WHITEWATER KAYAKING TRIP INFORMATION:

DATES: September 16-20, 2023

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: During this 5-day whitewater kayaking and camping trip students will learn to paddle on a river in small whitewater kayaks. Day 1 is a local flatwater training day. On the morning of day 2, students will depart for their 4-day/3-night outtrip. This activity takes place on a river with rapids containing waves up to 1 meter high with occasional rocks, boulders, sweepers or other obstructions like bridge piers. Students will learn the basics of river rescue and will swim portions of the river as they develop their 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 100 meters

  • A current tetanus immunization (good for 10 years).

GROUP EQUIPMENT: The guides will bring activity-specific equipment for the group. This will include whitewater boats, paddles, PFDs, wetsuits, helmets and wetsuit boots. The guides will also bring emergency response equipment (emergency communication device, first aid kit…).

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 on Day 1 of the trip. At that point the guides will outfit the students with any missing items. The following link will allow you to access the WHITEWATER KAYAKING TRIP EQUIPMENT LIST.

ELECTRONICS/PHONES: Students should not have electronics or phones on the outtrip. Guides will collect all electronics/phones and return them 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.

MEALS/FOOD: Students should bring a hearty bag lunch on day 1 and day 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 to and from the activity in a school bus or a 12-passenger van driven by one of the instructors.

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

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

Sept 12: Pre-trip meeting during Community time in the Chapel

Day 1: Local Training Day

  • 9:15 AM. Meet guides at DERBY (the OED building at 3410 Shelbourne).

  • Gear outfitting

  • Depart for day paddle/training location (Gorge Waterway or Durance Lake)

  • Finish at ~ 3:15 pm. Students return home for the night.

Day 2: Departure for trip

  • 8:30 AM. Meet guides at DERBY (the OED building at 3410 Shelbourne).

  • Depart for the Campbell River or other river location (conditions dependent)

Day 2-5: Camping and whitewater kayaking

Day 5:

  • Pack up camp. Possible morning paddle. Depart activity location.

  • Return to DERBY at ~ 3:00 PM

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

CAMPING LOCATION: The group will be camping at a public campground in Campbell River or another river system (conditions dependent)

STAFFING: SMUS hires professional outdoor guides to lead the trip. The guides have the following: Significant whitewater kayaking experience, Wilderness First Aid training, Experience paddling in this location with similar groups, and Swift Water Rescue training.

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.