5 day Paddle Canada Kayak / Camping Clinic in Desolation Sound

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.