Checking out the charts
Hal Cook & I are back organizing Leadership Kayaking again this year -- what a great instructor to work with.
Last year's expedition included a visit from the enigmatic Korea Line
Did 2010's Leadership/High Currents group mention it made an "instructional video"?
|
This four-day trip is for folks with some experience kayaking and camping to begin to explore the next step -- taking your own trips.
Learning objectives include: - trip preparation and route planning - emergency procedures, equipment, and rescues - on-water group management and decision-making - navigation, reading tides, charts and compasswork FAQ Who can come? You can if you've had some basic paddling & camping experience and you talk to Daye. How much does it cost? This is a non-profit, student-friendly trip (retail value around $700). Because all of the organizers' time is volunteered and Island Escapades gives us wicked deals on rentals, total cost for the whole 4 days is just $245 + donation of your choice to the Eager Beavers Campership Fund (please give generously; so much volunteer work goes into this). Wetsuits are required (rentals available) as we will be doing lots of rescue practice. Food will be organized & shared as part of the Leadership component; i.e. you will sign up to bring & prepare a couple of meals for the group. A non-refundable deposit (to the kayak company) is required to reserve your spot. Why a deposit? Co-organizer: Hal Cook Hal grew up on Saltspring and has been kayaking since age 6. A graduate of Thompson Rivers' Adventure Sports program and SKGABC AOG certification, Hal works as a kayak guide and outdoor educator with me at Island Escapades in the summer, and spends his winters snowboarding and dog sledding in Whistler. We've led some epic adventures together over the years and I love every opportunity we get to work as a team. With a huge heart, solid technical skills, ability to take charge, and great playfulness working with animals, kids and adults alike; if it doesn't go without saying, Hal is awesome. Links & InformationRegister and Put down your deposit
Send in your Med form & Waiver Read the Pack List Homework: Signup and Instructions Meals: Signup and Instructions Getting to Saltspring Island Escapades Feedback Disclaimer: no one is acting as a guide, multiple dangers abound including sea monsters and hypothermia, come at your own risk. Like most outdoor activities, this is not a "safe" trip. If something goes wrong, you could be seriously injured or die.
|
Testimonials
You and Hal were superstars with your regular dunks in the ocean for our learning benefit. Thank you!! This was wonderful! You guys taught us so much, yet when the time came to just sit in front of a fire or to watch the sun setting, you sat with us and joined us as we took in one of those rare special moments in life. Learning and relaxing were in perfect balance. 
2006's Leadership Kayaking expedition was the now-classic "Bear Trip"
I think you both are gifted leaders and that you both have something in you with allows you to be easy going and approachable despite your clientele. You are both non-judgemental and free spirited and it was a absolute pleasure to be around. I feel like there is nothing constructive I can even say. Don't stop being yourself, because the way that you both are and they way you live and approach everything, you touch lives and create bonds with people and places that are beautiful. Thank you for being wonderful :) |
Michelle rescues Marco just outside Porlier Pass, 2011
I really appreciated the fact that you and Hal put the power in our hands and constantly encouraged consensus making. To be honest I can't think of any constructive criticism except that maybe to save some time around the end of the trip for a review of what we went over with weather, rescues, and everything. 
A very ethereal Martin seems to cast a spell over a sea star -- perhaps in a dream sequence?
|
It was scary for me flipping the kayak over for the first time, but you really made me feel quite safe and doing it in the lake versus doing it in the ocean also made a big difference. The sauna was a fabulous and unexpected surprise as well! 
Kayak madness in "The Cut", Leadership 2012
I feel very comfortable in my ability to organize a kayak trip on my own. I would have to research and refresh on a few things, but I am impressed on how much I learnt especially about tides, winds, leadership etc. and rescues. There wasn't a single moment on the trip where I felt uncomfortable. Sure, I felt challenged on multiple occasions, but never uncomfortable. During the mock fog crossing, lake rescues, and those final rolling attempts at Hudson's, I felt like you and Hal had control over the situation. I felt safe. |