This program will review and practice all the open canoe rescues: "T", and Parallel, Throw bag, tow, and re-entries.  Come prepared to get very wet. We do have life jackets available, but it is a good idea to bring your life jacket you wear while paddling!

This program runs  April 05 (5:00 PM to 6:30 PM). 

It is a good idea to arrive early to assist with gear prep.

 Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.

• Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is Mar 20

Planned Facilitators : Donna McKean

Course Content 

• How to safely exit & re-enter your sea kayak 
• How to use your safety equipment to re-enter your kayak.
• Self rescue with paddle float
• Assisted Rescues
• How to use a stirrup

Participants do need to bring a towel and change of clothes, and padlock for the pool locker room. The pool has some PFDs available or students may feel comfortable in their own PFD.

Pre-requisite: 

You are able to paddle a kayak - know basic strokes and are comfortable with a wet exit with a spray skirt on. 

Required equipment: sea kayak, spray skirt, paddle. The club has a limited supply of these items which can be borrowed for the course. Students are responsible for transporting all equipment and must make arrangements several weeks ahead of time. See Equipment for contact info and a list of available equipment (membership login required).  

Other required equipment: Students must supply their own paddle float, bilge pump, sponge. Bring a stirrup if you own one.

Related courses:

Twin Lakes Education Weekend - Sea Kayak Basic Skills

Sea Kayak Level 1 Skills

• Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
• Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is Mar 20

Planned Facilitators : Wade Martinson 

This program will introduce youth and parents to the basic safety considerations needed for canoe paddling.  This will involve learning to enter these boats, the basic gear required, tipping and self rescues, and if time allows an intro' to the basic strokes.

This course is limited to 4 families . A family is considered

1 adult and 1 child

1 adult and 2 children

2  adults and 1 child.

Children should be between 4 and 17

It is best to be on deck early to help with gear prep.

• Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
• Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is Mar 27

Planned Course Facilitator : Clare Mullen

This clinic allows the participant to become comfortable with wet exiting their kayaks. If you are already comfortable with wet exits then you can practice T-Rescues. If you are comfortable with T-Rescues we will teach you to roll. 

The clinic also focuses on Stroke Improvements -  with an emphasis on bracing.

Paddlers are welcome to bring along their own paddle and life jacket for comfort but these items are supplied.  

Optional items: Paddlers may opt to bring their own swim goggles or snorkel mask, nose clips, paddling gloves. Optional items are NOT SUPPLIED. Also a padlock for the pool locker room will be needed.

This course pairs well with Intro to Kayak courses later in the season. There are 3 options:

Intro' to Kayaking - Pond/Pool Based Session #1

Intro' to Kayaking - Pond/Pool Based Session #2

Intro' to Kayaking - Pond Based Session # 3

• Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
• Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is Mar 27

Planned Facilitators : Vicky Wirth, Sylvia Lee

This program will introduce youth and parents to the basic safety considerations needed for canoe paddling.  This will involve learning to enter these boats, the basic gear required, tipping and self rescues, and if time allows an intro' to the basic strokes.

This course is limited to 4 families . A family is considered

1 adult and 1 child

1 adult and 2 children

2  adults and 1 child.

Children should be between 4 and 17

It is best to be on deck early to help with gear prep.

• Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
• Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is Apr 9

Planned Course Facilitators : Neil and Roberta Martindale 

This clinic introduces the participants to water safety when you go for an unplanned swim.

- catching a throw rope 

- the huddle position 

- heat escape reduction postures

- techniques to avoid getting trapped by objects in water (sweepers/strainers) ( Leaning , leaping, aggressive swimming )

• Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
• Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is Apr 9

Planned Facilitators :  Mark Lund

This is the skills evaluation session for the Tandem River Canoe Skills Development Program. Candidates will be invited to register once they have demonstrated they have the skills advance to river paddling. The link for the description to the program is https://ceyanacanoeclub.wildapricot.org/event-6037576. You may register with a partner or as an individual. We will do our best to match you up with a partner. Both partners in a tandem group must register.

