Frequently Asked Questions - Expedition-style Kayaking Trips

 

Q: I’ve never kayaked before, are your expedition-style trips out of my league?
A: Our Expedition kayaking trips are designed for more experienced kayakers - people who have done some basic kayak training and touring before.  This isn't for a first-timer or someone not yet sure that they are comfortable in a kayak.

We strongly recommend that participants have taken some formal instruction before joining one of these trips, or have previously paddled in a variety of conditions.  Our guides also enjoy instructing, and can continue to work with you to develop skills as interested and appropriate.

We take your safety and enjoyment very seriously. We meet and exceed industry standards for guide:guest ratios, safety equipment, and contingency options. We use a mixed fleet of well maintained single and double kayaks suited to a variety of body sizes and experience levels.

Q: It’s been a while since I’ve been kayaking, will I be OK on an expedition-style trip?
A: As above, our guides and location are perfect for getting back into it and learning some new skills. We make our daily route and activity decisions based on what each person and the group is ready for. We’re not in the business of scaring people or making you feel like you can’t keep up – otherwise we’d be out of business. Any refresher courses or "tune-up" paddling before your trip with us will help to prepare you physically and mentally for multi-day touring in west coast conditions.


Q: I’m more experienced – will I be on a trip with people new to kayaking and feel held back?
A: Each trip has the mystery of weather, sea conditions, and guest experience. We do our best to schedule more experienced paddlers with one another. That said, everyone describes their experience differently. And just because you’re "experienced" doesn’t mean you want to bag the miles in nail-biting conditions. Few people enjoy that!

Our guides always do their best to ensure you feel stimulated and challenged. During daily outings, there will often be optional conditions and distances depending on what different people are after.

Our Expeditions are geared toward people who already know they are comfortable and prepared for kayaking slightly longer days and in potentially more exposed conditions. We’re never trying to “bag miles” though – there’s way too much beauty to experience and explore. Those with attention deficits can paddle in circles, fish, gather firewood, clean dishes, and practice their roll.


Q: Do you provide all of the meals?
A: Yes! That’s one of the biggest “holiday” features – not having to cook for yourself! Guests’ consistently rave about well they're fed, with delicious meals inspired from all parts of the globe and variety that appeals to all palates. Not having to plan, purchase, transport and pack all of your meals to a remote location like Kyuquot is a total bonus.  We'll pack some food and group kitchen equipment in each kayak during the trip - all that you have to do is not lose the snacks or coffee!

Q: I don’t eat x, y or z – should I bring my own food?
A: Maybe. Your pre-trip questionnaire helps us to understand individual dietary requests. We regularly cook for gluten and lactose sensitivities, vegetarian or vegan preferences, and a myriad of other food allergies and sensitivities. The more specific you can be about your needs (and flexibility) the better we can work with you to ensure you feel well fed.

Sometimes, if you have very specific foods that work for you (snacks, certain brands, etc.) it is best to bring some of your own supplies and collaborate with our kitchen staff to weave these into our menu or dishes prepared specifically for you. Let’s have this conversation well in advance of your trip so to ensure we have it figured out.

Q: What gear do I need to bring – do you provide everything for the expedition-style camping?
A: You receive a detailed packing list after you register. You need your own outdoor clothing appropriate for west coast conditions (described in the packing list), your own sleeping bag and tent, immersion protection (wetsuit or drysuit) and any desired alcoholic beverages. We otherwise provide all of the food, kitchen equipment, group shelter, kayaking equipment and safety gear, including some paddling jackets. We have some sleeping bags, tents, and wetsuits that can be reserved for rental use upon request - this can be easier if traveling from afar or doing your expedition with us as part of a longer holiday adventure that otherwise doesn't involve camping.

Q: Can I bring my own kayak?
A: Yes, if traveling in by water taxi from Fair Harbour or aboard the “MV Uchuck III” from Gold River. We will need to ensure that the specific water taxi is suited to safely carrying your kayak, and that your kayak is suited to paddling in this area. As paddlers, we completely understand and respect the desire to use what’s already familiar and comfortable – rigged exactly how you want it.

That said, our fleet is diverse – with enough early notice, we can often tailor our fleet to ensure we have a kayak model or size that you know works well for you. Chat with us to figure out what will be best.

Q: How much paddling do you do each day?
A: OK, we need to be completely non-committal and say “it varies”. Our Base Camp trips usually involve day trips with 1-2 h of kayaking before and after lunch. Our Expeditions often involve 1.5-3 h of kayaking (with breaks) before and after lunch. Meanwhile, some days are better suited to shore-based intertidal, beach, or forest exploring on foot. And other days are better suited to early starts or sleeping in with more of a focus on bona fide rest and relaxation. We listen to individual and group needs, assess the weather, anticipate likely outings and travel for subsequent days, and inevitably reach sensible decisions that sometimes involve a mixed recipe that satisfies different interests.


Q: What’s the best time of the summer to go out there?
A: Aside from saying “when it best fits your schedule”, given that this is often intended as a “predict the weather” question, we need to be completely non-committal! Some summers are dry – seriously, with drought-like conditions – from late June to early September. Other summers are more wet – Kyuquot receives the same annual precipitation as Tofino and Clayoquot Sound: 3.3 m of wetness! We’ve had each week of the summer be calm and glorious, and each week as windy and wet.

Our Coastal Wilderness Retreat base camp facilities (at the start and end of your trip), expedition equipment, and location are ideal for whatever the weather. Typically, each trip will have one day or night with some precipitation – we actually hope for this as it keeps our water supply up (for dishes and shower), quenches the thirsty forest, and keeps fire hazards down.

Sometimes, really sunny and dry periods will also be very windy with large swell and wave conditions that reduce the scope of our paddling options. Meanwhile, overcast or foggy conditions can be “go anywhere” days…and you get less baked by the sun!

Join us when it fits your schedule – we’ll then work with you and the weather to ensure you have the sense of truly getting away for a diverse west coast adventure.

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