Kayak Course – North Shore
Join us and discover a whole new world of adventure and excitement. With over 30 years of experience, you can trust us to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate a kayak competently and safely.
Our comprehensive Learn to Sea Kayak Course will give you the foundation skills essential for safe and enjoyable paddling. The course is set up for paddlers who have never had any formal instruction and is suitable for all types of kayaks and sit-on-tops.
It includes instruction
- How to get back into your kayak
- Assisting others back on to their kayak
- Six essential paddle techniques
- Beach launching and landing
- Steering with your paddle and rudder
- Risk management – how to be safe on the water
- The right clothing to wear and equipment you will need
- Transporting kayaks
- How to tow another kayak
Our friendly, experienced team will ensure you have a fantastic day. At the end of the course you will have a comprehensive understanding of the skills needed to be a great kayaker and have loads of ideas to practice on your next adventure
Course times
Sat/Sun: 8 am – 2 pm (meet at Canoe & Kayak store)
This course includes all hire equipment. (There is no rebate if you supply your own).
Participants need to provide their own personal paddling clothing, lunch and transport to and from the course meeting location.
If you’re keen to paddle with a group of friendly like-minded people you can join the Yakity Yak Kayak Club after completing this initial kayak course. The Club runs numerous trips throughout the season and includes local trips and overnight adventures further afield. You can find out more about the Club here.
Course Dates
2025
October 11, October 26, November 8, November 23, December 6
2026
January 3, January 18, January 31
For more information or to sign up please email us or call us on (09) 479 1002.
2/20 Constellation Drive Mairangi Bay entrance off Ascension Place.
northshore@canoeandkayak.co.nz
Canoe & Kayak, sponsors of the Yakity Yak Kayak Club. OutdoorsMark is a national outdoor safety audit programme designed by the New Zealand outdoors community for the New Zealand outdoors community.
From our gallery
I did the fundamental skills sea kayaking course and learned more than I thought there was to know about kayaking. Most importantly, I overcame my fear of falling out and not being able to get back into a sea kayak. Also learned all about paddles and different paddle strokes, preparation, safety on the water, how to help others back into a kayak, and different types of kayaks. An enjoyable day with plenty of practical experience.
Sue
Really enjoyed the course. As a newbie with no prior experience learnt heaps at a good pace for me. Great instructor with learning in a safe environment.
Kerry
Canoe & Kayak delivered a hugely enjoyable and well-structured beginners kayak course with experienced and approachable instructors, quality gear, a positive learning environment plus loads of fun thanks.