Planned evaluators  : Donna McKean 
For further info contact donnaluke@shaw.ca

Prerequisites: basic canoe skills and reasonable swimming skills.

• Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
• Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is April 25th 2025

Planned Instructor : Donna McKean
For further info contact donnaluke@shaw.ca

This development program starts out with a skills Tandem River Canoe Skills Development Program Entrance Evaluation planned at Hermitage Pond on May 3rd. You must register for that session and pass to be accepted into this program. 

This series is meant to take a novice paddler and help them develop the skills and confidence to become better paddlers. 

A series of progressively more challenging rivers have been selected to allow participants opportunities to experience and practice in different river features, while instructors debrief and provide feedback for development. The series ends at the Ceyana education week where participants would join the larger tripping group for sessions 5 and 6.

You may register with a partner or as an individual. We will do our best to match you up with a partner. Both partners in a tandem group must register. It is highly advised to attend ALL sessions in this series.

The planned sessions are as follows:

Session 1:  May 10– NSR -Edmonton (2 to 3 hrs)

Session 2: May 24– Pembina River (Day Trip)

• ***Note Wild Hay Session is Dependent on river water levels ***

Session 3: May 31– Wild Hay (Day Trip from Base Camp ) 

Session 4: June 1– Wild Hay (Day Trip from Base Camp )

• ***Note If no Wild Hay Session then skills development session will be at Twin Lakes, If there is water you can still participate in the Twin Lakes Ed Week Trips for more practice ***

Session 5: June 7– Blue Bridge to Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site (Day Trip from Base Camp at Crimson Lake Provincial Park)  

Session 6: June 8– Horburg to Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site (Day Trip from Base Camp at Crimson Lake Provincial Park)

Prerequisites: basic canoe skills and reasonable swimming skills.

Needed gear:  canoe, paddle, lifejacket, helmet, dry bag, throw bag, bailer/sponge, and nice to haves: wet/dry suit, rain gear, neoprene booties. kneepads 

All equipment will/can be supplied, but participants are encouraged to bring/use their own.   Rain gear should be brought... only thunder storms chase us off the water.  

Camping: 

Session 3 and 4 at the Wild Hay - requires you to book your own campsite

Either Gregg Lake - William A. Switzer Provincial Park | Alberta Parks

or Kinky Lake campground - We have the group campsite booked. Let Donna McKean know if you want to register.

** Please check with Donna (donnaluke@shaw.ca) before booking **

Session 5 and 6 at the Crimson Lake Provincial Park requires you to book into the club education week group campsite : use this link to book https://ceyanacanoeclub.wildapricot.org/event-6039365

Transportation: all participants should be prepared to haul their own or a club boat to the specific location.  You can discuss car pooling with fellow course participants or contact the course instructor if you need assistance with a club boat.

Cancellation: If river flows are not good for planned rivers, alternative rivers will be found and dates may be adjusted. 

• Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
• Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is May 3rd

Planned Instructor : Donna McKean
For further info contact donnaluke@shaw.ca

This Introduction to Lake Canoeing course introduces beginner tandem paddlers how to paddle with a partner in calm sheltered waters. Some topics covered are entries, exits, paddle strokes, basic maneuvers, carries, rescues, equipment selection and where to go paddling. You can register on your own or with a partner. 

In addition we aim to demystify: Trip planning, Orienteering, Gear, Stowing and balancing gear in a canoe

Bear (and other animal) safety, Water treatment, Backcountry cooking , Food planning and Communication in the backcountry are among other topics.

Gear required:

Canoe, paddle, life vest, bailer, throw-bag and suitable paddle clothing. Camping gear or RV

Detail on paddling gear and how to obtain club gear check the Ceyana website. (https://ceyanacanoeclub.wildapricot.org)

If you need transport for your boat contact the organizers at least 10 days prior to the start of the course.

