The following list contains many of the questions
we receive from people interested in exploring
the wild west coast with us. If you don't see
an answer to your question please feel free to
ask us using our Request
Information form.
Click a question to see the answer, or Show
All Answers
* No previous experience is required, though
an experienced paddler will not be disappointed.
Our guides always cover kayaking techniques
and safety procedures.
* Our tours don't require you to have previous
camping experience, though we do ask that you
come with an open mind and prepared to embrace
the unexpected.
* Our tours require several hours of moderate
exercise each day but don't require you to be
a seasoned athlete. Do keep in mind that good
physical health will go a long way if we do
encounter strong winds or some current. If you
are unsure of whether to join us you can always
contact your doctor for advice.
* The minimum number of guests necessary to
feasibly run a tour is three and the maximum
number of guests we'll take on a tour is 10
(with 2 guides). That said, the majority of
our tours have 8 or fewer guests.
* Each trip is different, but usually we will
kayak about 10 km per day. On average about
3 - 5 hours of paddling a day. If we have a
strong group that's eager to tick off some miles
than we'll go farther.
* All of our high quality composite Kayaks
are from independent family owned Seaward Kayaks.
They have a reputation for handcrafting safe,
strong, and seaworthy performance kayaks. They
are an industry leader in innovation and can
be found online at www.seawardkayaks.com.
You can also take a look at the boats and other
equipment we use by visiting our Equipment
page.
* We welcome guests 12 years and older, and
anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied
by an adult. Feel free contact us if you want
to discuss this policy.
* On the west coast of BC from April until
the end of September the weather is very favorable
for kayaking. There is always a chance that
we could have rain, so it is important to remember
to be prepared for any type or weather. The
key to staying warm, dry, and comfortable is
to wear synthetic fabrics (not cotton) and layer
your clothing so you can always add or remove
a layer. Make sure you bring full rain gear
that includes pants and a jacket. We always
carry high quality tarps, just incase it does
rain. You can go to our Forms
page and download a list of recommended
gear.
* Your guides will prepare delicious gourmet
meals using fresh ingredients, and designed
to meet you're energy needs. We are able to
accommodate special diets such as vegetarian,
vegan, non-seafood, wheat free and dairy free,
but may not be able to accommodate diets where
you are on a strict menu plan. You may want
to bring some of your own snacks if this is
the case. Feel free to contact
us by email or phone if you have dietary
concerns.
* Coffee is one of the most important food
groups, and we will always serve fresh, fair
trade, shade grown, organic coffee. You can
negotiate with your guide about how early its
served, but don't do this in the morning before
s/he's had coffee! We also carry a large supply
of caffeinated and herbal teas, hot chocolate,
and 100% fruit juices.
* Some campsites will have pit toilets, but
on average facilities are not common in most
wilderness settings. Your guide will generally
designate an area or system that works for ensuring
your privacy. If you're looking to wash up,
you'll have the option of using the ocean, small
streams, a waterfall, or a fresh water lake
that we might visit. If you decide to wash in
a lake, we will strongly suggest that you don't
use any cleaning agents, but if you do please
use biodegradable environmentally friendly brands.
* If you are kayaking on our Orcas of Johnstone
Strait tour or the Broughton Archipelago expedition
the chances of seeing Orca whales and Humpback
whales is very high. On our tours on the west
coast of Vancouver Island the chance of seeing
whales is also very high. Regulations dictate
that do not approach the whales within a hundred
metres and that we do not actively pursue them.
However, if the whales were to approach us we
could find ourselves within an arms reach.
* Our guides know the areas that we paddle
like the back of their hands, and are experienced
at find the most appropriate campsite for the
group. Most of the campsites will be very rustic
and without toilet facilities, while others
may be more developed due to more frequent use
or because they are located within a Provincial
Marine Park.
* When it comes to camping we generally try
to match solo travelers with a tent mate of
the same gender. This usually works out quite
well since we use oversized tents. We use Sierra
Designs 3-person tents for 2 people, and 2-person
tents for one person. If you require your own
personal tent be sure to let us know this and
we'll do our best to accommodate you.
* Yes you can. Just give us a call or an email
if you have a group that would like a custom
tour.
* If you are a group booking together we can
give you a 3 - 10% discount and we may also
be able to accommodate your particular schedule.
* Sorry, but no pets are allowed on our tours.
We often paddle in wilderness areas and parks
that are unsuitable for pets as it would put
them and other animals at risk. Not to mention
the difficulties they might pose to navigation
in moving seas.
* Although not required, a guide gratuity at
the end of your trip is a nice gesture for outstanding
service.
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