West Coast: 2-Week Sea Kayaking Expedition

$ 4,485

+ Taxes

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Age 16-19

Dates

Aug 9 - Aug 22

Duration 2 weeks

Location Clayoquot Sound

Indigenous Territories nuučaan̓uuɫɁatḥ nism̓a, ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ

Program Options Financial Assistance

Activities

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Courses / West Coast: 2-Week Sea Kayaking Expedition

West Coast: 2-Week Sea Kayaking Expedition

Get ready for an unforgettable sea kayaking adventure in the West Coast wilderness this summer!

Develop your outdoor skills, make new friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime as you navigate the remote coves and beautiful islands of Clayoquot Sound. And as you paddle your kayak through the gentle ocean waves, keep an eye out for local wildlife: If you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale or two!

Area & activities

This expedition will take you through the traditional territories of the Hesquiaht, Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations who have inhabited the land since time immemorial. Your group will roam the islands and bays of the Pacific Ocean, camp on sandy beaches or on the edge of ancient rainforests, and enjoy epic west coast sunsets.

You’ll travel in either a solo or tandem fibreglass sea kayak through Class 2 waters (according to the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of B.C‘s definition). During the expedition, your instructors will teach you paddle strokes, self-rescue and rescue techniques, and basic nautical navigation, including knowledge of tides, currents and weather.

Learning outcomes

Our expert instructors will guide you through unique challenges that require your group to work together to solve problems, reflect on your journey, and discuss how to apply your skills and what you’ve learned when you return home. The course is designed to have a lasting and measurable impact in three key areas:

Improved resilience – Improve your mental and physical health and learn how to overcome challenges to succeed.

Better leadership and teamwork skills – Learn the skills you need to succeed in school, work and life by becoming more confident, cooperative and a respectful team member.

Stronger connection to nature – Develop a lifelong relationship with nature.

Is this course right for me?

This course is for students aged 16-19 and rated Level 2 in social-emotional challenge and Level 2 in physical challenge. Learn more about the levels of difficulty.

No previous experience with kayaking is necessary to join this expedition – you just need to have a positive attitude, be open-minded and enjoy a challenge and learning new skills.

We provide all the equipment for the expedition, and participants can borrow personal OBC gear if needed.

Solo experience

One of the highlights of Outward Bound expeditions is participating in a solo camping experience in nature. On this course, you may have the opportunity to sleep alone for up to 36 hours in a secluded location, where you’ll set up shelter and take time to reflect. You’ll have all the supplies you need to sleep safely and comfortably, and your instructors will be nearby to help you if needed and check on you regularly.

The solo isn’t a wilderness survival challenge, but rather a supportive environment where you can take time for yourself away from the distractions of everyday life. While it may seem like a daunting challenge at first, it’s often the most impactful part of the course because you get an opportunity that few others will ever experience – to be in nature, in your own company.

Financial assistance

We believe everyone should have access to exploring nature. We offer full scholarships to help cover the cost of course fees, and the Youth Access Fund offers financial support for those unable to finance their Outward Bound Canada experience personally. Please visit the Financial Assistance page for more information and to apply.