AK 201: Open Coast Expedition

(Pre-requisite: AK 101 or equivalent training or experience)
Dates: August 20-25, 2007
Times: Meet the night before at 6pm; trip ends at 3pm on last day
Departs from: Tofino
Group size: Maximum 8
Price: $1,470 CAD (+ $125 CAD for boat transport) + 6% GST

Course Goal:

This course is the follow-up to our AK 101 course. Apply and further develop the surf and open coast touring skills from 101 in an expedition setting! After getting dropped off by boat at Hot Springs Cove at the north end of Clayoquot Sound, participants will jointly develop a plan for the return trip by kayak. Theory will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the navigation and paddling skills presented in AK 101 will be put to use daily.

Course Objectives:

You will review and apply:

• a philosophy of safety that emphasizes seamanship, judgement, and personal responsibility.
• intermediate kayak strokes including leaning, quick turning, and high bracing.
• surf zone skills including scouting, launching and landing.
• navigational skills specific to open coastal travel, including chart-reading, use of tide tables, interpreting marine weather forecasts, route-finding while underway, and dead reckoning.
• 'Leave No Trace' camping techniques including site selection, camp set-up, waste disposal, and wildlife etiquette.

Itinerary:

Don't miss this opportunity to join an expedition down some of the most spectacular and challenging open coastline on Vancouver Island. On this trip in years past, we have dealt with everything from fog, to big seas, to dream-like, windless days with sun sparkling off the gentle swell!

We'll travel in comfort aboard the MV Browning Pass, to Hot Springs Cove, at the north end of Clayoquot Sound. Here we'll set up a base camp, and head for a soak after preparing for the expedition.

Next morning, we embark on a 5-day, 25 nautical mile trip, traversing the outer coast of Clayoquot Sound. The trip includes a number of "crux moves" -- challenges which will hone your seamanship and paddling skills. Highlights include a soak at Hot Springs Cove, surf landings on remote wilderness beaches, sea otter sightings, and the summer resident gray whales of Cow Bay.

Register early to avoid disappointment!
Call us at 1-877-422-WILD

"Immense knowledge, great leadership, great instruction, safe! The group got to plan the trip - you got us involved, and want us to know kayaking as well as you do. What a gift! Every sea kayaker should take your courses."
    —Neva, ON