Kayaking/Canoeing training courses provided by LCSD

Kayaking / Canoeing is a sport for all ages. It requires no complicated equipment. All you need is a paddle and a lifejacket / buoyancy aid and you will soon enjoy paddling with simple instructions. The water sports centres under the management of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) are equipped with a variety of kayaks / canoes, including single and double kayaks, rescue kayaks, sea kayaks, multi-purpose kayaks and racing kayaks (K-1). Added to these are a wide range of structured programmes and our experienced instructors. No matter being a beginner or a professional paddler, there are always programmes suitable for you.

These are some examples of the training courses:

 For beginners 
Kayak 1 Star Award Training (1-day course)
A course specially designed for beginners. It is intended to get you started on sheltered waters and introduce the basic paddling strokes, whistle signals, personal gear, the relevance of lifejacket / buoyancy aid, raft-up as well as capsize training. After successful completion of the course, you may proceed to the 2-Star Award Training.

 For intermediates 
Kayak Proficiency Gold Award Training (Techniques & Sea Trip) (2-day course)
This is the highest level of training for Proficiency Award. It introduces the skills and knowledge including sculling draw, sculling for support, low brace turn, map reading and use of compass, etc. In this course, you will undergo a 15-kilometre sea trip training. Participant completed the 2-day Kayak Proficiency Gold Award Training is eligible to apply for the Attendance Certificate from Hong Kong Canoe Union (HKCU). The Attendance Certificate Holder is eligible to apply for one day examination on both written and practical assessment organised by HKCU or its affiliated clubs. If participant successfully passes the assessments, Kayak Proficiency Certificate will be awarded by HKCU.

 For professionals 
Advanced Canoe Lifeguard Training (Techniques) (3-day course)
This is a comprehensive canoe lifeguard course designed to prepare student with advanced knowledge, skills and ability to handle unexpected events on the water. The contents of the course include searching technique, accident case study, full rolling skill, swimming in canoe, single blade stroke, various towing techniques and first aid skills, etc. The course aims at helping participants to prepare for the Advanced Canoe Lifeguard Certificate Examination.

For more details about the training course of Kayak/Canoe, please visit the website of LCSD. And please read the Entry Requirement before enrolment.

>>Click here for LCSD's training courses of Kayak/Canoe

Sea expeditions or adventures
The Water Sports Centres of LCSD offer various thematic water sports activities in marine ecology and coastal geological features for nature lovers to admire the coastal scenery. Apart from physical training, the activities also help participants to improve self-confidence, give full play to their potential and foster team spirit while planning their sea expeditions. By taking part in thematic sea trips, participants can maneuver their own canoes to enjoy at close range the fascinating scenery at sea and appreciate the wonders of nature in remote and uninhabited islands. The programmes will not only help to foster a sense of environmental protection among participants but also enable them to enjoy life at leisure.

After getting the specific certificate of Kayak/Canoe or LCSD Kayak 3 Star*, you can join the sea expeditions or adventures organised by the Water Sports Centres of LCSD, the programes are Marine Ecological Tours, Coastal Geological Tours, Coastal Scenery Tours, or other Coastal Tours etc. For the details of the sea expeditions or adventures, please visit the website of LCSD.

^{*For novices in canoeing, the Water Sports Centres of LCSD will provide one-stop service including provision of elementary training courses in canoeing (i.e. Kayak 1-star to 3-star Award) and design of appropriate sea expeditions or adventures to participants who are interested in canoeing and able to swim 50 metres with clothes. Please contact the Water Sports Centres for details.}