September Summit

Your presence, participation and engagement are much appreciated and highly valued. Thank you for being a part of the September 2024 Pilot Summit and Owners gathering. We are thrilled to host you in Nanaimo BC, the home of TRAK HQ.

Our aim over the gathering and the following expedition is to strengthen our
TRAK Pilot Team and to help in elevating select skills while coming together
as a community through the Pilot summit.

The Owner’s Gathering promises skills development from getting to know your TRAK kayak to empowerment on the water through boat handling, self reliance and safety while sharing some of the TRAK community spirit. If you have a question not answered here, please contact us through the staff directory below or on our Contact Page.

Download a PDF version of this quick reference guide.

Share your TRAK Gathering experience with hashtag #TRAK and tag @trakkayaks or upload your photos and videos to share with the community!

Event Staff Directory

Know that we are here to help make your time fun and engaging during this event. Please do not hesitate to let our team know how we can help you or you might help others to get more out of this event.

VHF Working Channel 67 - Callsign TRAK HQ

Michael Duncan - Event Coordinator
Michael@TRAKkayaks.com

TRAK HQ Team

TRAK Guide Team

Logistics

Saysutshun / Newcastle Island is located in Nanaimo Harbour and about a ½ mile NE of Maffeo Sutton Park. The camp ground can be reached by on the East side of Mark Bay by kayak or by the small pedestrian ferry frequently departing from Maffeo Sutton Park between 09:00 and 16:30.

Vehicle parking is available also at Maffeo Sutton Park for the duration of the events. Extra gear and valuables may be left with TRAK HQ at 102 Garner Crescent.

Ferry Service information to / from Saysutshun / Newcastle Island

Ferry Schedule for the period (Sept 16 - Oct 15, 2023)

Parking available at Maffeo Sutton Park

Saysutshun / Newcastle Island Map

Living Forest Campground Map

Camping and expedition suggested gear list

Resources

Saysutshun / Newcastle Island Map

Terrestrial Saysutshun Map

Newcastle Island Nautical Chart

Tide Table

Ferry Schedule and Contact Details

Kayaking Guides

TRAK Decision Making Triangle

TRAK Skills - Forward Stroke

TRAK Skills - Cowboy Scramble Re-entry

DeCourcy Trip Resources

Current Table - Dodds Narrows

Nautical Chart - Nanaimo (3458)

Nautical Chart - DeCourcy (3443)

Living Forest Campground Map

Trip Itinerary

Friday Sept 27

09:00 - 14:00 Arrive on Saysutshun / Newcastle Island
12:00 Camp set up with optional Lunch (let us know if you plan to arrive in time for lunch)
13:00 - 15:00 Camp and Kayak gear preparations
15:00 - TRAK Owner gathering kick off
             TRAK 2.0 Orientation Session
             Dinner - Seamanship Discussion with Navigation Exercise

Sunday Sept 29

07:00 Morning Stretch / Warm Up / Wellness
08:00 Breakfast
Skills Segments, Training Session - Assisted Rescues
12:00 - Lunch
Skills Segments, Training Session - Foundational Skills
Group Debrief
Dinner - Seamanship Discussion with Navigation Exercise
Skills Segment - Expedition Planning

Monday Sept 30

06:30 Morning Stretch / Warm Up / Wellness
07:00 Breakfast and Pack up
08:00 TRAK owner symposium send off / closure
09:00 TRAK Pilot and Owners - Optional DeCourcy Island Tour Launch