Vancouver Island Sea Kayaking

with Jeff Burdison  +1 (604)729-3546

With years of experience as a kayak guide and an ongoing passion for exploring the beautiful waters around Vancouver Island, I am now focusing on instruction, empowering others through a series of clinics and courses to prepare themselves for a safe, and exciting sea kayaking adventure. That being said, I do still offer day, and multi-day, custom tours. I am located in the Parksville / Oceanside area near Nanaimo. 

Jeff Burdison

Your personal Vancouver Island kayak guide, Certified Paddle Canada Instructor / Certified SKGABC Guide

Choose your Course

Practical Navigation for Kayakers

Practical Navigation for Kayakers

This clinic teaches navigation in a clear and understandable way.
Starting on land, there will be a theory session and then we will progress to the water to put our new knowledge to the test!

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Paddle Canada Basic Skills Course

Paddle Canada Basic Skills Course

On this one day course you will learn how to get started as a sea kayaker. Topics and activities include: what to look for when buying a kayak, basic gear, how to dress, strokes, assisted rescue, safety and much more. This is a certificate course.

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Paddle Canada Level 1  Skills Course

Paddle Canada Level 1 Skills Course

Learn to safely do day paddles with your friends or family. This 2 day course will cover solo and assisted rescues, basic navigation, how to
make weather decisions, risk assessment and many other useful topics to help you have a fun and safe time on the water.
*PREREQUISITE – Paddle Canada basic course or ample experience.
(At discretion of instructor.)

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Upcoming Tour!

News & Events

Central Coast Tour- ON DEMAND

Central Coast Tour- ON DEMAND

This tour covers beautiful coastal scenery that very few people ever get a chance to see!
Run as an expedition with educational components, this tour will likely be the highlight of your summer!

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Choosing the right kayak paddle

Choosing the right kayak paddle

There are so many options out there for finding the right paddle for yourself. Different styles, lengths, materials and a huge price range. Here are a few tips on how to make the best choice.

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Testimonials

We have had the pleasure of Jeff’s guiding skills  on two extended  kayak trips; one to the South Brooks and the other around Cape Scott. We have also benefited from weekly winter instructional sessions assisting us with honing our Level Two paddling strokes and rescues. Jeff’s calm and confident manner as a guide make him a great trip leader.  He is well prepared ensuring clients safety, making sure the trip is  enjoyable as well as instructional. As an instructor Jeff was well prepared and thorough presenting skills in a manner that were easy to follow and geared to each persons’ skill development level.
Reg Martin and Pam Green

If you are searching for a kayaking instructor and mentor who is knowledgeable, experienced, patient, and who communicates clearly, you will do no better than Jeff Burdison.  Jeff is Paddle Canada Level II instructor, who resides and works mid Island.  In his off hours, he volunteers with Arrowsmith Search and Rescue. Jeff helped me with a variety of kayak related skills—from wet exits, assisted and self re-entries, paddle strokes, and trip planning.  Jeff really cares that you learn and that you do so in a safe and fun environment.
I can’t say enough about how much Jeff has helped me improve my own skills and confidence.  Highly recommended.
Ron Everard

Qualicum Beach, B.C

I highly recommend sea kayaking courses with Jeff Burdison. I have taken his courses from basic through to level 2 and can say it was well worth it. He is a highly skilled instructor and guide. I appreciated his style and approach to teaching. He is clear, consistent and very patient with his students. I have witnessed him persevere with many paddlers for as long as it takes to ensure they learn the skill he’s teaching. He is very focused on safety which is so essential. You will leave his courses with the skill and knowledge to give you confidence on your paddling adventures. I also recommend his tours. He’s a wonderful guide. Extremely competent and knowledgeable. You feel very safe when Jeff is leading your group.
Stacey Neilson

Nanoose Bay, B.C.

Jeff is an excellent coach and guide; professional, competent, friendly, fun.  We look forward to further coaching sessions and multi-day paddle programs with Jeff!
Joy and Eric

Hi Jeff

I participated in your June 21/22 paddle Canada course this summer out of Nanaimo. I took a self-rescue class when I got home also and continue to think of and practice what I learned while spending two days with you.

Last Sunday I was kayaking with a friend in north Sechelt inlet and she had a stroke. I do have first aid training that helped but most critical to Bev’s survival was keeping her (and me) in our boats, dry and floating while managing her situation, calling for help, waiting it out safely and calmly (singing campfire and show tunes like we were auditioning) and then manoeuvring around a huge rescue boat to safely get my friend out of her boat and into theirs. Dry and upright the entire time…. thanks to you. Then towing her boat back home with me in good time using my torso rather than my arms after search and rescue whisked her to a waiting ambulance.

Bev got help super rapidly thankfully as the rescue all came together with beautiful efficiency. Staying stable and secure in our little boats was the best outcome and I attribute this to “wearing” my kayak as you taught and in the confidence I had in my boat due to my recent training.

This is a note to thank you. The technical and emotional preparation you share for being safe on the water has enormous value and I wanted to let you know. My friend is healing.

With much gratitude,

Ruth Mason