Our Oceanplay Instructional Series started in 1995 and continues to be our most popular program. The learning experience is unsurpassed and the instructor student ratio is no more than 1:5 which provides for a truly personalized learning experience. Redesigned for 2008, Oceanplay 1 and 2 are the foundation courses and can be complimented with 3 or 4 based upon your paddling interests.

The Kayak Centre offers a $25 discount on any Oceanplay course with a kayak purchase from the Centre and an additional $10 discount if the participant brings their own equipment. Equipment should include appropriate kayak, PFD, paddle and sprayskirt. Please note that all clinics and tours are subject to minimum participation requirements. Participants should be at least 15 years of age.

All Oceanplay courses include equipment, instruction and lunch and are held at our Wickford location unless otherwise noted.

The journey begins here! Our full-day gateway course to the sport of kayaking. Redesigned for 2008, Oceanplay I introduces basic sea kayaking skills and safety to the beginning paddler. The first half of the day will be spent on learning and refining basic paddling strokes and the wet exit. Following lunch, we’ll embark on a short paddle to practice newly acquired skills and learn group and self rescues as well as bracing. Other topics covered include the proper way to empty a boat, launching, pre-paddle checklist and boat nomenclature. The course is taught in calm, protected water and by day’s end you’ll feel ready to head out on your own excursion!

Includes:           Equipment, Instruction & Lunch

Time:                9am-4:30pm

Cost:                $135

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Building on the fundamentals learned in Oceanplay 1, Oceanplay 2 focuses on refinement of strokes and variety of rescue techniques including T rescues, paddle float and unassisted rescues performed in moderate conditions. This course will get you ready for more advanced paddling techniques like rolling or advanced paddling conditions. Discussion of wind, weather, waves as well as safety concerns, hypothermia and basic first aid are also touched upon. Basic stroke technique is refined and an introduction of finesse and combinations of strokes including edging, sculling, and hanging draw are performed. Suitable for athletic beginners or those with some prior kayak instruction. Ability to wet exit with a sprayskirt or Oceanplay 1 is a prerequisite for the course.

Includes:           Equipment, Instruction & Lunch

Time:                9am-4:30pm

Cost:                $135

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Oceanplay 3 introduces more advanced boat handling skills in moderate conditions with wind and current. This full day course is a must for any paddler looking to become competent in on water navigation including using nautical charts as well as performing rescues in conditions. Oceanplay 3 builds upon stroke technique to maneuver through rocky shorelines and includes an open water crossing. High braces and towing techniques are also covered. Oceanplay 1 and 2 or equivalent experience is a prerequisite for this course, along with discretion of the instructor. This course can be paired with Oceanplay 2 for those looking to get their learning on the fast track in a weekend.

Includes:           Equipment, Instruction & Lunch

Time:                9am-4:30pm

Cost:                $135

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This course is designed for paddlers with open water experience who are looking to expand on those skills even further. Tidal areas and rocky shorelines provide a great venue for advanced boat handling techniques in rough water. Topics include ferrying across current, landing in rocky shorelines, breaking in and out of eddies and paddling along rock gardens. Safety, including group communication, towing, and rough water rescues is an integral component of this course. Oceanplay1, 2 and 3 or equivalent experience are prerequisites for the course along with discretion of the instructor.

Includes:           Equipment, Instruction & Lunch

Time:                9am-4:30pm

Cost:                $135

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Looking to get your learning on the fast track in a weekend? This is the ideal course for the athletic beginner who really wants to push themselves or an experienced paddler looking to brush up on their skills and learn some additional technique. The content of this two day course is Oceanplay 2 and 3.

Includes:           Equipment, Instruction & Lunch

Cost:                $270

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We have found that women frequently enjoy learning in the company of other women. If you’re anxious to get into kayaking or want to brush up on your skills in a supportive environment with fellow women paddlers, here’s your chance. The content will be the same as our regular Oceanplay 1 course but is taught for women by women!

Includes:           Equipment & Instruction

Time:                9am-4:30pm

Cost:                $135

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