If you need to borrow club gear for the course , it must be reserved and picked up on the Thursday (May 23) before the course and returned on the Thursday after the course ( There is no fee for borrowing a club boat)

Total Instruction:

16 Hours of which the majority on water

When:

 Friday evening May 23  7:00pm  till Sunday 25th May 2025 till 5pm.

• Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
• Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is May 18 2025

Planned facilitators : Kristof Bostoen, Neil Martindale

This is the primary starting point of the Paddle Canada Sea Kayak skills progression. With a focus on foundation skills and knowledge, Basic Kayak Skills inspires students to go out on short paddling excursions in class-0 or calm and sheltered waters.

Sea Kayak Basic Skills is a one-day course plus a 3 hr theory session.

Required equipment:  minimum 16 ft sea kayak, spray skirt, paddle, PFD. The club has a limited supply of these items which can be borrowed for the course. Students are responsible for transporting all equipment and must make arrangements several weeks ahead of time. See Equipment for contact info and a list of available equipment (membership login required). Be prepared to swim so bringing a change of clothes and having a wetsuit or dry suit would be good. Full course information here: Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Basic Skills

Other required equipment: Students must supply their own bilge pump, sponge, paddle float. Bring a lunch and snacks as this will be a full day.

Topics covered include :

• Wet Exits 
• Assisted Re-entries
• Lifting and carrying a kayak
• Launching and landing
• Emptying the kayak
• Forward and reverse strokes
• Stopping
• Forward and reverse sweep strokes
• Pivots
• Draw stroke
• Low brace
• Edging

If you are staying the weekend for tripping or courses 

 Accommodation Options available are:

1. camping at the group site with the club. To do this you will need to reserve/register for camping on the website in addition to the course. Use this link to register for group camping: https://ceyanacanoeclub.wildapricot.org/event-6039365

2. Book your own accommodation close by at Crimson Lake Provincial Park 

Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca

Related courses:

Sea Kayak Capsize and Recovery Clinic- Pool Session

Sea Kayak Level 1 Skills

Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.

Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is May 25th

Planned Instructor : Wade Martinson

for additional information email ed@ceyana.ca

This is one of the prettiest lake front group campsites in Alberta!   And close by there is lots of paddling: big & small lakes, rivers and modest whitewater in the area.  Our most popular paddling over the years has been the runs on the North Saskatchewan: the Horburg run with Devils Elbow, the Blue Bridge Run finishing at the Brierlies, the Brierlies and downstream, and runs on the lower Clearwater river.  Besides Twin Lakes, we've paddled both Crimson and Cow Lakes in recent camps.  We are booked in Thursday through Monday morning so that those with time can arrive early, and leave Monday, and enjoy the site longer and leisurely!

This is a large group site and we will be sharing the site with a mix of Ceyana educational programs, and volunteer run day trips, on lake, easy river and modest whitewater.  Members are welcome to join us for the camp life to just "chill!"

Like all camping in Alberta... it does cost, and we are just passing on the expected average per unit expense. 

These are the "Earlybird" fees (up to and including May 19, 2025):
- 4 nites at $165 per unit /tent/rv/etc.
- 3 nites at $125 per unit
- 2 nites at $ 85 per unit.

These are the"Regular " fees after May 19, 2025 ($20 more for camping):

- 4 nites at $185 per unit /tent/rv/etc.
- 3 nites at $145 per unit
- 2 nites at $ 105 per unit.

Registration opens February 16, 2025.

Be sure to register only one person for camping... guests will be charged if you register them... Camp fee is per camp/sleeping unit!  It is best to fill up our tent or RV with family and friends to keep the per head cost down!

You will be asked to indicate if you are in an Ed program or coming to day trip.  Given we have some one day Ed programs, both are possible!  Day trips will be organized each morning of the camp.

All camp participants must be a member of the Ceyana Canoe Club, or another Alberta canoe club affiliated with Paddle Alberta!

Contact Mark Lund <lundmer@gmail.com> for any questions about this trip.

Early Bird Fees must be paid by May 19th, then Regular Fees apply.

