Sea Kayak - Nootka Island (British Columbia)

We’ll spend 10 days exploring the west coast of Vancouver Island from Kyuquot to the Hesquiat Peninsula. Most days we will be breaking camp but the plan does includes 1-2 days for weather, rest, or day paddles to further explore areas of interest. The exact schedule will be determined along the way. Each day's launch time, distance, and paddling hours will be dependent on our route/conditions but do expect earlier launches as a general rule. We’ll experience a combination of protected paddles within the island groups as well as open coastal paddling in swell, including the possibility of surf landings/launches. Wind or fog may be encountered anywhere we will paddle. Prior multi-day coastal kayak/camping trips a must as well as recent experience paddling a loaded boat in conditions. Dry suit and helmet required.

In addition to the border crossing, getting to the launch site requires taking a BC ferry from Tsawwassen to Nanaimo on day 1 and driving several hours north to Gold River. On day 2 we'll take the MV Uchuck III to Kyuquot and paddle to our first camp. At the end of the trip the Uchuck will pick us up in Nootka Sound and take us back to Gold River. We'll share any ferry, boat transport, gas, hotel, camping, and parking expenses.

 In order to make this a successful and enjoyable trip for everyone please think about your own goals and skills before committing to ensure we are all on the same page. We’ll be together for 10 days and will need to rely on each other throughout. Please contact me directly to discuss the trip in more detail.

My goals for this trip are to:

• Make good group/individual decisions that reduce risk and keep us safe
• Enjoy our time together and come back with good memories
• Take time throughout the trip to fully explore the areas that interest us

Expectations for all participants:

• Participate in group decisions and proactively communicate concerns
• Abide by all trip leader decisions and support each other throughout the trip
• Be respectful of others and willing to put the group before self
• Raise issues/concerns in a thoughtful and constructive manner
• Do not take risks that others are uncomfortable with
• Show up with the appropriate equipment and skills for kayak/wilderness camping, a positive attitude, and physical fitness to handle anything we may encounter

Ferry/drive to Gold River, BC on Wednesday, July 23rd. Depart July 24th at 7 AM aboard the MV Uchuck III and launch that evening in Kyuquot to paddle to our first camp.