David Johnston has been introducing people to the sport of sea kayaking for the past 25 years. He is a senior instructor trainer and kayak guide with Paddle Canada and has taught for several paddling schools in Ontario.
David lives in Peterborough, Ontario and when not paddling, he is a web designer with the Ontario Provincial Government. Future dream jobs include becoming a professional wrestler referee or a certified waterslide tester.
History and Adventure Presentations
If This Campsite Could Talk: 8,000 Years on Lake Superior’s North Shore
Imagine sitting at a campsite that has sheltered people for 8,000 years. From ancient Indigenous hunters following retreating glaciers to voyageurs, loggers, anglers, and today’s paddlers exploring Pukaskwa’s rugged coast, each generation has left its mark on this place. David Johnston takes us on a journey through time, exploring how one humble site tells the broader story of the north shore’s history and the people drawn to its beauty and ruggedness.
Ancient Finds and Forgotten Places on Lake Superior
If you know where to look, the Lake Superior shoreline is filled with both ancient and old finds for you to discover. The hard part is that you can easily paddle right by, not knowing about what you just missed. In this presentation, David will introduce you to some of the cool stuff out there including pictographs, Pukaskwa Pits, voyageur trading posts, shipwrecks, trainwrecks and ghost towns. He will also cover places to start your research so you can discover them on your own journeys.
The Weird History of Modern Sea Kayaking
Did you know that Pope John Paul II was an avid kayaker? What happened to the prisoners who built that kayak and escaped from San Quentin prison?
Come join David Johnston as he explores the fascinating history of modern sea kayaking in North America and along the way you will discover the humble origins of the sport and learn about why the Great Lakes were the centre of the kayaking universe for nearly fifteen years starting in the mid-80’s.
Best Paddling Trips of the Canadian Side of Lake Superior
The Canadian side of Lake Superior has 1,549 miles of wilderness shoreline for you to paddle but like every good fishing hole, many of the routes are kept kind of secret. David’s been paddling on Lake Superior for over 25 years and he’s spilling the beans on where to go, how to get there, what you’ll see and what makes that route…superior.
This will be appealing for both beginners and experienced campers alike.
Top Secret Paddling Routes of Georgian Bay
Did you know that Georgian Bay is the world’s largest freshwater archipelago with over 30,000 islands to paddle around and get lost in? David Johnston’s been paddling up and down the coast for the better part of 25 years and he will show you the best places to paddle.
You will discover what makes that area so special and why Georgian Bay needs to be the destination for your next paddling trip.
Skill Development Presentations
Clouds, Cold Fronts & Confusion: Weather for Paddlers Who Always Wanted to Know
If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head at shifting skies, surprise squalls, or the ever-mysterious marine forecasts, this clinic is for you. Join David as he guides you through the weird, wonderful, and often windy world of weather. You’ll learn where weather patterns come from, how to interpret key signs in the sky, and—most importantly—how to create your own daily paddling forecasts.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced paddler looking to boost your confidence, this clinic offers practical skills and approachable explanations. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s happening above your head, while paddling below.
Navigation 101 for Paddlers: The Art of Staying Found
Do you find yourself getting intimidated, confused or turned around while trying to navigate on a canoe or sea kayak trip? If so, find your way to this presentation where David will introduce you to the tips and tricks to help keep from getting misplaced. We will cover the basics of how to read the land and how to follow along via your topographic map, playing with a compass as well as what happens when things go wrong.
Navigation 102 for Paddlers
Picking up where he left off in Navigation 101, David will cover more “intermediate(ish)” navigation techniques that paddlers can use to travel confidently on their next adventure. For example, we will look at several things including how to make use of nautical charts, shooting bearings on a map or chart, using lines of position as well as tips and tricks for estimating speed and distance. You can be rest assured that we won’t be getting into boring stuff like celestial navigation.
Tides and Currents for Freshwater Paddlers
Does figuring out when low tide will happen during your first ocean kayak trip still get you down? That’s ok, it can get confusing. This presentation will cover how tides and currents work, and how to work them into the planning of your kayak trip. Don’t fret, David promises not to get bogged down into a lot of complex math.