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.
Choose your Course
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!
Rescue and Safety Clinic for Beginners
This clinic is for people with some paddling experience that would like to learn how to rescue themselves and their partners.
Rescue and Safety Clinic for Advanced Paddlers
This clinic is for people with more experience who have done wet exits and rescues before but want to improve their skills.
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.
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.)
Paddle Canada Level 2 Skills Course – June 9-14, , 2023
Take the next step in your progression and learn how to safely do overnight trips! In my opinion camping is the best part about kayaking. If interested, fill out the form at the bottom of the page and I will contact you asap.
Upcoming Tour!
News & Events
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!
Dry suits: How they work and how to care for them
What is a drysuit? How do they work? How do I care for my drysuit?
In this post you will find answers to all of these questions.
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.
Testimonials
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,
