WKI teaches sea kayaking courses on the British Columbia Coast, Canada and in Baja California, Mexico. The routes are chosen for their remoteness, beauty and appropriate level of challenge to provide paddlers with opportunities to build skills and knowledge to pursue their sea kayaking dreams and ambitions. A combination of intense training and experiential learning will prepare participants to accept risk and assume the responsibility required to safely plan and execute Expedition whether it is a camping trip with friends and family or a solo trip on a remote coastline. The instructors use the model of kayaking with a group of friends where everyone participates in the decision-making and outcome of the trip. Kayaks, group gear and food are provided.
No previous paddling experience is required for Expedition Skills I, the Expedition Skills Baja or the Women’s Course. Previous experience or the prerequisite courses are required for the Expedition Skills II and the Master Class. Sea kayaking courses are physically demanding: carrying boats, gear, water containers, paddling long days and attending on shore and on water skill sessions. It is recommended that a person is physically fit, exercising regularly before a course to fully participate and enjoy activities.
WKI sea kayaking school provides a multi-level course structure in BC and Baja where a person with no previous paddling experience can learn the basics in the warm waters of Expedition Skills Baja, build on what they learned in the BC Expedition Skills II, progress to Expedition Skills II and when ready experience the challenge of a more demanding expedition in the Master Class. This combination of instructional expedition training trips in BC and Baja will prepare you to paddle a worldwide range of coastal destinations.
Expedition Skills Baja
A classic coastal Baja route with more paddling and committed crossings and a focus on paddling skills proficiency and planning trips in Baja or other tropical paddling destinations around the world.
Expedition Skills I
Located on the remote BC coast with the goal to build confidence and advance independent paddling ability. The course covers a full range of paddling skills, rescues, as well as in-depth instruction in tides, currents, weather theory and navigation.
Expedition Skills II
This course expands on the material covered Expedition Skills I to include paddling the dynamic environment of headlands and surf beaches with more challenging distances and crossings.
Geared to achieving a mastery of paddling skills and preparing students to undertake extended Expedition such as the classic Alaska to Seattle “Inside Passage” route. Open to graduates of the WKI Expedition Skills I or those with equivalent experience.
The Master Class is for paddlers who have previous experience or graduates of Expedition Skills I and II who are ready to journey down a complex and challenging stretch of coastline with experienced expedition paddlers where a firm foundation in seamanship and paddling skills is essential.
The Kayak Guide Course is a comprehensive leadership curriculum covering sea kayak touring and group logistics from the risk management weighted perspective of the professional guide or group leader.
The Women’s Sea Kayaking Course offers the same content as the coed Expedition Skills I with the added supportive learning environment created by female instructors working with a group of women paddlers.
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