3 day Paddle Canada Kayak / Camping Clinic in Desolation Sound

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 6 students and an experienced Level 2 Paddle Canada Instructor will be present during all 3 days. During this clinic we will camp within marine park boundaries (some facilities are present) and possibly outside marine park boundaries (no facilities are present).

This clinic focuses on kayaking and back-country camping in a moderately exposed coastline. There is a focus on un-assisted and assisted re-entry techniques as well as the skills required to safely plan and execute a multi-day camping tour with friends. Wilderness navigation techniques and chart / map work, weather interpretation & forecasting, tides & currents and decision-making are some of the many topics covered in this clinic. 

Camping skills and knowledge: packing your kayak for a multi-day tour, carrying and launching / landing fully loaded kayaks, camp set-up, ‘tarpology’ (tarp set-up, including ropes & knots), campfires (or not), evacuation options, camp kitchen set-up (meal planning), camp-etiquette.

Kayak skills and knowledge: Re-entry skills; unassisted and assisted re-entry techniques and towing. Paddling skills: launching and landing, forward and reverse strokes, turning strokes, stopping, sweep strokes, draw strokes, high and low brace, stern draw and pry; while paddling in Level 1 and Level 2 conditions. Knowledge: equipment and equipment care, tides & currents, wilderness navigation techniques and chart / map work, weather interpretation, heat / cold issues, leadership and decision making, risk assessment and incident management.

You may bring your own sea kayak including paddle(s), safety equipment and immersion gear or we can provide a kayak and equipment for you without additional costs.

Please note: a Paddle Canada Level 1 or Level 2 Certificate will not be issued at the end of this clinic.