The Long-Term Student Program: Growth, Connection, Challenge, and Most Importantly, Support
The Long-Term Student Program was born during my journey toward achieving the British Canoe Union Level 5 Sea Kayak Coach certification. It wasn’t created in a single moment but through years of reflection, coaching, and paddling alongside others who shared the same drive to learn from the sea.
As I worked toward that level of coaching, I realised that the most powerful learning doesn’t happen in a single course. It happens over time, through shared experiences, and in a community that keeps showing up. That’s how the Long-Term Student Program came to life.
We need the sea because it teaches us.
Every wave, tide, and current has a lesson to offer: about patience, awareness, and trust. The Long-Term Student Program is not just a collection of courses; it’s an ongoing journey of growth, connection, and adventure.
As one student once said, “We’re long-term students, but we never graduate.”
Who It’s For
This program is open to all paddlers who want to grow their skills and confidence over time. While the focus tends to start with those who’ve completed the Paddle Canada Level 1 Skills program, the beauty of the Long-Term Student journey is that it meets you where you are, and takes you further than you thought possible.
“My first visit to Nova Scotia was in 2019, and I was nervous of even 1-foot waves. Fast forward to 2025, I now paddle in NS at least 10 days per season. My confidence has grown, my skills have improved, and I’ve paddled some of the bigger venues in Nova Scotia—all while still having SO much fun.” – Lyne
The Benefits of Being a Long-Term Student
Steady Progression
Build your skills layer by layer across the season, ensuring your improvements last long after the program ends.
Challenging Environments
Experience the variety of real-world paddling conditions: surf, currents, and tides, that push you beyond what the Great Lakes alone can offer.
“Paddling with Chris and his team has been a great experience. His coaching in the Nova Scotia environment helped me build on my Great Lakes paddling. He’ll take you out of your comfort zone and get more out of you than you ever thought possible.” – Suren
Community & Support
Train with the same group of committed paddlers who share the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the joy of every session.
Personalized Coaching
Every paddler comes with different goals, motivations, and needs—and that’s where the heart of the Long-Term Student Program lies.
During structured sessions, we focus on identifying your needs and wants as a paddler, building a personalised action plan to help you progress steadily. You’ll leave each session with clear next steps and plenty of focused practice ideas to work on between formal programs.
“Chris sets the bar high. His coaching is clear, focused, and pushes you beyond your comfort zone. It’s not always easy, but the growth is real.” – Hector
In the Realm of Sea Kayak Skills
Personal paddling techniques play a pivotal role in achieving skillful performance on the water. The learning journey involves the solidification of techniques through consistent practice and their effective application in diverse conditions. Benchmarking your progress becomes essential to gauge improvement, ensuring accountability in your paddling development.
Whether it’s perfecting the art of bracing, refining your forward stroke, or mastering the roll, these personal paddling techniques are the building blocks that lead to skillful and accountable kayaking experiences.
Why Choose LTS?
Become part of a community of fellow students who share your passion for personal paddling growth and pushing boundaries, all within a supportive environment. You’ll be surrounded by peers who are there to back each other, both on and off the water, while benefiting from the expertise of Canada’s most dedicated and highly knowledgeable sea kayak coaches.
“Being a Committed 2 the Core student makes it possible to leave your comfort zone and challenge yourself, surrounded by support and encouragement.” – Donna
In order for you to see continued improvement, you must practice between sessions. It’s key that you connect with members of the team to arrange time together. Self-directed learning is key to success.
Memories Beyond Skills
From lobster feasts and shared accommodations to laughter around the table after a day on the water, this is a community that becomes family.
“I loved making new connections and strengthening old ones. Coming home after a session with a new insight—sometimes from a coach, sometimes from a peer—has been amazing.” – Kelly
Mentorship for Coaching & Leadership
For those who want to coach or lead others, the program offers mentorship in decision-making, group management, and leadership development.
Join the Journey
If you’re ready to grow your skills, push your limits, and be part of a community that learns together year after year, the Long-Term Student Program is for you.
Because we need the sea, and the sea needs us to listen, to learn, and to keep showing up.
Nova Scotia — Our Backyard
Our Long-Term Student programs are built around some of Nova Scotia’s most spectacular and challenging coastal environments, each one carefully chosen to stretch your skills and deepen your understanding of the sea.
We train along the dramatic granite coastline of Peggy’s Cove and West Dover, where swell, surge, and rock gardens test precision and control. On Brier Island, the meeting of tides and open ocean creates a true classroom for leadership, navigation, and decision-making in dynamic waters.
The Tusket Islands and West Pubnico offer intricate passages and tidal channels that are perfect for refining group management and route planning. Further down the coast, Cape Forchu and Cape Sable Island expose paddlers to powerful tidal currents, ocean swell, and the raw energy of the Atlantic.
Together, these venues create a rich progression — a living laboratory where every session builds experience, confidence, and respect for the sea.
Great Lakes — Where the Journey Begins
We know that many Great Lakes paddlers wonder if they’re ready for the challenges the sea has to offer. The answer is simple: yes, you are. Growth happens on the Great Lakes, but the sea calls to those who are ready for more.
Our Great Lakes programs help you build the skills, confidence, and mindset to answer that call. Through focused coaching and exposure to wind, waves, and dynamic conditions, you’ll prepare for your next step of taking those hard-earned skills to the ocean.
When you’re ready, Nova Scotia awaits. The sea becomes both your teacher and your reward: a place where all that Great Lakes preparation pays off in unforgettable experiences.