Please review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.

Cancellation or Change deadline for refund is May 19th, 2025.

Access map - click link below

local Rocky Mtn House rivers and lakes v3.jpg

This intro' canoeing program will teach appropriate entries, exits, paddle strokes, basic maneuvers, carries, rescues, and review equipment selection and where to go paddling.   All equipment will/can be supplied.  Participants do need to bring a towel and change of clothes , swims do happen occasionally!  Rain gear should be brought... only thunder storms chase us off the water.  For canoeing a pair of knee pads are helpful, and paddlers are welcome to bring along their own paddle and life jacket.  You may register with a partner, or as an individual.

If you are staying the weekend for tripping or courses 

 Accommodation Options available are:

1. camping at the group site with the club. To do this you will need to reserve/register for camping on the website in addition to the course. Use this link to register for group camping: https://ceyanacanoeclub.wildapricot.org/event-6039365

2. Book your own accommodation close by at Crimson Lake Provincial Park 

Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca

Refunds and changes

Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is May 25th

Planned Course facilitator :Clare Mullen.

Learn some rescue skills to make your river paddling less stressful. We will cover basic canoe rescue skills on flatwater, then take what we've  learned to the river to practice there. Some skills covered will be t-rescues, parallel rescues, clip and tow, and self rescue. This is for those who want to brush up and refresh some of their skills or for those who have never learned them, and can be either tandem or solo paddlers. 

Be prepared to swim so bringing a change of clothes and having wet suits, or partial dry suits would be good. Participants are encouraged to use their own canoes and gear (paddles, lifejackets, throw-bags, etc) or the club can also supply all the necessary gear. Pack a lunch and snacks as this will be a full day.

If you are staying the weekend for tripping or courses 

 Accommodation Options available are:

1. camping at the group site with the club. To do this you will need to reserve/register for camping on the website in addition to the course. Use this link to register for group camping: https://ceyanacanoeclub.wildapricot.org/event-6039365

2. Book your own accommodation close by at Crimson Lake Provincial Park 

Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca

Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is May 25th

Planned Course facilitator : Donna McKean.

if you required additional information 

Donna <donnaluke@shaw.ca>

 Paddlers are to bring along their own kayak, paddle, float bags, throw bag, bailer and lifejacket, or arrange an advance loan from the club, and bring to the event.

For the day long river session paddlers will car pool.  

This program is running in conjunction with the 2025 Ceyana Crimson Lake PP Education Weekend. The river paddling may be on the North Saskatchewan or the Clearwater River

 Accommodation Options available are:

1. camping at the group site with the club. To do this you will need to reserve/register for camping on the website in addition to the course. Use this link to register for group camping: https://ceyanacanoeclub.wildapricot.org/event-6039365

2. Book your own accommodation close by at Crimson Lake Provincial Park 

Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca

Planned Course facilitator : Mark Lund.

if you require additional information please contact Mark <lundmer@gmail.com> 

This intro' tandem river canoeing program is for those with basic flatwater  skills, including the J stroke.  This course will teach the  moving water skills for paddling tandem canoes on easy moving water.  All equipment will/can be supplied, but participants are encouraged to bring/use their own, especially PFD's.  Participants do need to bring a lunch, towel and change of clothes, swims do happen occasionally!  Rain gear should be brought... only thunder storms chase us off the water.  For canoeing a pair of knee pads are helpful.  For the day long river session paddlers will car pool.  

This program is running in conjunction with the 2025 Ceyana Crimson Lake PP Education Weekend. The river paddling may be the North Saskatchewan or the Clearwater River

Accommodation Options available are:

1. camping at the group site with the club.

To do this you will need to reserve/register for camping on the website in addition to the course. Use this link to register for group camping: https://ceyanacanoeclub.wildapricot.org/event-6039365

2.  Book your own powered RV site or accommodation close by at Crimson Lake Provincial Park campsite, on Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca

Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is May 25th

Planned Course facilitator : Donna McKean.

if you required additional information 

Building on the information learned in Sea Kayak Basic Skills, Sea Kayak Level-1 Skills is a two-day course plus a 3 hr theory session.

