Basic Kayaking and Canoeing Course
This course teaches you the essential techniques to paddle safely and enjoy nature from the water. You will learn the types of kayaks, canoes and paddles and how to choose and adjust them, how to read wind, current and waves, how to launch and land from beaches, jetties and riverbanks, how to paddle forwards and backwards, brake, turn and hold a straight course, and how to respond to a capsize by staying with the boat, emptying it, re-entering with help and towing a tired companion.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Basic Kayaking and Canoeing Course?
This short course is designed for nature and sports lovers who want a safe, enjoyable start in kayaking and canoeing, people with no previous experience who want to learn the basics of paddling, balance and steering, families and groups of friends, active tourism enthusiasts who want to explore new waters and anyone looking for a gentle, accessible physical activity. You will study the differences between recreational kayaks, canoes, touring and sea kayaks, equipment and accessories, environmental conditions and risks, launching and landing, posture and grip, the basic strokes and maneuvers, self-rescue and assisted rescue.
What sets this course apart: it starts with safety, with the lifejacket always on, the buddy system and clear cancellation criteria; it builds technique step by step in calm water, from posture and grip to straight-line paddling and drift control; and it ends with an applied project in which you plan a real route on a lake, calm river, reservoir or sheltered coast, with stops, timings, a safety plan and environmental good practice.
Program highlights
- Kayak or canoe: recreational kayaks, canoes, touring and sea kayaks and calm-water boats compared.
- Kit and set-up: paddles, lifejackets, spray decks, deck lines, dry bags, seat and footrest adjustment.
- Launching and landing from beaches, jetties, riverbanks, slipways and shallow water.
- Core strokes: forward and back paddling, braking, sweep turns, stern rudder and course corrections.
- Capsize recovery: staying with the boat, emptying it, assisted re-entry and simple towing.
- Applied project: a route and safety plan for a lake, calm river, reservoir or sheltered coast.
Syllabus of the Basic Kayaking and Canoeing Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Foundations of kayaking, recreational canoeing and initial safety on the water
- 1.1. The concept of kayaking and canoeing and the differences between recreational kayaks, canoes, touring kayaks, sea kayaks and calm-water kayaks
- 1.2. Types of boat, paddles, lifejackets, spray decks, deck lines, dry bags and basic accessories
- 1.3. Water conditions: wind, current, waves, temperature, visibility, depth and obstacles
- 1.4. Main risks: capsize, fatigue, hypothermia, sunstroke, disorientation, collisions and separation from the group
- 1.5. Basic safety rules, compulsory use of the lifejacket, the buddy system and criteria for canceling the outing
Equipment, personal preparation, launching and basic control of the boat
- 2.1. Choosing the kayak or canoe according to level, weight, stability, type of water, duration and goal of the activity
- 2.2. Adjusting the lifejacket, paddle, seat, footrest, helmet where appropriate and buoyancy items
- 2.3. Personal preparation: hydration, sun protection, suitable clothing, footwear, dry bag and basic communication
- 2.4. Launching and landing techniques from a beach, jetty, riverbank, slipway or shallow water
- 2.5. Body position, balance, initial stability, paddle grip and posture control while paddling
Basic paddling, steering, braking and maneuvering techniques in calm water
- 3.1. Forward paddling, efficient movement, body coordination and saving energy
- 3.2. Back paddling, braking, speed control and stopping the boat safely
- 3.3. Basic turns, sweep strokes, stern rudder, course corrections and trajectory control
- 3.4. Approaching the shore, a jetty, a buoy, a companion or a resting point
- 3.5. Paddling in a straight line, controlling wind drift and keeping a safe distance
Self-rescue, basic assistance and response to capsizes and incidents
- 4.1. Reacting to a capsize, staying calm, staying with the boat and recovering the paddle
- 4.2. Basic emptying of the kayak, assisted re-entry, support from a companion and returning to a safe area
- 4.3. Simple towing techniques, helping a tired participant and communication during an incident
- 4.4. Responding to falling into the water, loss of equipment, a change in the weather, cramp, seasickness or fatigue
- 4.5. Coordination with the group, the instructor, nearby boats or the emergency services when needed
Applied project in basic kayaking and canoeing
- 5.1. Defining the case: outing on a lake, calm river, reservoir, sheltered coast, guided activity or recreational day
- 5.2. Diagnosing the environment, group level, equipment needed, risks, weather and paddling conditions
- 5.3. Designing the route plan with departure, return and stopping points, distances, timings and cancellation criteria
- 5.4. Drawing up the safety plan with equipment, communication, self-rescue, basic assistance and incident management
- 5.5. Proposal for environmental good practice, group organization and recommendations for beginner participants
Duration and format of the Basic Kayaking and Canoeing Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Basic Kayaking and Canoeing Course
Career opportunities after the Basic Kayaking and Canoeing Course
Questions about the Basic Kayaking and Canoeing Course
In a kayak you sit with your legs extended and use a double-bladed paddle; in a canoe you sit on a bench or kneel and use a single-bladed paddle. Both share many safety principles and basic skills.
No. The course starts from the basics, with equipment, posture and balance, and builds up to the main strokes, maneuvers and capsize recovery.
The course teaches you to stay calm and with the boat, recover your paddle, empty the kayak, re-enter with a companion's help and return to a safe area, as well as how to help others in the same situation.
On calm waters such as lakes, reservoirs, slow rivers and sheltered coastal areas. Whitewater and open-sea paddling require further, specific training.
Yes. The final project asks you to plan a route with departure, return and stopping points, distances, timings, a safety plan and cancellation criteria, together with environmental good practice.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with video lessons, complementary audiovisual material, practical exercises and personalized tutorials with the teaching staff.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of 60 hours each. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
More programs in Tourism and water sports
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at nature and sports lovers, complete beginners, families, groups of friends and active tourism enthusiasts; no previous knowledge is required, although good general health, the ability to swim and some familiarity with the water are recommended.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer, tablet or smartphone with a stable internet connection and an up-to-date browser.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.