Sea Kayak - Nootka Island (British Columbia)

This is a long wilderness trip mostly on the outer coast of Canada requiring participants to have a diversity of skills including,

• 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

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 catching the  return
5. Set aside time each day to be mindful and in the present.
6. Paddle the outer coast and camp on Grassy Island, Catala Island, and Nuchatlitz Inlet.
7. Position ourselves to have multiple layover days.

EXPECTATIONS

1. Support goals above.
2. Willingness to observe leave no trace wilderness ethics and all  British Columbia environmental  requirements.
3. Think about and express your goals, expectations, and style.
4. Participation in a planning meeting and one group paddle during the first/second week of July to ensure we have the requisite skills and compatibility.
5. Have the skills and fitness required for the trip.
6. Willing to share in group gear supply, transport, and use.
7. Dress for immersion most of the time. 
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.
11. Don't take risks that other group members do not support.
12. In rougher conditions paddle as a close group for safety and to facilitate decisions.
13. Bring necessary equipment in good condition. No shortcuts without the agreement of the group.

PARTICIPANT SKILLS

1. Endurance to paddle 12 nm days in sequence.
2. Flat water pace of 3.2kt or more.
3. Strength to paddle into 15 knot winds @ 2.0kt 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 3 ft surf.
8. Reflexive brace.
9. Ability to self rescue.
10. Know your history of sea sickness in swell and be able to manage it.
11. Camp in bear & wolf country and take all necessary precautions:  hang food, clean camp, carry bear spray, cautious going out alone.
12. Patience or at least submission to the inevitable.

STYLE

1. We’ll average 12 nautical miles per day when moving and move camp several times.  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.  For leisurely exploration days launch will be at 9:00 am. 
4. Make camp light enough to move every day and luxurious enough to enjoy on layover days.
5. Shared dinners as a group is encouraged (depending on food preferences.)
6. Commitment to  to avoid danger but open to challenges.
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 of other participants.  (e.g. accept people’s quirks and unskillful actions.)

Wed. July 27, 2022 drive to Gold River BC (8 hour trip including ferry) and spend night in hotel. On Thursday 7 am, take the MV Uchuck III  north and get dropped off in either Kyuquot Sound or Esperanza Inlet (weather dependent).  Tour area with camping on outer coastal islands and in inlets. On Friday, August 5th return via the Uchuck from Esperanza Inlet to Gold River. Likely hotel stay on Vancouver Island, return to Seattle on Saturday August 6th. 

Uchuck transportation cost $200 round trip, 2 night in hotel, round trip ferry from Tsawwassen  to Nanaimo or Port Angeles to Victoria. Carpooling is encouraged.