Sea Kayak Leadership Development - Broken Group Islands

We will launch from Secret Beach campground on May 25th. Each participant will take a day to lead a paddle. Exact course will be determined by the group.

Distance: 50-60 nm.

Difficulty: SK-III to SK-V as some of it will be open coastal.

Wind: up to 15 knots.

Wave height: 1 - 2 feet with a swell on the open coastal sections of 3-6 feet. 

The Broken Group Islands is a beautiful area for kayaking with many small islands, some well protected from the winds and some more exposed. It is a great place to experience open coastal kayaking. Camping is only at established campsites which are completely primitive but do have composting outhouses. 

Goals: 

1. Be safe.
2. Enjoy the trip and each other's company.
3. Practice leadership, navigation, and incident management skills.
4. Paddle to the outer islands if the weather permits.
5. Reach the takeout on time for the return ferry.  

Expectations:

1. Have the skills and fitness required for the trip.
2. Work as a team member.
3. In rougher conditions paddle as a close group for safety and to facilitate decisions.
4. Bring necessary equipment in good condition. 
5. Dress for immersion while paddling , and wear a helmet in surge and around rock formations. 
6. Take seriously trip planning for your day of on-the-water leadership, and actively participate in the on-the-water exercises. 
7. Participate in group decision making. Abide by the decisions made by the group or by the leader. 
8. Take and share photos.

Participant Skills:

1. Endurance to paddle 10-12 nm days in sequence. 
2. Flat water pace of 3.2 kts or more.
3. Strength to paddle into 15 knot winds @ 1.5 - 2.0 kt pace for a mile. 
4. Quick, efficient buddy rescue.
5. Able to camp in wet, cool conditions.
6. Know your history of sea sickness and be able to manage it in swell.
7. Previous kayak camping experience.
8. Preferably have taken a navigation clinic, an incident management clinic, and a wind and waves clinic 

Style:

1. Average 10-12 nm per day, moving camp every couple of days. 
2. Launch each morning around 8:30 am. Be off the water around 2:00.
3. Create a community of mutual respect and enjoyment.