SEA KAYAKING Expedition TRIP INFORMATION:
TRIP DATES:
May 27, 2025 (on-water training and prep day)
May 28-31, 2025 (overnight/away trip).
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: This 5-day sea kayaking and camping trip is designed to introduce students to sea kayaking while paddling on the ocean. The first day is a local paddling day, where students practice their skills in protected waters and return home in the evening. On the remaining two nights, students will paddle to their camping locations. During this expedition the students and sea kayak guides will paddle in relatively protected waters (Ex. Ucluelet, Salt Spring Island, Southern Gulf Islands…) 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 double or single sea 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. At that point the guides will outfit the students with any missing items. The following link will allow you to access the SEA KAYAKING EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT LIST.
GEAR CHECK DETAILS: All sea kayaking trip participants will complete an equipment check with the guides. Students should bring EVERYTHING with them to school on the morning of May 27. It’s fine if they are borrowing items from OED (we have lots of great gear to lend out) but they should bring everything they do have.
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.
MEALS/FOOD:
Students should bring a full water bottle and bag lunch on day 1 & 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 by school bus or 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.
MAY 27:
8:15 AM. Meet guides at DERBY (the OED building at 3410 Shelbourne)
On-water training day and expedition prep
Ready for pick up from DERBY at ~ 3:15 PM
MAY 28:
8:15 AM. Meet guides at DERBY (the OED building at 3410 Shelbourne)
Depart for expedition
MAY 31:
Pack up camp, paddle out to pickup location.
Return to DERBY, pick up for ~2:15 pm
ACCOMMODATION: Students will be sleeping in 2-4 person tents or under tarps.
CAMPING LOCATION: The group and guides will be camping at locations in the Southern Gulf Islands.
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.