Welcome to Textured Waters Paddling!
I founded this company in 2021 with the intention of providing sea-kayakers of all levels with the opportunity to expand their experience and build confidence in more “Textured” waters.
By keeping the student to coach ratio very low, Textured Waters Paddling (TWP) can provide personalized, student-focused training experiences in a safe yet challenging environment.
As a Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayak instructor in good standing, along with other sea kayak related certifications and over 20 years experience, I have the tools to take you to that next level in paddling!
Barry Butcher
Owner
Our coaching series provides you with numerous sea kayaking developmental options to take your skills to the next level.
This series provides you the paddler with a core understanding of the techniques of controlling your kayak effectively and efficiently. Theme areas include balance, effective recovery and rescues.
This series is conducted in more managable waters to maximize your learning.
Either following from the foundation series or on its own, the progression series provide greater flexibility in your paddling by introducing and reinforcing concepts and tools to take you to your next level of paddling, while letting you explore outside your comfort zone in a safe and fun environment.
With the right tools and techniques, paddlers can expand into the exciting environment of more dynamic waters. Learning to properly paddle in these type of environments will bring your paddling confidence levels up and provide you with a broader paddling experience.
Come experience some practical leadership and rough water training in an urban or back country setting, our flexibility in training is sure to meet your needs.
Want something more specific? Perhaps personal coaching is the way to go. We help you design and deliver a unique training regime that fits your schedule and needs.
Personal coaching is a great alternative for those looking for some extra training with the additional benefit of flexible training dates.
Personal coaching includes working with you to develop and implement a training program for your needs. It includes on-water coaching, feedback, and written summaries of each training session.
Two packages are available:
Kayak safety helmet is mandatory.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Training
All training will be conducted “Rain or Shine”.
Weather conditions often dictate the location for Textured Waters Paddling.
Age
All participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Payment
Payment in full is required to confirm your reservation. Payment may be made via e-transfer only, to: payment@texturedwaterspaddling.ca.
Note: If you bring 3 friends along on a training program, you each will receive a 10% discount.
* certain conditions apply*
Cancellation
By Participant:
All cancellations must be made in writing and sent via email to booking@texturedwaterspaddling.ca.
From the time of payment to 31 calendar days prior to the training date: TWP will issue a full refund.
TWP will not issue any refunds 30 calendar days or less to the training date.
By TWP:
Should Textured Waters Paddling have to cancel any training, a full refund will be provided.
Textured Waters Paddling will not be liable for payments made to other service providers, such as travel, accommodation and equipment rentals.
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
When you reserve a place on a Textured Waters Paddling course, you accept that there is an element of risk in this type of outdoor activity. Our highly experienced and qualified team will make decisions and provide guidance leading up to and during your training to ensure your safety.
By submitting your payment, you agree to follow the instructions and guidance provided by the Textured Waters Paddling team including:
Change of Venue
Our training programs are held in the Western GTHA, however the actual venue will be determined by the weather and may be changed at short notice (<24 hrs.) to provide you with the best possible learning environment.
Equipment
Please see the Details section for the list of required equipment prior to booking any training.
Textured Waters Paddling provides no rental equipment.
Photos
Photographs and video may be taken during your training and while TWP reserves the right to use these images for promotional purposes, you may “opt” out of this by contacting us directly at info@texturedwaterspaddling.ca.
WHAT DO WE NEED?
Please read this carefully prior to reserving your spot in one of TWP’s training programs:
1. All sessions and training are conducted Rain or Shine. This is a wet sport, and we will use the weather to our advantage.
2. Only Sea Kayaks 14 feet or longer with at least two (2) watertight bulkheads are permitted on TWP training programs.
No recreational kayaks will be permitted.
3. Bring your paddle(s) of preference.
4. All mandatory safety equipment is required. This includes but is not limited to:
a. Pump
b. Tow belt or tow system
c. Paddle float
d. PFD (must be worn on all training)
e. Whistle
f. Kayak safety helmet
(if the course details mention it).
This is for your safety and is a legal requirement.
5. Appropriate paddling clothing. It is recommended that Dry or Wet suits be used during training.
Remember that we dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
6. Bring extra water, snacks, sunscreen and spare dry clothing for the training.
7. Please arrive early so that you are ready to start the training at the posted time.
Please note:
TWP does not provide any rental equipment.
WHERE DO WE MEET?
All of our training takes place in several locations around the western Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA). Starting at Mississauga in the east and all the way around to Fort Erie is our preferred playground that provides plenty of paddling opportunities.
While TWP conducts most of its training in the Western GTHA, the actual venues are decided based on what Mother Nature is providing us. So TWP will decide closer to the actual training date on where we will paddle so that we can maximize the training with the conditions.
Please indicate the program name and preferred dates.
We will then set up a call to ensure this program is right for you!