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KAYAKING PREP CLINIC

Skills for kayakers with some experience to become more independent paddlers

Suitability:

Intermediate

Meeting Place:

Saltery Bay Provincial Park, Boat Launch

Time:

6 hours
9 am - 3 pm

Dates:

May-June & Sept-Oct

Cost:

$245

Sea Kayaking Prep Clinic

This 6-hour intermediate lesson is best advised for already experienced paddlers who wish to gain knowledge in becoming a more independent paddler. This includes:

  1. A quick review of the beginner lesson. Rescues if needed.
  2. How to read a chart and how to compare a chart to the terrain.
  3. Basics of how to use a compass and how to use it with a chart.
  4. How to interpret marine weather forecasts and local weather observations.
  5. Discussion on managing group dynamics.
  6. How to make a route plan and how it is used.
  7. Which emergency contact information to bring.
  8. What safety equipment to bring; how and when to use your safety equipment.

Scenarios can include: navigation, channel crossings, determining places to land/camp, working with tides and currents and rescues. Please share any areas of interest you are interested in learning.

Map

Highlighted in orange below is the possible paddling range.

Broken Group Map for Wild Root Journeys kayak tours in BC

Where We Paddle

We will begin with quick review of the Basics Clinic to refresh past concepts and catch up those who may be jumping in with some experience. Most of this clinic is taught on land in an informal classroom style. Topics discussed in the first part of the day include:

  1. How to read a chart and how to compare a chart to the terrain.
  2. Basics of how to use a compass and how to use it with a chart.
  3. How to interpret marine weather forecasts and local weather observations.
  4. How to make a route plan and how it is used.
  5. Which emergency contact information to bring.

We will then hit the water to put this into practice. Along with the topics above we will then also incorporate:

  1. Discussion on managing group dynamics.
  2. What safety equipment to bring; how and when to use your safety equipment.
  3. Paddling techniques
  4. Implementing crossings
  5. Putting our route planning and weather observations to the test.

If time is available at the end we will review and practice self and assisted rescues. We can either take part in this on land or in the water. No pressure to get wet, however the more realistic the experience the more likely you will know what to do in the moment. We will then wrap up the clinic with any final questions and ways to move forward with the information given.

When & Where We Meet

We will meet at the boat launch in the Saltery Bay Provincial Park. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time as a trip form and waiver will need to be filled out. If you are under 18, an adult will need to sign on your behalf. Map

What is Included

  • A Certified Guide
  • All Kayak and Safety Gear
  • Paddle Jacket for Wet Days
  • A Dry Bag to Store Layers and Camera.
  • Gourmet Lunch if listed in description

What to Bring

Clothing:

  • Shoes that can get wet and most importantly have grip. They need to have ankle support. I recommend runners, water shoes, Keen or Croc sandals. Closed toed shoes help against stubbing toes on rocks.
  • Shorts or pants that dry quickly when wet.
  • 2 shirts so you can adjust your layers depending on the weather.
  • 1 light sweater
  • A wool hat for cold days.
  • Gloves for those who easily get cold fingers.
  • Face mask

No cotton/jeans. They become heavy and cold when wet. Synthetic clothing such as fleece or polyester is a better option. These will warm with your body if wet.

Other items include:

  • A hat or sunglasses for sun protection
  • 1 litre of water and snack
  • Personal medications
  • Waterproof camera if possible, otherwise we have dry bags which will keep the camera dry

Please contact us with any further questions at info@nullwildrootjourneys.com

Photo Gallery

Photos to enjoy from past prep clinics

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