The course is conducted in slightly rougher water than Basic Kayak, aiming to develop the paddler’s comfort. There is a strong focus on re-entry techniques as well as the skills required to safely plan and execute a day trip.

Required equipment: 16 ft sea kayak, spray skirt, paddle, PFD. The club has a limited supply of these items which can be borrowed for the course. Students are responsible for transporting all equipment and must make arrangements several weeks ahead of time. See Equipment for contact info and a list of available equipment (membership login required). Be prepared to swim so bringing a change of clothes and having a wetsuit or dry suit would be good. 

Other required equipment: Students must supply their own bilge pump, sponge, paddle float. Bring a lunch and snacks as this will be a full day.

Topics covered include :

• equipment
• navigation
• decision making
• weather
• strokes
• bracing
• capsizing
• re-entry techniques

Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is June 1

Recommended Pre-requisites 

Sea Kayak Capsize and Recovery Clinic  - Pool Session

https://ceyanacanoeclub.wildapricot.org/event-6036280

Sea Kayak Basic - https://ceyanacanoeclub.wildapricot.org/event-6038006 

Planned Instructor : Wade Martinson

for additional information email ed@ceyana.ca

Overview: 

 All equipment will/can be supplied.  Participants do need to bring a towel and change of clothes , swims do happen occasionally!  Rain gear should be brought... only thunder storms chase us off the water.  For canoeing a pair of knee pads are helpful, and paddlers are welcome to bring along their own paddle and life jacket.  You may register with a partner, or as an individual.

• Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
• Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is June 16 2025

Prerequisites: none

Overview: 

This introduction to Tandem Lake canoeing course will teach appropriate entries, exits, paddle strokes, basic maneuvers, carries, rescues, and review equipment selection and where to go paddling. In addition, there will be an emphasis on communication with your partner and stroke efficiency. Your instructor Neil uses lots of analogies to ballroom dancing to ensure that you and your partner are in sync and can make your canoes "dance" on the water.  At the end of this course there will be 2 written assignments that must be delivered to Neil via email. They are expected to take no more than 2 hrs to complete. We would like them completed in a week or so, discuss with Neil if you need more time.

At the end of this course, you will receive Paddle Canada Certification.

All equipment will/can be supplied.  You may register with a partner, or as an individual and you will be paired with another registrant. 

As our home on rundle pond is under renovations in June, this will be held at Leduc Boat Club.

Leduc Boat Club has the following amenities 

• Washrooms 
• Kitchen
• WIFI
• paddling tank (in the event of thunderstorms/high winds/stroke introductions/stroke corrections)

Suggested Stuff to Bring (Weather Dependent)

• Wide-Brimmed Hat
• Sunglasses (eyeglass floats are also suggested)
• Sunscreen and lip balm (waterproof)
• Water shoes or sandals
• Water Bottle 
• Towel and change of clothes - Swims do happen occasionally!!!
• Rain gear - only in the case of thunderstorms will class not continue. 
• A pair of knee pads - if you have them
• bring you pfd and paddle if you have and want to use your own 

• Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
• Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is June 7 2025

This intro' kayaking program will teach appropriate entries, exits, paddle strokes, basic maneuvers, carries, rescues, and review equipment selection and where to go paddling.  The program will occur at the Rundle Park Paddling Center in east central Edmonton.  All equipment will/can be supplied.  Participants do need to bring a towel and change of clothes, swims do happen occasionally, and wet exits will be required one afternoon!  Rain gear should be brought... only thunder storms chase us off the water.  Paddlers are welcome to bring along their own paddle and life jacket for comfort but these items are supplied.  

Optional items: Paddlers may opt to bring their own swim goggles or snorkel mask, nose clips, paddling gloves, reef shoes or sports sandals. The first few items may be helpful for the pool session. Optional items are NOT SUPPLIED. Also a padlock for the pool locker room will be needed.

