Paddling Certifications
&
Experiences
developing safe, competent, and knowledgeable recreational paddlers
What Makes Us Special
Local Expert Guides
ORCKA certified instructors that focus on safety, inclusion, paddling and FUN!
Handpicked Adventures
Courses tailored to the group to match special accommodations
Earn tools to Explore
Develope the skills you need to paddle on your own with confidence.
What We Offer
ORCKA Basic Paddling
Level 1
Launching and Removing; Entering and Exiting; Pivots; Sideward Displacement; Forward Straight Line and Stop; Landing; Lifts and Carries
Level 2
Turns; Circles; Landings; Reverse Straight Line
Level 3
Introduction to the 5 Core Flatwater Skills: Pivots, Landings, Circles, Sideward Displacement, Forward and Reverse Straight Line plus Stopping
Level 4
Intro to Solo Paddling
Voyageur Canoeing
Book Michipechu for an hour or more
Paddle with up to 8 friends
Learn Voyageur stories and traditional paddling songs, and skills as we tour Peterborough and the Lift Locks
An excellent team-building exercise for co-workers, families, wedding parties, tourists, or any group
Voyageur Courses are available
Level 1: Learn the Milieu position
Level 2 Learn Avant and Gouvernail skills
Level 3: Become a Trip Leader
Canoe Tripping 3 with Moving Water 1a and/or Canadian Style Paddling 1a
Canoeing; Portaging; Lining
Food and Menu Planning
Navigation
Knots, Lashings, Ropes
Risk Management and Emergency Response
Progression:
Level 1: Introduction
Level 2: Intermediate
Level 3: Advanced
Moving Water 1a (tandem) includes: River Morphology, Carving, Eddy turns, S-turns, Ferrying, and more. It is a prerequisite for CT3.
Canadian Style Paddling 1a (tandem) includes: Canoe dance, Triangular course in the wind, Canoeing dynamics and more. It is a prerequisite for CT3.
ORCKA Kayaking
Level A
Wet Exit; Peer Rescue; Entering & Exiting; Forward & Reverse Paddling; Stopping; Pivoting; Turning; Lifts and Carries; and more.
Level B
Capsize the Kayak; Assisted Roll Rescue; Sideward Paddling; Edging; Bracing; Securing; Equipment Knowledge; Kayaking History; Landing, Exiting & Removing the Kayak; Communications; Risk Management; Access; Planning; and much more
Upcoming Courses
Flat Water Kayaking Levels A & B
Date: May 23 & 24, 2026, Time: 9 am-4 pm
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bring a life jacket/pfd and your friends
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Cost: $300 + $150 for kayak and equipment rental
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Location: Boat-launch at Beavermead Park, 2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough, K9L 1P8
Canoe Tripping 2 &
3
This course is combined to teach canoe tripping and white water skills. Meet me on the Spanish River, or design your own trip.
Date: July 4-10, 2026
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Fee: $1,200
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Location: Lower Madawaska River
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7-day course
Basic Canoe Instructor Program
Date: June 27- July 1, '26
Place: Beavermead Campground, 2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough, K9L 1P8.
Cost: $500 plus rental fees
This 5-day course will include a CSP 1 (A&B) course.
Basic Paddling 1-4
May 16-17, 2026
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Fee: $220/day
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Location: 3599 Nassau Mills Road, Peterborough, ON K9J 6Y1
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On Saturday we will run levels 1-3. On Sunday we will run level 4. Each day we will paddle from 9 am to 5 pm with a 30 minute lunch break.
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Discount: Save $40 when signing up for both days!
Team
Bruce Lindsay, Instructor: Basic, CT, VC, CSP, MW, CK, WAFA
Head Guide & Owner
Bill Elgie
Instructor & Affiliate
Leslie Hoyle
Instructor & Affiliate
Emma Lindsay
Instructor & Guide
Are you a guide looking for a team? We are open to qualified members who are looking to collaborate and hone their guiding skills.
