This workshop is for intermediate kayakers who want to learn more about handling their kayaks dynamic water, play in rock gardens and explore sea caves and arches.
Paddling skills focus on the choice and blending of strokes for efficient and safe maneuvering, rescue skills are likely to include rock garden and sea cave extractions.
At this level the group will participate in risk assessment, decision making and the judgement required for travelling a three nautical mile exposed shoreline with multiple features and challenges with few good landing opportunities. In our opinion the complex shorelines at Port Renfew, East Sooke or Beacher Bay provide the best locations with an easy drive from Mill Bay. Although workshops are always weather and sea state dependent with these different locations to choose from we can normally find good challenging conditions on any given day.
Some paddlers have a valid concern about inflicting damage on rocks to their beautiful fiberglass kayaks and often shy away from workshops like this. We have that 'excuse' covered with a top of the range NDK Romany Sport or Sportive plastic kayak available to rent. This is fun, challenging and an accelerated learn opportunity not to be missed.
Skill Level Required
This workshop is best suited to intermediate paddlers looking to challenge their boat handling skills in dynamic water. You should certainly have a minimum Paddle Canada L1 skills or equivalent and ideally have either completed or considering taking the Paddle Canada L2 skills, we often run our L2 skills "Flex" option with two days at one of these locations (see website for details). The ability to preform a basic roll would be advantageous, however not essential, as we are happy to provide some rolling coaching for our guests. Above all come with an open mind to learn new skills, have fun and enjoy the challenge.