Join Wild Gros Morne and TideLine Watersports in Gros Morne National Park on June 21, 2025 and discover the fun of being on the water with our Learn to Sea Kayak course. This full-day, beginner-friendly course is designed to equip new paddlers with the fundamental skills necessary for safely and confidently navigating Newfoundland’s coastal waters in sea kayak. Whether you’re taking your first paddle or seeking to improve your skills, our course provides instruction with hands-on practice, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Bonne Bay.
Meeting Time & Location:
We’ll meet at 9:00 AM at Water’s Edge Gros Morne (https://watersedgegrosmorne.com/) in Shoal Brook, near Woody Point and launch directly from their kayak launch. The Lightkeeper’s Cafe located right onsite will have hot coffee and tea and lunch options available for particpants
Course Details & Fundamental Techniques
Our day-long course covers everything a beginner needs to know about sea kayaking. The morning session begins at 8:30 AM with classroom introduction, where our experienced instructors and guides cover the basics of sea kayaking. After an engaging morning session, you’ll spend the rest of the day applying these skills on the water in real-life scenarios, ensuring you leave with both the knowledge and the hands-on experience required for open water kayaking. You’ll learn real life kayaking skills like;
- Lifting and Carrying a Kayak: Techniques for safely handling your kayak on and off the water.
- Launching and Landing: Mastering smooth entries and exits to build confidence.
- Forward and Reverse Strokes: Efficient strokes for propelling and maneuvering your kayak.
- Stopping Techniques: Methods to quickly and safely bring your kayak to a halt.
- Sweep and Draw Strokes: Enhancing turning and lateral control.
- Low Brace: Developing stability to maintain balance in challenging conditions.
- Edging: Learning to lean your kayak for sharper, more effective turns.
- Safety Skills: Critical self-rescue techniques including wet exit and assisted re-entry.
After an engaging morning session, you’ll spend the rest of the day applying these skills on the water in real-life scenarios, ensuring you leave with both the knowledge and the hands-on experience required for open water kayaking.
What’s Included & What to Bring
What’s Included:
- Instructor led training and certificate
- Complete paddling gear, including a sea kayak, paddle, PFD, and all necessary safety equipment
What to Bring:
- A water bottle
- A picnic lunch and snacks
- Comfortable, quick-drying, non-cotton clothing
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and long sleeves
Skills, Knowledge & Safety Focus
Beyond the practical paddling techniques, our course dives into crucial knowledge areas. You’ll learn about kayak design and outfitting, the proper use of paddling and safety equipment, and essential topics such as cold weather considerations, sun safety, injury prevention, and Transport Canada regulations. Our session also covers basic navigation, risk assessment, and the environmental impact of kayaking, ensuring you develop a well-rounded understanding of sea kayaking. By the end of our Learn to Sea Kayak course, you’ll have built a solid foundation in essential sea kayaking techniques and safety practices, empowering you to explore the open waters of Newfoundland with confidence. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your paddling skills and embrace a new level of adventure on the North Atlantic.
Rental Equipment
If you do not have your own gear, or are travelling and prefer to rent, Wild Gros Morne has a variety of kayaks in different sizes, along with paddles, spray skirts, PFD and all essential safety equipment to rent for only $30.00 for the day.
Registration
Join our Learn to Sea Kayak course for just $129.00 + tax. This fee covers the instructor-led training, group paddle and certificate.This is a great price for such a comprehensive full day course, and ensures participates leave with a full understanding of sea kayaking in Newfoundland and the associated safety precautions. Reserve your spot today and start your journey into the exciting world of sea kayaking! To register for the retreat or if you have any questions, click the link below or contact us directly at info@tidelinewatersports.com or 709-638-2232. Early registration is recommended as spaces are limited.
Click link to register —–> TideLine Watersports | Learn to Sea Kayak
Sponsors
This paddling event is proudly sponsored by Wild Gros Morne, Water’s Edge Gros Morne, the Gros Morne Tourism Association, and TideLine Watersports—organizations dedicated to building community, delivering quality experiences, and inspiring adventure for everyone.
