the west coast for two and a half days of surf-focused training. If surf isn’t suitable, we’ll pivot to rock gardening — but the primary goal is surf development.

Clinic Focus — Sharpen your skills. Surf with intention.
Already catching waves but want to clean up your technique, extend your rides, or push into more dynamic conditions? This advanced session is all about refining your control, timing, and positioning in the surf zone.

We’ll work on:
-Wave selection and timing
- Dynamic edging and bracing
- Surfing with control and flow
- More precise landings in dynamic surf
- Longer rides with confidence and style

Instruction is tailored to your personal goals, whether that’s preparing for higher-level training or simply developing more control, style, and enjoyment in the surf.

Please note: We are only providing instruction in Tofino, accomodations & food is up to the participants.
Perfect for: Experienced paddlers with previous surf zone experience who are looking to elevate their performance.

Part Two: Currents Clinic
Location: Discovery Island Lodge, Quadra Island

Included in your registration:
Lodge accommodation
Simple breakfasts (basic continental style)
Classic lodge dinners

Not included:
Lunches
Snacks
Any other meals, drinks, or extras

Please note: The lodge package is strictly accommodation + breakfast + dinner only. Participants are responsible for bringing their own lunches, snacks, and any specialty food items.

The tidal passes along the East Coast of Vancouver Island are alive with energy — narrow channels, swirling whirlpools, standing waves, and fast-moving water. These dynamic conditions provide an ideal training ground for paddlers ready to go beyond the basics and gain confidence in stronger currents.

Our Intermediate to Advanced Currents Clinic is designed for paddlers with solid boat-handling skills and some prior experience in moving water. The focus is on refining technique and building confidence in more challenging environments.

Skills Covered
- Smooth, controlled ferry glides and S-turns in stronger flows
- Surfing standing waves with precision
- Using eddies and boils for positioning and rest
- Effective rescues in faster water
- Rolling in dynamic conditions
- Planning and timing safe, efficient current transits
- Classroom session on tides and currents: interpreting current tables for advanced paddling

This clinic offers a supportive atmosphere to challenge yourself, expand your skills, and experience the fun and flow of paddling in powerful water — while staying safe and in control.

Recommended for: Intermediate to advanced paddlers (having a roll is strongly encouraged for maximum learning).

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Sea Kayak Iceland Symposium
May
21
to May 24

Sea Kayak Iceland Symposium

SEA KAYAKING WORKSHOPS FOR ALL LEVELS

Beginner to advanced – everyone is welcome!

Our Symposium is designed to welcome paddlers of all experience levels. You’ll be grouped based on your current skill level, but there’s always flexibility – if you feel ready to switch groups or explore something new, we’ll try to make it happen.

Our experienced coaches will rotate between groups each day, so everyone has the chance to work with most of the coaches. This way, you benefit from different perspectives, coaching styles, and areas of expertise.

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy being on the water – whether you’re just starting your journey or you’re an experienced paddler looking to push your limits.

The location offers ideal conditions for sea kayaking, with a variety of features to explore – from exciting rock gardening, a stunning coastline to explore, to potential surf zones nearby if the conditions allow. It’s a fantastic area with something for everyone.

Each group will have workshops tailored to their level, and together with your coach, you’ll plan your daily adventure – where to go, what to focus on, and how to get the most out of your time on the water.

Kayak-yoga

A half-hour session of yoga specially created to benefit kayakers. Yoga can assist your paddling by increasing mobility and coordination as well as strength. This course focuses on back, shoulders, and paddling posture to hopefully provide added awareness and agility.

In these sessions, we’ll start with stretches and let the day’s paddle wear off as we move through a few simple yoga movements. We’ll end with relaxation, suitable for both chilled and stressed kayakers alike.

Note that this is a beginner-level yoga class, and no pre-training is required. 

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Paddle Canada L1 Instructor Course
Jun
2
to Jun 6

Paddle Canada L1 Instructor Course

Take the next step in your paddling journey with the Paddle Canada Basic and Level 1 Sea Kayak Instructor Course. This nationally recognized certification is designed for experienced paddlers who wish to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to teach sea kayaking effectively and safely.

Throughout the course, participants will refine their personal paddling and rescue techniques, learn to design and deliver engaging lessons, and gain a deep understanding of risk management and group leadership on the water. Emphasis is placed on clear communication, professional conduct, and creating positive learning environments for students of all skill levels.

Led by Amber Champion, this program combines classroom sessions with extensive on-water practice to ensure you leave prepared to instruct at the Basic Kayak and Level 1 Sea Kayak levels within the Paddle Canada system.

Whether you’re an outdoor professional, guide, or passionate paddler looking to share your expertise, this course provides the foundation for a rewarding teaching career on the water.

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Intro to Currents
Jun
7
to Jun 10

Intro to Currents

Along the East Coast of Vancouver Island, powerful tidal flows weave between islands and through narrow channels, creating an ever-changing landscape of moving water. For some paddlers, these areas can feel intimidating — but with the right skills and knowledge, they become an exciting place to play and learn.

