Paddle Canada's Kayaking Program consists of a number of skill levels, beginning with kayaking fundamentals (Flatwater Level) and progressing to the highest kayaking skills level (River Kayaking Level 2) and Instructor status.
A novice kayaker would begin kayaking instruction at the Flatwater Level, concentrating on kayak fundamentals. When the Flatwater Level skills have been mastered, the kayaker could then choose to follow the River Kayaking stream.
There are two skill levels in River Kayaking. Level 1 is devoted to introducing the skills of that particular kayaking discipline. Level 2 represents the highest kayaking skills level in the River PC Kayaking Program.
Instructor Levels are inserted after each Level 1 and Level 2 course. These courses emphasize teaching, leadership and course administration, in addition to all of the skills within the preceding levels.
Instructor Trainer Status is inserted after the Instructor Level 2 in the River Kayaking stream. This level emphasizes the teaching and evaluation of instructor candidates and administration of instructor courses.