Kayak Courses, Lessons and Clinics

5 day Paddle Canada Kayak / Camping Clinic in Desolation Sound

We offer this 5-day kayak / camping clinic in wildly beautiful Desolation Sound. This clinic is designed for Level 1 and Level 2 students (or students with equivalent experience) who would like to refresh and advance their current kayak skills and combine these with wilderness camping skills in a Level 2 environment. Where a regular Paddle Canada Course is mostly geared towards gaining more kayak-skills (and a possible emergency shelter), this clinic will also focus on wilderness camping skills in and beyond a marine park setting.
 

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 8 students and and two experienced Level 2 Paddle Canada Instructors will be present during all 5 days. During this clinic we will camp within marine park boundaries (some facilities are present) and 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.

What you bring

  • Yourself in good spirits and ready to learn
  • Notebook + pencil
  • Snacks / lunch / (hot) drinks
  • Folding chair

Personal Gear

  • Prescription drugs
  • Sunscreen / Lip-balm
  • Hand sanitizing kit
  • Water bottle

Paddling clothesQuick drying (will get wet)

  • Comfortable pants
  • Rain- / Wind-Jacket
  • Synthetic shirt(s)
  • Warm fleece sweater
  • Sun protection
  • Sturdy footwear / neoprene booties

Shore Clothes (keep dry)

  • Warm Fleece / Jacket
  • Dry pants (no cotton)
  • Dry shoes & socks
  • Beanie / toque

Optional

  • Own kayak + gear
  • Own immersion gear
  • Own camping gear
  • Own chart(s) / map(s)

What We Provide

  • Kayak / paddle / PFD / spray-skirt / bilge-pump / paddle-float (rigid / inflatable)
  • Course Hand-out (online)
  • Neoprene wetsuit
  • Dry-bag(s) if needed
  • All camping gear (upgrade package available)
  • All meals during the 5-day clinic

Searching Availability...