25th - 28th August 2012
9th annual "Primitive Skills" kayak trip (beginner-friendly)

With special guest naturalist, hunter, tracker, and outdoor educator Arnaud Gagné.

Now in its 9th year, this 4-day, 3-night trip invites paddlers of all levels of experience through some of the most beautiful sites in the Southern Gulf Islands.  Building a conscious appreciation of and connection to the natural world through the practice of "primitive skills", participants will engage ALL of their senses and learn to see the "wild" through the eyes of the naturalist tracker. 

Weather-, time- and interest-dependent, this expedition may include:

• beginner-friendly, accessible paddling and camping skills
• navigation, route-finding and weather interpretation
  
• minimalist and natural shelters
  
• fire-building and cooking over fires
• exploring, animal tracking and camouflage
• foraging for wild edibles in the sea, shore and forest
• teambuilding activities, games, music and skill-sharing

Cost: $295

Click here for more information about trip cost

The company I work for runs similar 4-day guided trips for $900. Since this trip is non-profit, Island Escapades gives us a discount on kayak rentals and all of the organizers' time is volunteer, our cost is actually insanely low: $295, all-inclusive of kayak and safety gear rentals, group gear, campsite fees, logistics, van and trailer fees (on-island transportation), and "primitive skills" equipment. Meals will be organized & shared by participants.

I just want to emphasize that this is an extremely low-cost trip for what most people say is the quality of the experience. None of the organizers earn any money at all from these trips. In many cases they donate vast amounts of time, energy, their personal equipment and vehicles in order to help make the trip a success, and in some cases they actually end up losing money (e.g. unforseen emergency expenses; or when someone doesn't show up for a reserved spot). This being said, they are not acting as guides or professionals, and are not taking responsibility for anyone's safety.

All organizers are volunteer, peer leaders of this kayaking/camping trip, and not acting as a professional guides in any way. As with any outdoor expedition, risk is involved; we do not guarantee your safety. By coming on this trip you acknowledge that YOU are entirely responsible for your own safety and comfort throughout the trip.

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What is this critter up to?

2007 beginner-friendly kayak trip

Forms & Info

Med form & waiver
Putting down your deposit
Pack list
Itinerary
Organizing Meals
Getting to Saltspring
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