Safety: We are travelling on the Pacific Ocean. Although we do everything possible to minimize the risk and make the journey pleasurable for our guests, it is best to be as prepared as possible for any conditions. The west coast of Vancouver Island is unspoiled in part because it is rugged and wild - untamable for the most part. Sometimes that means rainy, foggy and windy. Our itineraries may be changed (extended or lengthened) if conditions become too dangerous for travel. We will not put anyone at risk by travelling in conditions that may not be safe for our guests. IT IS ADVISABLE TO PLAN FOR THE POSSIBILITY THAT A TRIP MAY BE LONGER THAN PLANNED DUE TO DANGEROUS WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Please be sure to read the Waiver of liability carefully and consider it seriously.

That being said, we have the necessary training, safety and communication equipment to make our journey as safe as possible. Even beginners will be thrilled with the experience - for some the experience of a lifetime! top

Okanagan Kayak Tours provides:(all kayaking and camping gear except clothing and personal sleeping bags )

• Beautiful Kayaks
• Paddles
• Paddle Floats
• Neoprene Spray Skirts
• PFD Lifejackets
• Pumps
• Whistles
• Maps
• Biodgradeable Soap
• First Aid Kit
• Flares
• Cooking Utensils
• Pots & Pans
• Stoves
• Hatchet
• High Quality 2 and 3 person tents
• Thermorest sleeping mat
• Tarps
• Food & Drink - Three fantastic meals a day and "appies"
• Water in Dromedary bags
• Rope
• Tide & Current Charts
• Repair Kits and tools
• Garbage Bags
• Fire Starter
• and the kitchen sink (just seeing it you're paying attention ;) top

Participants need to bring:

• bicycle or paddling helmet for surf landings
• personal toiletries
• toilet paper (in a Ziploc bag)
• camping knife
• rain gear (jacket and pants)
• sunscreen
• rain and sun hat
• warm hat (toques are nice)
• sleeping bag(synthetic fill is preferable to down)
• (1 or 2)refillable water bottle(s) (Nalgene "I know..." or metal type)
• snacks (bars, nuts and the like - powdered drinks for your water bottle -)
• flashlight or headlight
  
• camera
  
• happy hour refreshments top
             

Personal Clothing Suggestions:

• 3-4 tee shirts (quick dry is best)
• 1-2 pairs of shorts (quick dry is best)
• bathing suit
• warm top
• warm socks
• towel (quick dry is best)
• underwear (quick dry is best)
• wind breaker, goretex or paddling jacket
• sandals or crocs or water shoes (something that dries easily). Some people like to wear neoprene socks inside Tevas or Crocks. Some like the neoprene surf boots.
• some people like to wear shorty wetsuits which are handy but not necessary

There is a competition for the person who packs the least amount but still smells pretty good at the end of the trip!!

Note: Cotton dries slowly we recommend some type of poly quick-dry clothing which is more suitable. top

Other items to consider when packing:

How to pack:  You need to pack all your gear in small, watertight bags— You can buy dry bags from MEC or other similar outfits at about $20 a piece. We have a loaners for the group and can supply you with a few 20 litre dry bags if you need them. If you use larger than 20 litre bags, 30 for instance, you will need to put it between your legs in the cockpit as it won't fit in the hatches.

We don't want to have anything on the decks but the safety equipment - pump, spare paddle and paddle float to reduce wind resistance and to increase safety. We won't strap drybags or other gear to the deck of your boat.

Everything needs to fit inside your storage hatches.  They have an entrance of about 15 by 12 inches. These compartments should be watertight but we are ocean kayaking and not everything goes exactly as planned. 

If you pack properly, all of your gear should fit inside your back hatch and your front hatch will be used for all of our food and group equipment.You should plan to bring no more than 80 litres of personal gear per person. That is typically about the same size as a big backpack or 4 X 20 litre drybags. top

Ferry options:  Do check the schedules and reserve if necessary.  There are some early departures from Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay to Duke Point.  The drive from Naniamo to Tofino takes approximately 2.5 - 3 hours so please factor that into your travel plans. top

Where we meet for Clayoquot Trips:  We will meet in Tofino at the government dock right downtown.  Meeting time is 8:30 AMish—please try to be there on time so we can get out on the water early. It is typically more windy in the PM.  We will load the boats and set them up from there which usually takes about 1.5 hours. 

We plan to be off the water before noon on the last day so that people will have enough time to make a ferry to the mainland if they need to. top

Parking in Tofino:  options for parking seem to change yearly.  The city has put up a number of hour limits for parking but there are some unlimited time spots near the hospital, which is only a few blocks from our launch pad.  We can discuss parking options when we meet at the government dock.

Please connect with me if you have any further questions!! 

Looking forward to paddling with you!

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