WEST COAST FISHING AND KAYAKING Trip INformation:

DATES: October 1-5, 2023

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: This 5-day overnight kayaking, fishing and camping trip is designed to allow students to hone their kayaking and fishing skills on the spectacular waterways near Ucluelet, BC. Each day, the group will venture out in kayaks with their guides to fish the surrounding bays and inlets. All paddling and fishing gear with be supplied. Students will develop their paddling skills, fishing techniques, understanding of tides and currents as well as their camp 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).

  • BC Saltwater Fishing License (Free for students under 16 years of age. Information on the website of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans)

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, spare masks, sanitizer and cleaning supplies…).

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 prior to the trip (typically a day or two before the trip). At that point the guides will outfit the students with any missing items. The following link will allow you to access the WEST COAST FISHING & KAYAKING EQUIPMENT LIST

FISHING EQUIPMENT: The guides will provide all necessary fishing equipment. That being said, students are welcome to bring their own fishing equipment if they have it. The following equipment would be suitable if students want to bring their own.

Trout casting rod with ideally a spinning reel (believe or not we use this to catch large salmon, Fish bonker, pliers, Single barbless hooks, gloves, 20 lb test line (braided preferred), Fly fishing rods (#6 #7 or #8) are also welcome, strong swivels.

Hooks and spoons: Clio Spoons (best colors are silver-green, silver-blue and silver-orange), Heavy Bolo spinners (best colors are silver, red and yellow), Crocodile spoons, Blue Fox spinners, Coho Killer spoons.

BC SALT WATER FISHING LICENSE: Here is the link to the BC Salt Water fishing license site. You will all need a paper copy of your license with you. If you are under the age of 16, the license is free but you still need to get the license. For the outtrip, a 5-day license for the dates of the trip are adequate. You may also want to get the salmon conservation stamp ($6). I would, just in case I catch a big salmon and want to keep it.

ELECTRONICS/PHONES: Students should not have electronics or phones on the outtrip. The exception is trips with longer bus rides (Tofino/Ucluelet or Penticton trips). In those cases, students may bring electronics/phones for the bus ride portion of the trip. Guides will collect all electronics/phones when the group arrives at their destination and return them for the return 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.

MEALS/FOOD: Students should money or a bank card to buy meals en route to and from Ucluelet. Meal money will be provided for boarding students. All other meals will be provided. Students will be cooking meals in camp under supervision of the guides.

TRIP SURCHARGE: There is a $250 surcharge for this trip

TRANSPORTATION: Students will be traveling to and from the activity by school bus.

DAILY ITINERARY: Note: This is a tentative schedule that may change due to weather, water conditions, etc.

Day 1:

  • 8:00 AM. Meet guides at DERBY (the OED building at 3410 Shelbourne).

  • Gear distribution and equipment check by guides

  • Depart for camping, fishing and kayaking in Ucluelet

Day 2-4

  • Camping, fishing and activities in Ucluelet

Day 5:

  • Pack up camp. Depart Ucluelet

  • Return to DERBY at 4:30 PM

ACCOMMODATION: Students will be sleeping in 2-4 person tents or under tarps.

CAMPING LOCATION: The group and guides will be camping near Ucluelet, BC.

STAFFING: SMUS hires professional outdoor guides to lead the trips.

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.