Sea Kayak - Hakai Protected Area

August 1st, 2019 in Port Hardy, BC. We will take the Discovery Coast ferry line to Klemtu on Aug 2. Return will be from Bella-Bella (McLoughlin Bay) on Aug 19th.

We will kayak/sail our way to Goose Island then head to the McNaughton Group and as far south as Calvert Island before heading north to Bella-Bella. If there is inclement weather, we'll instead go inland to protected waters.

An overview of the trip can be found at this link here.

This is a long wilderness trip mostly on the outer coast of Canada requiring participants to have a diversity of skills.  Kayak sailing- we will find many if not all days when we can hoist the sails and make extra speed/back off of paddling. If you have not yet learned to sail, we can teach you but you must buy  your own sail. Other high-level skills for this trip:

• Comfort living in the wilderness and around wildlife
• Paddling strength and endurance to make headway in winds, swells, waves,  and cover distance.
• Ability to deal with currents, surf, rocks 
• Cooperation and awareness of others needs so we form an effective and enjoyable team
• Previous multi-day camping experience

GOALS-EXPECTATIONS-STYLE

I use goals, expectations, and style as a way to understand what I want and as a tool for discussion with other trip participants.  The more we are in alignment when the trip starts the more likely it will go smoothly and we will function as a happy, effective team.  

GOALS

1. Be safe:  Aware of risk and management.
2. Enjoy being out there, whatever conditions we encounter.
3. Enjoy company of each other.
4. Reach the takeout on time for ferry return
5. Set aside time each day to be mindful and in the present.
6. Paddle to the Goose Group
7. Paddle to the northern part of Calvert Island and camp on Wolf Beach

EXPECTATIONS

1. Support the goals above.
2. Think about and express your goals, expectations, and style.
3. Have the skills and fitness required for the trip *

1. Train skills as a group. This would be during the Hobuck Surf Zone and Beyond week in late June, and other planned outings. This is not the type of trip where we just “hope” we all have the requisite skills and compatibility.
2. We will use sails on our kayaks
3. Work as a team member to help the group be happy and accomplish our goals.
4. In rougher conditions paddle as a close group for safety and to facilitate decisions.
5. Bring necessary equipment in good condition. No shortcuts without the agreement of the group.
6. Be willing to share in group gear supply, transport, and use.
7. Dress for immersion most of the time.  Wear a helmet in surf and around rock formations
8. Participate in group decision making.
9. Abide by decisions made by the group or by the leader.
10. Safely store food as indicated below, and not in boats
11. Don't take risks that other group members do not support.
12. Take and share photos. It is highly desirable if everyone has their own waterproof camera. Commit to making your cleaned-up photos available within a month of our return. 
13. If the available camping area is small, there is the possibility we will have to all sleep in the Bug Tent.

* PARTICIPANT SKILLS

1. Endurance to paddle 12nm days in sequence.
2. Flat water pace of 3.7kt or more.
3. Strength to paddle into 15 knot winds @ 3.0kt pace.
4. Quick, efficient buddy rescue.
5. Camp skills:  stoves, water filters, tarp/bug tent, group systems.
6. Able to camp in wet, cool conditions.
7. Able to land and launch through 3ft surf.
8. Able to paddle Deception pass in 5kt current.
9. Good brace reflex - don’t tip easily.
10. Have earned the Kayak Sailing Badge by the time of the trip
11. Reasonably reliable roll in conditions.
12. Know your history of sea sickness in swell and be able to manage it.
13. Camp in bear & wolf country:  hang food, clean camp, carry bear spray, cautious going out alone.
14. Patience or at least submission to the inevitable.

STYLE

1. We’ll average 12nm when moving and move camp multiple days in a row. There will be some days where camp won’t move, and we will explore in empty boats.
2. We’ll take layover days, either as weather dictates or at places that interest us.
3. Days may start early due to currents and wind, but preferably with first light.  (read: get up 5am). More common will be launch at 8:30am.
4. Make camp light enough to move every day and elegant enough to enjoy on layover days.
5. I like to share dinners and hope some others will want to participate, however this will depend on food preferences.
6. I wish to avoid danger but don't mind some adversity.
7. Intention to create a community of mutual respect and enjoyment.
8. Commitment to participate in collaborative and inclusive interactions and leaving conversation “space” for others.
9. Effort to maintain unconditional positive regard.  (e.g. accept people’s quirks and unskillful actions.)

Please contact Charlie Michel if you are interested in this trip.