KAYAK GUIDE COURSES

Our sea kayak guide courses are comprehensive field programs that teach sea kayaking from the perspective of the professional guide or group leader. The curriculum is certified by both the Association of Canadian Sea Kayak Guides (ACSKG) and the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia (SKGABC) and approved by Parks Canada.

Demanding and rewarding, the courses deliver in-depth coverage of wilderness kayaking, navigation and leadership skills with a strong emphasis on decision making and risk management. The instructors for this course are themselves accomplished guides with many years of commercial guiding and expeditionary experience. Operated in the dynamic waters near the northern tip of Vancouver Island, this course is for anyone planning to pursue a career in sea kayak guiding or lead kayaking programs in a group or institutional setting.

COURSE CONTENT

Towing
Capsize recovery.
Capsize rescues.
Risk management ashore.
Onshore travel.
Leadership styles.
Conflict resolution
Wave and surf theory.
Surf landing and launching.
Group management in following
seas.
Concepts of service.
Communications systems.
Gear repairs on-water.
Emergency repairs ashore.
Navigating in fog.
Dead reckoning.
Introduction to GPS.
Risk assessment and avoidance.
Emergency management.
Emergency evacuation planning
and procedures.
Non-emergency evacuation
options.
Log keeping
Gear maintenance.

Client orientation.
Kayak design overview.
Packing and Loading.
Group travel formations.
On-water group management.
Cooking and food storage.
Campsite selection and man-
agement.
Paddling mechanics.
Strokes and stroke instruction
techniques.
Bracing techniques.
Chart reading and symbols.
Tides and currents.
Trip planning.
Compass types and use.
Natural ranges.
Clothing and gear for guides.
Wilderness skills
Weather Theory
Weather forecasts and interpre-
tation.
Judgment and decision making.
Daily planning and presentation
Minimum impact camping.
Ethics for guides.