MAY SEA KAYAKING EXPEDITIONS
TRIP DATES:
May 20-24, 2026
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: This 5-day overnight sea kayaking and camping trip is designed to introduce students to sea kayaking 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…).
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: We have a wide range of clothing and equipment available to students for the trips. This includes sleeping bags, sleeping pad/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 departing from Derby 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:
May 20: Students should have a hearty breakfast before arriving at Derby and bring a hearty bag lunch. Boarders should make a lunch at Sun Centre in the morning.
All other meals will be provided. Students will be cooking meals in camp under supervision of the guides. The guides will complete menu planning and food shopping in advance of the trip.
TRANSPORTATION: Students will be traveling to and from the activity in school bus or school van driven by one of the guides/instructors.
DAILY ITINERARY: Note: This is a tentative schedule that may change due to weather, water conditions, etc.
May 20: Trip Prep, packing and departure
8:00 am. Students meet at Derby.
Packing and gear prep at Derby. Students should bring all of their personal equipment and gear with them to Derby.
Morning gear check and final pack.
10:00 am. Depart by bus for camping/launch location.
Arrive campsite, set up camp, final prep for trip.
May 20-24:
Camping and kayaking activities
May 24:
Pack up camp. Paddle to take-out location.
Return to DERBY. Pick up ~ 6:30 PM
ACCOMMODATION: Students will be sleeping in 2-4 person tents or under tarps.
CAMPING LOCATION: The groups will be paddling and camping on Quadra Island, near Campbell River (Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park area)
STAFFING: SMUS hires professional outdoor sea kayaking guides to lead the trip.
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.