There’s Much to Learn For All Abilities

British Canoeing Guide Modules

Planning an adventure? Want to lead tours in the industry? Interested in growing your leadership skills in the outdoors? The British Canoeing Guide Modules are for you!

Each module is eight hours and incorporates land and water based activities to increase your knowledge and understanding of what it is to be an exceptional guide. The guide modules provide you with the essentials to develop and deliver safe, professional, unforgettable enjoyable experiences for participants on and off the water.

Seabirds International operates to these high standards. Download the “British Canoeing Safety Guidelines for Paddlers, Clubs and Volunteers” guidebook.

Fee: $250 per module

Leadership– leadership styles and decision making, journey including planning, on water assessments, group travel styles and moving as a group in different environments, rescues and incident management

Trip planning and Organisation– trip planning, resources, risk and outcomes local and further afield expeditions

Camp craft and Expedition skills– guiding in chosen environments, day trip, multi day and overseas and UK expeditions

Environment and sustainability– leave no trace principles, low and no impact touring, stewardship of paddling environments

Customer Experience– duty of care, group dynamics, safeguarding, risk assessments, emergency action plans, good leadership in guiding, incident reporting, measurable outcomes for participants, evaluation and more

Kayak Skills Sessions

Paddling course sessions are tailored to suit your learning needs and schedule. Reservations are required for all sessions. Contact us to arrange your Seabirds experience.

Lake Erie Learners
1:1 sea and touring kayak instruction. Assessments and advanced skill development on Lake Erie, must have own equipment and basic paddling skills.

Please ensure your equipment is clean prior and after use to help prevent spread of invasives in our waters. Wear a mask for launching and landing. Bring sanitizer for on the water and a sun shower with environmentally-safe soap for after. Ensure you clean your boat and equipment prior to and after the session. Reference the Safety and What to Bring lists on this page for more details.

Developing Your Boat Handling Skills/Improvers Session
Discover new skills and learn how to blend your strokes for better paddling efficiency.

Kayak Rescues
Develop safety and rescue skills including self rescues for a safe kayak experience.

Each Session Involves

• Safety chat
• Equipment familiarization
• Paddle instruction/tour
• ‘Top tips’ to take away for ongoing learning
• Follow up support

Rates- 3 Hours

• Private 1:1 session – $125. Five-class discount – $100 per class.
• Two participants from same household – $100 per person.

Booking

Contact Andrea on seabird.ava@gmail.com before booking to discuss your learning experience. Payment confirms that you agree to the terms and program schedule.

Once you have discussed your paddling goals and dates for learning with Seabirds, please enter dollar amount in the pay pal link for the agreed rate.

Note: Seabirds reserves the right to modify or cancel an activity if we feel that there are unmanageable risks. Session will be rescheduled.

Resources

If you are new to paddlesport and want to learn the basics before venturing onto the lake please reach out to our local outfitters:
Bay Creek Paddling Center
Evergreen Outfitters
Paths Peaks and Paddles
New York State Parks
Zoar Valley White Water Club

For equipment and try before you buy:
Bay Creek Paddling Center
Elevator Alley Kayak
Evergreen Outfitters
Gear for Adventure
Oak Orchard Canoe
Paths Peaks and Paddles

Great resources to get you started:
Beginners Guide to Safe Kayaking
Know Your Limits
How to Choose a Kayak
Recreational Kayak Essentials
Paddle Safe Brochure
Paddling Buyers Guide
Paddling.com is a great resource for paddling: in addition to boat reviews there are also launch maps.

Kayaking Awards

Seabirds is able to offer awards in British Canoeing (BC). There is an additional fee for the awards and certificates. Contact Andrea for more information.

Safety

Safety is paramount and Seabirds International ensures a safe experience through current First Aid qualification, CPR, emergency water safety, child protection trained, Adaptive Paddling qualification as well as being licensed and insured.

Clean safety record since 1984.

Please let us know of any medical conditions that you have or personal requirements when booking your session.

Safety First. Learn how to be safe in your kayak from one of the premier guides, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

FAQs

Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, 50 meters or 150 feet.

Do I need my own boat and equipment?
Yes, you need to have your own equipment.

I don’t know how to roll, does that matter?
No, we will only paddle in waters suitable to your ability and you will learn techniques to help you stay upright. During the winter months, pool sessions will be offered so that you can learn to roll in a safe environment.

Where can we launch if we already paddle?
There are many locations throughout New York state and the US. Below are some helpful links and maps with more information.

• Flatwater Paddling and Canoeing
• New York State Boat Launching Sites

What to Bring

Not certain of what to pack for your water adventure? This basic list will get you started. For a more detailed item list, please download our Packing List.

• Signed Seabirds International waiver and photo release form (see Downloadable Forms, below)
• Waterproof shoes – no laces as they are a trap hazard
• Wear clothes that are suitable, i.e. no cotton (doesn’t dry quickly)
• Change of clothing and shoes, towel
• Sunscreen/hat
• Waterproof case for phone, keys
• Energy snacks
• Water and warm drink or juice, please avoid coffee & tea as they are diuretics (make you want to go to the bathroom frequently)
• Sense of adventure and fun

Note: Seabirds International is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items including cell phones, electronic keys, boats and equipment. Consider using waterproof containers for electronics and dry bags for clothing and food. See detailed kit list for what to bring.

Downloadable Form

• Adult Waiver and Liability Release Form
• Minor Waiver and Liability Release Form
• Photo Release Form
• Evaluation Form
• Packing List

Note: All above forms are downloadable PDFs that require Acrobat Reader. If you don’t have it, please click here.

Andrea was incredibly welcoming, understanding, patient and taught to our needs. Assessing us on the fly and adapting her lesson to make the most out of our session. You are a wealth of knowledge and I will be recommending you for sure. Thank you for your genuine  spirit! Paulette

The instruction and instructor were exceptional. I had some apprehension about survival instruction and I was put completely at ease. Could not ask for a better experience. Ruth Molliza