Kayaking Skills Saturna Island

We had an amazing time! Fred went above and beyond to ensure we'd have an excellent experience. Fred took some amazing photos of our group, and suggested a great route. Thank you, Fred! We hope to visit again sometime soon :)

I took a level one course with Fred and Ruth and learned an incredible amount in a short time. I’d been kayaking for many years but over the two days learned new techniques that definitely improved my paddling efficiency. The course was a lot of fun, well-paced and adapted to my particular level and ability. Both Fred and Ruth are very knowledgeable and excellent teachers and also very nice people.Paul Kernan, North Vancouver BC

Taking a course with Fred at and Ruth at Kayaking Skills on Saturna Island is a truly wonderful experience. You're paddling skills will begin to improve from the first moments on the water. I have come away with much improved skills, great memories and pictures, as well as a refreshed love for the sport. I highly recommend taking a course with this company!

We visited Ruth and Fred for a 3 day and 2 nights kayaking, camping and hiking trip. Ruth and Fred are great kayak instructors and we felt super safe kayaking with these two. We learned a lot about paddle stroke techniques, seaweeds and wildlife around Saturna. We saw orcas, eagles, otters and seals. They also provided super delicious and fresh food. We recommend a trip with Ruth and Fred and would love to visit them again.

My 8yo granddaughter was worried about an upcoming 4H outing that would require her to kayak so I arranged for Fred to give her a lesson (the adults paddled along). As the lesson began worries escalated, tears were shed, but Fred handled it all very professionally and gracefully. At one point she ran aground and it seemed that all gained confidence might be lost. He remained calm and taught her how to deal with the situation; he even took her back later to the scene of the crime" to prove that she could handle it. In less that 2 hours

We had such a great experience with Fred! One of us had never sea kayaked before, and thanks to Fred's tips, her form was unmatched by the end of the paddling journey. Fred gave us tips on where to go, and was just super friendly and wonderful. He even gave us complimentary dry bags to use during the paddle! 11/10

Fred is an amazing teacher! We went on a tour with him, and he gave us tips and tricks and built our confidence. We felt so comfortable that we went out on our own the next day. Not only that, he’s super friendly and lovely. Highly recommend Kayaking Skills. The cafe his partner runs is also delicious. Such a great experience!

Great day on the water. Nice to have quality boats to paddle and excellent instruction. Fred was more than happy to teach at each paddlers level and no one went away without learning. Excellent location also.

My kayaking club in Esquimalt BC sent me to Fred and Saturna Island for instructor training; level 1 skills and the basic instructor course. I am so incredibly lucky that I was able to work with Fred! Within an hour of being on the water I already could see and feel an improvement in my technique and speed. He is an amazing and calm instructor, as is his wife Ruth who was a huge support to the students on the course. Saturna Island is beautiful and doing this course gave me an appreciation of the kayaking opportunities in the Gulf Islands. Not only did I go back to my club with my Paddle Canada certification, I made lifelong paddling friends! I can’t recommend Fred (and Ruth) enough, I can’t wait to take the next course and continue with my kayak training!

Had a great trip out on one of Fred’s kayaks over the long weekend. He gave me some great tips before setting out and planned a fantastic route for me. He even checked in with me every few hours by text which I appreciated.I will definitely be using them again next time I’m back on the island.Also lovely ice cream in the cafe!