Low Experience Pre-requisite / Moderate Focus on Skills Training / TRAK Kayak AVAILABLE FOR RENT 

  • Region: Gulf Islands, West Coast of Canada
  • Duration: 3 Days, 2 Nights
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • When:  June 14-16, 2025
  • Group Size: 4 to 8 Participants - perfect for a private group!

Join TRAK in a world renowned paddling destination. The Gulf Islands of Vancouver Island is a paddler’s paradise! This trip is an excellent opportunity for paddlers who have some multi-day kayaking experience and are looking to refresh & refine their paddling and seamanship skills.

TRAK’s approach with this Gulf Island tour is to provide high-quality informal skills development while also allowing you the down-time to really take-in all the beauty that these islands have to offer.

 

Tour Itinerary

Expedition Plan:

  • This is an instructional multi-day expedition, participants can expect informal instruction, no certification will be provided on this trip.


      Route and itinerary will be dependent on weather conditions as well as the individual and group goals.

      Register for a TRAK Guide Call to discuss which of our Gulf Island Experiences is best suited for you. 

     

     

    Meet Your Guide

    Rodolfo Vivanco

    Rodolfo was working his life away, time passing him by, and wondering how to pursue a more fulfilling life. As a sound engineer in the Santiago film industry, Roldofo had both the tools and the talent to produce art that could shift perspectives, but he was lacking the subject - then. Rodolfo discovered sea kayaking. 

    Rodolfo has now spent several seasons directing TRAK expedition programs in the Salish Sea out of Nanaimo. His approach to leadership has garnered him many fans by creating opportunities for personal growth and skills improvements while under his watch. 

    In his home country of Chile, Rodolfo spends the southern summers as lead guide for Bigfoot Expeditions out of Puerto Natales, leading clients through the most beautiful regions of Patagonia. 

    What you'll learn:

    - Boat control skills
    - Paddling Strokes
    - Self & Assisted Rescues
    - Expedition packing & planning
    - Various aspects of Seamanship. i.e weather, navigation, tides, and chart reading, etc.

    What we're going to do:

    The route possibilities for this expedition range from short to moderate across 3 days, while seeking opportunities to explore moving waters and island hopping, while navigating intertidal passages.

    Your TRAK Pilot will determine the best route based on their assessment of the weather forecast and everyone’s experience level and goals. The following islands are likely to be visited on this trip: De Courcy Island, Ruxton Island, Valdes Island, and Reid Island.

    The sea kayaking skills that we focus on during this trip are dependent on the previous experience that participants possess, while clarifying and delivering a program to help paddlers realize their future aspirations.

    Itinerary:

    Your TRAK Pilot will determine the best route based on their assessment of the weather forecast and everyone’s experience level and goals. The following islands are likely to be visited on this trip: De Courcy Island, Ruxton Island, Valdes Island, and Reid Island.

    What is included?

    We'll provide everything you need once the tour starts, until it ends, including:

    - An experienced sea kayak guide
    - All group expedition equipment
    - Three meals a day including hot drinks + snacks
    - Hard shell kayaks & TRAK Kayaks for your use
    - Skills-training equipment & materials
    - Quality coaching and instruction
    - Drybags for storing your personal items
    - High quality Big Agnes tent & comfortable sleeping pad

    You may also want to bring your favourite PFD, paddle, and your own TRAK kayak if you have one.

    A comprehensive packing list will be shared upon trip registration.

    What's not included?

    Transportation to Nanaimo, BC
    Sleeping bag
    Gratuities

    Trip leaders who care

    All TRAK Trips are facilitated by qualified paddlers with in-depth experience in TRAK Kayaks, so you can learn pro-tips from the source. We are proud to work with professional guides and paddling instructors from all over the world.

    Meet a TRAK Pilot near you

    FAQs

    Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

    Are TRAK Kayaks designed for air travel?

    Yes! Our latest model, the TRAK 2.0, packs into a rolling travel bag specially designed to meet airline requirement for check luggage. For recommended best practices for flying with a TRAK folding kayak, visit this page.

    Are my flights included in the price?

    Your transportation to and from the starting location is not included in the trip price. For more information about flights and logistics, contact our team.

    Do I have to sleep in a tent?

    Not if you don't want to. Each TRAK trip is uniquely tailored for paddlers based on their comfort zones. Some trips are designed for paddlers with lots of experience and personal camping gear, while others are designed for paddlers who prefer to base camp from a fixed roof accommodation.

    Do I have to get wet?

    Not if you don't want to! While our instructors are often happy to teach skills around wet exits, reentries, and rescues, you are not required to do so.

    Didn’t find your answer?

    Don't hestitate to contact us