SEA KAYAKING EXPEDITION TRIP INFORMATION
DATES:
May 4 - packing and on-water training day
May 5-8 - Sea kayaking expedition in the central Gulf Islands
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: This 5-day overnight sea kayaking and camping trip is designed to introduce students to sea kayaking while paddling on the ocean. During this expedition the students and sea kayak guides will paddle in relatively protected waters while they develop and refine their paddling, navigation and rescue skills. As an overnight camping trip, students will also develop their camp skills such as cooking over camp stoves, setting up tarps and tents.
TRIP PRE-REQUISITES:
Students must be able to swim 25 meters
A current tetanus immunization (generally good for 10 years).
GROUP EQUIPMENT: The guides will bring activity-specific equipment for the group. This will include kayaks, paddles, PFDs, paddling jackets/pants... The guides will also bring emergency response equipment (emergency communication device, first aid kit…).
NO ELECTRONICS/PHONES: Students should not bring any electronics or phones on the outtrip. This includes airpods or similar headphones. Any devices will be collected by guides/instructors and returned at the end of the trip. Guides are not responsible for any damage to devices on the trip.
For photography, if a student would like to bring a dedicated camera (digital, analogue, or disposable), they may bring that with them during the activity.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: We have a wide range of clothing and equipment available to students for the trips. This includes sleeping bags, foamies, rain coats, rain pants and clothing items such as fleece layers and puffball jackets. Yes, please try to borrow gear and clothing from friends and family first, but if you get stuck, we can help. Students will do a gear check with their guides during the training and prep on Day 1. At that point the guides will outfit the students with any missing items. The following link will allow you to access the SEA KAYAKING EQUIPMENT LIST.
MEALS/FOOD: Students should bring a hearty bag lunch on day 1 and 2. A bag lunch will be provided for boarding students. All other meals will be provided. Students will be cooking meals in camp under supervision of the guides.
TRANSPORTATION: Students will be traveling by school bus or in a school van driven by one of the guides.
DAILY ITINERARY: Note: This is a tentative schedule that may change due to weather, water conditions, etc.
Pre-trip meeting: April 19 grade meeting in the Chapel
May 4 (Day 1):
8:15 AM. Meet guides at DERBY (the OED building at 3410 Shelbourne). Students should bring all of their equipment and clothing on day 1
Gear checks and trip prep with guides
On-water paddle skills session.
4:30 PM. Students return home for the night.
May 5 (Day 2)
8:00 AM. Meet guides at DERBY
Depart for launch site and kayaking expedition
May 5-8 (Day 2-5)
Camping and kayaking activities
May 8 (Day 5):
Pack up camp. Return to Victoria
Return to DERBY at ~ 4:30 PM
ACCOMMODATION: Students will be sleeping in 2-4 person tents or under tarps.
KAYAKING & CAMPING LOCATION: The group and guides will be kayaking and camping in the central Gulf Islands (Mudge Island, De Courcy Island…).
STAFFING: SMUS hires professional outdoor guides to lead the trip or a company to provide the guiding services.
INSTRUCTOR/STUDENT RATIOS: 2:10
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS: This is a school-sponsored outing and school rules will apply. Participants are expected to follow the guidelines set by the instructional staff. A failure to meet these guidelines or a failure to follow school rules may result in the participant being removed from the activity at their own expense.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT: The Leader-in charge has immediate access to: An appropriate first aid kit, Cell phone or pre-established means to communicate with the school or emergency services, Emergency Call Plan, Student Medical Information
EMERGENCY MEDICINE: Students should not be self-administering ANY medication, even if it is part of their own regular routine, without discussing it first with the guides. Students with asthma, severe allergies and medical conditions should bring a clearly labelled set of the appropriate medication and discuss the treatment plan with the guides prior to the trip.