West Coast: Epic 3-Week Sea Kayaking & Surfing Adventure (August)

After your adventurous day exploring the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound by kayak and surfboard, pitch your tent on a sandy beach or at the edge of an ancient rainforest to watch mythical sunsets and prepare for the next unforgettable day of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

This exciting 3-week expedition isn’t only an adventure, but also an opportunity to form lasting bonds and hone your leadership and communication skills as you and your group overcome challenges along the way. Throughout the expedition, you’ll be challenged physically and mentally, and the sense of accomplishment at the end of the trip will stay with you for the rest of your life – just like the friendships you’ll make in your group! 

This course is eligible for PAD4O Grade 12 Healthy Active Living high school credit. If you choose to use this course towards a credit, your coursework will include activities, group discussions, insightful analysis, and daily journal writing. Find out how you can earn high school credit while having the time of your life.

Area & activities

This journey takes place in Clayoquot Sound, a pristine watershed on the edge of Pacific Rim National Park, the traditional territory of three Nuu-chah-nulth Nations: the Ahousaht, the Hesquiaht, and the Tla-o-qui-aht. Islands in the region include Flores Island, Meares Island and Vargas Island, where the two surf days and the solo experience will take place.

You’ll travel in either a solo or tandem fibreglass sea kayak through Class 2 waters (according to the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of B.C.‘s definition). During the expedition, your instructors will teach you to paddle strokes, self-rescue and rescue techniques, and basic nautical navigation, including knowledge of tides, currents and weather.

In the surf portion of the trip, led by renowned British Columbia surfer Catherine Bruhwiler of Tofino Paddle Surf, you’ll learn basic surfing techniques so you can stand on a board and ride a wave, including how to read a wave and basic surf safety and etiquette.

In the second part of the trip, responsibility is transferred from the instructors to the students, and participants have the opportunity to put into practice what they’ve learned and their leadership skills.

Take a look at the trip

Learning outcomes

Our expert instructors will guide you through unique challenges that require your group to work together to solve problems, reflect on your journey, and discuss how to apply your skills and what you’ve learned when you return home. The course is designed to have a lasting and measurable impact in three key areas:

Improved resilience – Improve your mental and physical health and learn how to overcome challenges to succeed.

Better leadership and teamwork skills – Learn the skills you need to succeed in school, work and life by becoming more confident, cooperative and a respectful team member.

Stronger connection to nature – Develop a lifelong relationship with nature.