Professional outdoor instruction for over 25 years.
David Johnston is a Paddle Canada certified Sea Kayak Instructor based in Peterborough, Ontario. With over 25 years of experience teaching sea kayaking, he specializes in intermediate and advanced instruction and is a sought out keynote presenter.
David is passionate about teaching and is highly regarded for his ability to communicate, especially in adult learning environments. In addition to on-water instruction, he regularly delivers presentations and speaks on topics related to sea kayaking, instructor training, and history of Lake Superior.
Presentation Topics
Learn more about David’s speaking and presentations for conferences, paddling clubs and outdoor organizations.
2026 Teaching and Guiding Calendar
- Paddle Canada Certification Maintenance Clinic – Parry Sound, Ontario – Ontario Sea Kayak Centre – May 23
- Guided Trip on Lake Superior – Thunder Bay to Rossport – Such a Nice Day Kayaking – July 5-15
- Guided Trip on Georgian Bay – Killarney to Bing Inlet – Ontario Sea Kayak Centre – August 10-15
- Paddlepalooza at Killbear Provincial Park – Ontario Sea Kayak Centre – September 11-13
- Paddle Canada Level-3 Skills – Rossport, Ontario – Such a Nice Day Kayaking – October 14-18 (TBD)
Certification Stuff
- Paddle Canada Level-3 Instructor Trainer
- Leadership Camping Instructor Trainer
- Kayak Rolling Instructor Trainer
- Level-4 Sea Kayak Instructor
- Level-4 Sea Kayak Skills
- Wilderness First Responder