This program will run on: 15th , 17th , 22th 24th July at Rundle Pond and on 18th July at Grant MacEwan University pool (MacEwan U Recreation Centre (109 St & 104 Ave)) (this is a 1 hr wet exit practice session) 

Consider pairing this outdoor course with extra safety training in the comfort of a warm swimming pool and sign up for early season Wet Exits, More Wet Exits and Stroke Improvement April 12 at MacEwan U Recreation Centre (109 St & 104 Ave).

• Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is July 4th

Planned Course facilitator :  Bielak , Chantelle 

This intro' kayaking program will teach appropriate entries, exits, paddle strokes, basic maneuvers, carries, rescues, and review equipment selection and where to go paddling.  The program will occur at the Rundle Park Paddling Center in east central Edmonton.  All equipment will/can be supplied.  Participants do need to bring a towel and change of clothes, swims do happen occasionally, and wet exits will be required one afternoon!  Rain gear should be brought... only thunder storms chase us off the water. Paddlers are welcome to bring along their own paddle and life jacket for comfort but these items are supplied.  

Optional items: Paddlers may opt to bring their own swim goggles or snorkel mask, nose clips, paddling gloves, reef shoes or sports sandals. The first few items may be helpful for the pool session. Optional items are NOT SUPPLIED. Also a padlock for the pool locker room will be needed.

Consider pairing this outdoor course with extra safety training in the comfort of a warm swimming pool and sign up for early season Wet Exits, More Wet Exits and Stroke Improvement April 12 at MacEwan U Recreation Centre (109 St & 104 Ave).

Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.

• Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is July 4th

Planned Course facilitator :  TBD

This intro' to kayaking on moving water program is for those with basic flat-water skills.  This course will teach the moving water skills for paddling kayaks on easy moving water.   

The course starts at 9:30am at hermitage pond we will have lunch and spend the afternoon on the river (likely 50th street (Capilano) or Wilfred Laurier park)

On Sunday we will head to an appropriate river depending on flows (Sturgeon, Pembina, or NSR near Genesee) .

Prerequisites: basic kayak skills (forward, reverse, sweeps, low brace), complete multiple wet exits and comfortable upside down, reasonable swimming skills.

Needed gear: fitted kayak with foot rest,  paddle, lifejacket, helmet, dry bag, throw bag, bailer/sponge,and nice to haves: wet/dry suit, rain gear, spray deck, neoprene booties.

Transportation: all participants should be prepared to haul their own or a club kayak to the specific location.  You can discuss car pooling with fellow course participants

Cancellation: If river is too high, we'll find another July weekend for the majority.

• Review the Course Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
• Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is July 7

Planned Course facilitator : Homola, Ellen

if you require additional information or can provide assistance with boats please contact ed@ceyana.ca

This intro' kayaking program will teach appropriate entries, exits, paddle strokes, basic maneuvers, carries, rescues, and review equipment selection and where to go paddling.  The program will occur at the Rundle Park Paddling Center in east central Edmonton.  All equipment will/can be supplied.  Participants do need to bring a towel and change of clothes, swims do happen occasionally, and wet exits will be required one afternoon!  Rain gear should be brought... only thunder storms chase us off the water. Paddlers are welcome to bring along their own paddle and life jacket for comfort but these items are supplied.  

Optional items: Paddlers may opt to bring their own swim goggles or snorkel mask, nose clips, paddling gloves, reef shoes or sports sandals. The first few items may be helpful for practicing wet exits. Optional items are NOT SUPPLIED. 

This program will run on: August 9th, 10th at Rundle Pond 

Consider pairing this outdoor course with extra safety training in the comfort of a warm swimming pool and sign up for early season Wet Exits, More Wet Exits and Stroke Improvement April 12 at MacEwan U Recreation Centre (109 St & 104 Ave).

• Change or Cancellation deadline for refund less $20 is Aug 4th

Planned Course facilitator :  Sylvia Lee