Preparing for your kayak program

How to prepare for your kayak program – Below you will find some important information to help you get ready for your kayaking adventure.

Please also refer to our FAQ for some more answers to common questions.

If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

The Important Stuff

Please note that we no longer provide valuables storage. We continue to have limited space in our unsecured cubbies where you are welcome to leave your non-valuable items.
Please sign our waiver online before coming to your rental, lesson or tour.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the start of your program
If you are looking to purchase equipment for your program please check out our retail store Coast Outdoors.
If you are sick or symptomatic you must stay home.

Waivers

We require all participants sign a liability waiver prior to getting on the water with us.
Your confirmation email contains a link to your client terminal. Inside the client terminal, you can sign your waiver and share that same waiver link to all members of your group. We recommend you sign all waivers before arriving.
Anyone under the age of 19 must have a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to getting on the water.
If you are participating in a program with Paddle Canada certification, please also sign the Paddle Canada Waiver

What to wear

What to wear for a rental, a tour, or our intro to kayaking lesson:

Quick-dry clothing -no cotton (and bring a change of clothing just in case)
Warm fleece sweater or light athletic jacket if it’s cool
Sun hat
Toque, if it’s cold out
Comfortable shoes for in the kayak, your shoes will get wet. (sport sandals, neoprene booties or old running shoes work best)

What to wear for all other kayaking lessons:

Most of our kayaking lessons (except our Intro to Kayaking lesson) involve learning how to safely capsize. This means you have to be dressed and ready for immersion. We provide wetsuits for you to use or you’re welcome to bring your own.

Towel & bathing suit for under a wetsuit (provided for the course)
Synthetic, quick-dry or wool top
Warm fleece sweater or light athletic jacket
Sun hat
Toque, if it’s cold out
Comfortable shoes for in the kayak, your shoes will get wet. (sport sandals, neoprene booties or old running shoes work best)

Purchasing kayak gear:

If you are looking for any gear to purchase before your program check out our retail store.

We have a fantastic article that goes into more detail as to what gear is useful (and why) when going kayaking.

If you booked a kayaking lesson with us show your lesson confirmation email to receive 10% off at Coast Outdoors between the time of booking until 2 weeks after your lesson (some restrictions apply)

What to bring

Warm change of clothes for after paddling
Water Bottle
Snack or lunch
Sun hat, Sunscreen, Sunglasses (with strap)
Drybag (if you want to bring items on the water with you). We also have drybags available for rental.

Where we are

Jericho Beach Kayak Centre
At the Jericho Sailing Centre
1300 Discovery St, Vancouver, BC
604-689-7575

Meeting point is at the East Side of the Jericho Sailing Centre Compound. Our location is equipped with changing rooms and a small storage space. There are washrooms available nearby.

How to get here

Bus # 4 stops on 4th Avenue at Marine Drive. From there it is about a 10min walk to our location. Please visit the Translink website to plan your trip from a specific location.

Pay parking is available at the parking lot of the Jericho Sailing Centre. Limited free street parking is available along Marine Drive (5-10 min walk). Please refer to this map for our local parking options.

Minors:

Minors on Rentals
- Children under the age of 16 must go into a double kayak with an adult and have a consent form filled out and signed by their guardian before going on the water
- Youth aged 16-18 may paddle in single kayaks and unaccompanied by an adult with a consent form filled out and signed by their guardian
Minors in Lessons
- Paddlers must be at least 16 years old to participate in an adult lesson.
- Paddlers aged 18 and under must have their Acknowledgement of Risk Form signed by a legal guardian before taking part in the program.
- Paddlers aged 18 and under who are getting their Paddle Canada Certification must have their Paddle Canada Waiver signed by a legal guardian.

Please note: All waivers must be completed before the program. Anyone who does not have this paperwork completed will not be able to participate in the program

Cancellation Policy:

We understand that plans can change.

Please refer to our Cancellation Policy page for details on when and how to cancel.