The RCABC Instructor Network
The RCABC has hundreds of instructors across BC and beyond in Western Canada. RCABC Instructors teach paddler and leader level courses.
Course Types
Paddler level courses are skills courses where you learn foundational skills such as strokes, navigation and rescue techniques.
Leader level courses are for those who lead other recreational paddlers such as at summer camps, or with canoe clubs.
Instructor Training and Mentorship
If you want to become an Instructor yourself you can look for an Instructor Trainer or Master Instructor who can certify new Instructors in Instructor level courses or by mentorship.
Master Instructors are the creme de la creme of the RCABC - They are Instructor Trainers certified in multiple disciplines who have been recognized for their superb teaching skills and contributions to the RCABC and canoeing community.
Guide-Level Training
Some Instructors are also certified to teach Guide level courses - for those who work in the tourism industry leading other paddlers commercially.
Choosing the Right Starting Point
Most people looking for canoe lessons start with a basic tandem or solo lakewater paddler level course. This is recommended, however you can start any of our disciplines at the basic level such as moving water, poling, big canoe, etc.
Technically you can take any course with the instructors approval. If they feel you have adequate prerequisite skills and experience then they may allow you on the course, but it does no one any favours to skip ahead if you are not ready...
Find an Instructor
You can use the map below to quickly search for an instructor near you. Just click on the Instructor, Guide, or Paddling School to see what types of canoeing courses or services they offer.
Search By Zone
The RCABC is split into 9 different Zones: Metro Vancouver West, Metro Vancouver East, Fraser Valley, Sea to Sky Sunshine Coast, Vancouver- Gulf Islands, Thompson-Okanagan, Kootenays, Central BC, and Northern BC. You can search for Instructors by Zone and we use these zones to help with regional communication, planning, and promotion.
Click on the zone above to email your zone rep. and they may be able to help you locate a particular kind of Instructor, course, or club within your zone. They are also excellent local resources for canoe routes in a particular region.
Instructor Coordinator
Meet the RCABC's current Instructor Coordinator Keiran Rankin. Keiran is Master Instructor living in Kamloops, BC and teaches many disciplines but his main passion is moving water canoeing, guiding, and river rescue. Reach out if you need any assistance finding a specific instructor or understanding our program by emailing instructor_coordinator@bccanoe.com
Current Featured Instructor
Our current featured Instructor is Instructor Trainer Trish Kinsey. Trish is currently serving as the Vice President. She lives in New Westminster, BC and teaches lakewater canoeing for the City of Burnaby Parks and Recreation program. Trish is passionate about helping diverse Canadians learn to canoe and is always keen to progress her own paddling skills including on moving water and the ocean.
Ready to Start Learning?
Find the right course, connect with an instructor, or explore the best next step for your canoeing journey.