Our Introduction to Currents Clinic is designed for paddlers who are confident on flatwater and in light wind and waves, and want to build skills for safe and enjoyable paddling in gentle to moderate current. Working in both ebb and flood flows, we’ll focus on developing boat control, building confidence, and learning to read the water.

Skills covered include:

  • Ferry glides, S-turns, and C-turns in light current

  • Entering and exiting current with control

  • Using eddies for positioning and rest

  • Introductory rescues in moving water

  • Rolling in current (optional)

  • Understanding current features and hazards

A classroom session on tides and currents will teach you how to read and interpret current tables, and how to use that knowledge for safe trip planning.

This clinic offers a supportive, low-pressure environment to help you take your first steps into paddling moving water — building the foundation for more advanced skills in the future.

Perfect for: Intermediate paddlers or confident beginners wanting to safely transition into dynamic environments & learn to paddle in current.

Price includes;
- Instruction by Amber
- Basic Breakfast & Dinner
- Three nights accommodation at Discovery Island Lodge

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Foundational Refinement Clinic
Jul
6
to Jul 8

Foundational Refinement Clinic

  • Port Renfrew, BC, V0S 1K0 Canada (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This private workshop is designed to help you build on your strong foundation and transition into more advanced paddling skills, while also gaining confidence in dynamic water environments. Over the course of 2 days, we’ll focus on fine tuning core skills, introducing advanced techniques, and building your decision making and self reliance on the water.

Day 1 — Intros & Classroom Session

  • Evening Session (5pm start):

    • Personalized goal-setting

    • Equipment packing

    • Introduction to local coastal conditions, weather & marine forecasts

    • Group travel skills and effective communication

Day 2 — Foundation Refinement

  • Morning: On-water skills refresher & refinement

    • Forward stroke efficiency

    • Sweep strokes, draw strokes (static and sculling)

    • Edging and bracing fundamentals

    • Boat control in wind and small swell

  • Afternoon: refinement

    • Self & Assisted Rescues

    • Advanced rescue techniques

Day 3 — Advanced Strokes & Intro to Dynamic Water

  • Morning: Advanced stroke development

    • Bow rudders, stern rudders

    • Hanging draw

    • Linked maneuvers and transitioning between strokes

  • Afternoon: Working with conditions

    • Handling wind, waves, and currents

    • Surf landings and launches (conditions permitting)

    • Confidence building in rougher water

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Ukee Greenland Weekend
Jul
10
to Jul 13

Ukee Greenland Weekend

The 5th Annual Ukee Greenland Weekend

Where the tribe gathers enjoying west coast magic, energetic connections, and a true sense of Ukee Time.

For five incredible years, paddlers have come together in Ucluelet to celebrate tradition, community, and the spirit of the sea. The West Coast of Vancouver Island has a magic all its own, a place where time slows down, the air smells like salt and cedar, and people connect in ways that stay with them long after they leave. Around here, we call it Ukee Time.

This year marks something truly special, the final stop of the Canadian-wide Stay Salty tour with Eiichi Ito and James Manke. They will be wrapping up their journey right here on the coast, surrounded by friends, stories, and the unforgettable Ukee vibe.

We are hosting everything at the new Manke at The Wreckage, a cozy gathering space designed to bring people together. To make the weekend even more enjoyable, two delicious group meals are included in your registration. On Saturday night, a guest chef will prepare a special dinner to kick off the weekend in style. On Sunday night, our legendary Backyard Smash Burgers return by popular demand, the perfect way to close out the weekend.

We are also beyond stoked to welcome the infamous Tim Gallaway, one of the best Greenland Ropes instructors out there. Tim will lead evening ropes sessions inside the Manke Kayak workshop, alongside presentations, games, and plenty of laughs.

Optional shared camping is included with registration at Ucluelet Campground, just minutes from the venue.

Leave the stress behind and experience true Ukee Time! Become part of the tribe.

This year’s kayak workshop options include:
➡️ Rough Water & Kayak Surfing with a Greenland Paddle
➡️ Lay-Back Kayak Rolling
➡️ Forward-Finish Kayak Rolling
➡️ Blended Greenland Paddle Strokes

Evening Gatherings and Presentations:
➡️ Traditional Games Night, including a Greenland Wrestling competition
➡️ Traditional Greenland Ropes with Tim Gallaway
➡️ Event Kayak Party with Live Local Music
➡️ Full-Group Coastal Paddle on Monday before departure

Learn more
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Private L4 Dual Location
Oct
6
to Oct 12

Private L4 Dual Location

Away! On the Coast Coaching.

This advanced program is designed for experienced paddlers looking to refine their skills and challenge themselves in coastal environments. This program focuses on advanced techniques such as surf zone navigation, wave handling, and tidal current management, providing participants with the knowledge and confidence to safely explore dynamic coastal waters. Through expert coaching and hands-on practice, paddlers enhance their technical abilities while enjoying the unique adventure of coastal paddling.

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